Auer Legal Services, L.L.C.

Incorrect Credit Reports?

     According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), one in five people will have an error on their credit report. These mistakes can range from minor issues, like misspelled names or incorrect addresses, to more serious problems such as fraudulent accounts or inaccurate payment records. The FTC also found that 5% of individuals with credit errors ended up paying more for loans.

     With major credit bureaus maintaining records on over 200 million consumers, the FTC study suggests that more than 10 million Americans may have errors on their credit reports. Credit errors can significantly impact your credit rating, so it's crucial to address them before they cause financial harm.

     Fill out the contact form now to schedule a consultation with an attorney who can review your credit reports and help correct any errors, ensuring your credit remains accurate and intact.

Being Harassed by a Debt Collector?

     When you fall behind on your payments, your creditor—whether it’s a credit card company, doctor, bank, or another lender—may hire a collection agency to recover the debt.

     While many collection agencies operate professionally, some are not legitimate debt collectors and may use illegal or abusive practices to collect debts. Owing a debt doesn’t mean you have to endure this harassment. You have rights to stop these practices and may even be entitled to compensation for any harm caused by these illegal actions.

     Fill out the contact form now to schedule a consultation with an attorney who can help you explore any legal remedies you may be entitled to.

Being Sued by a Debt Collector?

     If you’ve been notified that you're being sued for past debt, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and consider filing for bankruptcy or ignoring the lawsuit altogether. However, ignoring the lawsuit won’t make it disappear. In fact, debt collectors may file lawsuits hoping you'll overlook them, aiming to secure a default judgment against you. This judgment could allow them to garnish your wages and take other legal actions to collect the debt.

     Many of these cases can be handled with a low-cost, flat-fee agreement. Strategy sessions are always free, so fill out the contact form to schedule your consultation with an attorney and discuss your situation.

Mortgage/Servicing Issues?

     Your home is more than just your most valuable asset—it’s your shelter, your comfort, and a source of pride for you and your family. Whether it’s your first home or your dream home, it means more than just a number in a lender’s portfolio. At least, it does to you. But mortgage servicers—the companies that collect your payments—see things differently, focusing on dollars and cents. So, what happens when your servicer mishandles your payments or claims you owe money you don’t actually owe?

     Mortgage servicer abuse can take many forms. It may involve misapplied payments, failing to apply payments correctly, charging unreasonable fees for allegedly late payments, unnecessary inspections, or insurance you don’t need. In the worst cases, mortgage servicing abuse can lead to wrongful foreclosure threats or lawsuits, putting your home at risk.

     If you’re facing issues with your mortgage servicer, fill out the contact form to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.

House being Foreclosed On?

     If you are facing a possible foreclosure, you may have options to protect your home beyond filing for bankruptcy. Here are some common foreclosure defense strategies:

1. Loan Modification – Adjust the terms of your mortgage to make payments more affordable, such as reducing the interest rate, extending the loan term, or adding missed payments to the loan balance.

2. Forbearance Agreement – Temporarily reduce or pause your mortgage payments for a set period, giving you time to recover financially.

3. Repayment Plan – Work with your lender to catch up on missed payments by adding a portion of the past-due amount to your regular payments over time.

4. Refinancing – Replace your current mortgage with a new loan that has better terms, potentially lowering your monthly payment.

5. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure – Voluntarily transfer ownership of your home to the lender in exchange for being released from your mortgage obligation, helping you avoid foreclosure.

6. Short Sale – Sell your home for less than the outstanding mortgage balance with the lender’s approval, helping you avoid foreclosure and minimizing credit damage.

7. Wrongful Foreclosure Defense – If the lender failed to follow proper legal procedures or made errors, you may have grounds to challenge the foreclosure.

8. Predatory Lending Defense – If your loan involved unfair or deceptive practices, you may have legal claims against your lender.

9. Unfair or Abusive Servicing Practices Defense – Address issues like misapplied payments, improper fees, or lack of communication with your mortgage servicer.

     It’s crucial to explore all your options if you’re facing foreclosure. Fill out the contact form to schedule a free consultation with an attorney who can help you understand your rights and choose the best strategy for your situation.

     Although Auer Legal Services does not offer bankruptcy services, if it is determined that bankruptcy is in your best interest, we regularly work with bankruptcy attorneys and would be happy to recommend several trusted professionals for you.

Recent Bankruptcy Discharge?

     A key objective of the Bankruptcy Code is to allow honest debtors to reorganize their finances and achieve a 'fresh start,' free from the burden of existing debt. However, debtors often lose this fresh start when credit bureaus or creditors incorrectly report trade lines on their credit reports. 

     Fill out the contact form now to schedule a consultation with an attorney who can review your credit reports and ensure you're receiving the fresh start you're legally entitled to.

Bankruptcy

     At Auer Legal Services, we don’t offer bankruptcy services. However, we are well-versed in bankruptcy law, and after a consultation, if it’s determined that bankruptcy is your best option, we work with several experienced bankruptcy attorneys whom we’d be more than happy to refer you to.