Why Choose a Consumer Attorney Instead of “Credit Repair”
Credit cannot be “repaired.” Mistakes on your credit reports, however, can be “corrected” by exercising your rights under the FCRA. Remember, you have a right to the maximum possible accuracy of the information on your credit reports.
Here are some ways that our firm differs from what is known as credit repair:
- We take most cases on a contingency basis. That means that you have no out-of-pocket responsibility for attorney’s fees.
- Credit repair companies are notorious for doing little more than filing a stream of shoddy dispute letters. And charging consumers each month for the ineffective service. While a dispute letter may be a necessary first step in certain situations, our firm has the expertise to advance a case promptly to federal court when the dispute process fails.
For example, see this complaint against Lexington Law filed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In sum, where credit repair companies charge for ineffective services, our firm represents consumers in court where, instead of paying upfront fees, we will seek a permanent correction to credit report errors and compensation.
FAQs: Credit Repair vs Consumer Attorneys
What's the difference between a credit repair company and a consumer attorney?
While credit repair companies charge monthly fees for automated letters, a consumer lawyer provides legal authority. We can litigate to recover damages for financial loss and emotional distress. Furthermore, our fees are paid by the defendants under the FCRA, meaning you have no out-of-pocket responsibility for attorney’s fees in qualified cases.
Is it true that credit repair companies can't provide legal advice?
Yes. Only a licensed attorney can give legal advice or file a lawsuit on your behalf. Credit repair companies cannot represent you in court if the bureau refuses to correct the error.
Do attorneys have more authority when negotiating with credit bureaus?
Not “more authority” in the dispute process itself since the bureaus are required to follow the FCRA in any event. However, attorneys often have more leverage because they know the law and can escalate when rights are violated. For example, an attorney understands the FCRA’s reasonable investigation requirements and, if a bureau fails to properly investigate after receiving a clear, document-supported dispute, or fails to comply with other FCRA requirements, an attorney may be able to pursue legal action to enforce your consumer rights and hold the bureau accountable.
Is it more costly to hire a consumer attorney compared to using a credit repair agency?
Often, there is no out-of-pocket cost in retaining an attorney on a contingency basis. Many consumer attorneys work on a contingency basis or seek their fees directly from the defendants (the bureaus) under the FCRA’s fee-shifting provisions.
Do lawyers use dispute forms like credit repair agencies?
No. We encourage our clients to draft custom letters detailing the specific facts of your case and guide you regarding what supporting documentation to include with your dispute. We are not fans of online templates, as writing disputes in your own style and wording is more effective.
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