Debt consolidation programs

Debt can be an issue no matter where you are in your career, or where you live. But couple the expensive cost of living in California with debilitating debt and it feels impossible to get out from underneath it.

There are ways to make it work, and debt relief goes a long way in helping consumers get out of debt and pay down balances to get on track.

Every state is unique, and California is no exception. Let’s take a look at how the laws affect your rights, debts and how debt relief services can help 

What are my consumer rights to get out of debt?

You do have rights when it comes to your debt and how you get out of it. The general recommendation is to speak with your debt collectors at least once. This way you can check to see if the debt is actually yours and find out more information if you need it. Make sure you don’t disclose personal information or financial information especially if you’re unfamiliar with the debt collector.

Debt collectors have to tell you how much you owe, who you owe that amount to, and what to do in the event the debt isn’t yours. If you contest the debt, the debt collector must send written verification of the debt.

Check to see whether your state has a “time-barred” clause and verify if your debt is old enough to qualify. If you make a payment, the time may start again, so verify ahead of time.

Your rights vary on the type of debt you’re looking to get out of. It’s important to consult with a debt relief specialist to see what qualifies and what doesn’t.

How long do creditors have to collect a debt in California?

There’s a statute of limitations that applies to some debt within the state of California. The amount of time is dependent on the type of debt, but California has some of the lowest statutes of limitations in the nation.

Here are some quick numbers on the statute of limitations:

  • Medical Debt – 4 years
  • Credit Card Debt – 4 years
  • Auto Loan Debt – 4 years
  • State Tax Debt – 20 years

Any debts taken on via oral contract, are subject to a statute of limitations of two years.

Credit card debt settlement is a common first step for Californians as the median credit card debt in the state is the highest in the nation.

As you talk to debt collectors, be sure to avoid paying or promising to pay debts that exceed the statute of limitations. You absolutely have the right to ask your debt collector whether or not the debt you owe is time-barred. If you acknowledge a debt with a partial payment, you may reset the clock on the statute of limitations.

Consider whether or not it makes sense for you to resume payments and speak to a debt relief service to make sure you exhaust all of your debt relief options. 

What is the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

This act was written and established to allow creditors and debt collection agencies to take reasonable steps to enforce and collect the payment of debts. 

The standard for this is based on the idea that a credit process is necessary for an economy to function well. Debt collection practices are designed to be honest, fair, and responsible, and operate within reasonable limits. The Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices act helps keep debt collectors from engaging in predatory and harassment-bound practices. 

Debts and Collectors Not Covered by California’s Debt Collection Law

The Rosenthal Act doesn’t apply to every person trying to collect a debt in California, nor does it apply to all kinds of debt.

Occasional debt collectors don’t have to comply. The Rosenthal Act applies only when people and companies ordinarily and regularly collect consumer debts. For example, say you’re contacting an acquaintance who owes you money, but you don’t regularly collect money. You don’t have to comply with the Rosenthal Act. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1788.2).

The law applies to consumer credit transactions only. The Rosenthal Act applies to debt collectors attempting to collect on debts that people incur by borrowing money, buying property, or obtaining services for personal, family, or household needs. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1788.2). So, it probably doesn’t protect you from those collecting debts you incurred while operating your business. Likewise, you don’t need to comply if you’re collecting debts owed to you by other businesses.

Debt Consolidation Programs with Alleviate Financial

Ready to end the pain of being in debt and move into a future of better financial health? At Alleviate Financial Solutions, we work hard each day and use the best debt consolidation programs to produce results for people in situations like yours. When you take the first step toward a new financial future, you can expect our debt relief service specialists to deliver the relief you’ve been looking for.

Whether it’s debt consolidation or credit card debt settlement, you’ll be able to free yourself from your debts faster. Often working toward clearing debts within a few years. When paying unsecured debt like credit card debts, the interest charges can eat up most of your monthly payment, adding to the total time it takes for you to pay down your debt and get ahead.

Professional assistance from our seasoned experts in debt relief services can provide assurance that you’ll get the most significant reductions in your debt balances possible. Our expert negotiators work with creditors every day to get the lowest rates in interest charges, remove late fees, and over-the-limit fees that make it so difficult to pay off debts.

We provide a straightforward way to pay your debts down with single payments to a debt repayment account.

No longer will you be dealing with paying multiple payments that cost you more but never move the needle on getting out of debt. One simple payment helps you budget with peace of mind. Complete all of your scheduled payments and you’re good to go and debt-free.

As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we help you establish practical and effective financial habits to get you out of debt faster and stay out of debt. Once we help you escape the grip of unsecured debt, it’s our mission to help keep you from ever finding yourself in that stressful situation again.