Heal Thy DebtsDebt Settlement & Consumer Empowerment

Verified Help — Zero Kickbacks

When you need a professional, go straight to the source

Most of your settlement journey you can handle yourself. But if you've been sued, the debt is very large, or a collector broke the law — get a real consumer attorney. We take no referral fees from anyone, ever, so every resource below is here on merit.

Best for FDCPA violations & collection lawsuits

National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)

Attorneys who specialize in representing consumers against debt collectors, debt buyers, and credit bureaus. Searchable by state and specialty. Many take FDCPA cases on contingency — meaning no cost to you if you win.

Free if you qualify by income

Legal Services Corporation — Find Legal Aid

Free civil legal help for lower-income households, by county. Legal aid attorneys regularly defend debt collection lawsuits at no charge.

Free self-help & referrals

LawHelp.org

Nonprofit directory of free legal aid programs and plain-language legal information for every state.

Free written answers

American Bar Association — Free Legal Answers

Ask a volunteer attorney a written question about your civil legal issue at no charge (income limits apply in most states).

Vetted referrals in every state

Your State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service

Every state bar runs or certifies a referral service. Initial consultations are often free or capped at a small fee (commonly $25–$50 for 30 minutes).

Free counseling — know the difference

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)

Nonprofit credit counselors (not lawyers). Useful for a free budget review — but know that they primarily offer debt management plans, not settlement. Go in informed.

Six questions to ask any attorney before hiring

  1. Do you offer a free initial consultation?
  2. Have you handled cases against this specific collector or debt buyer?
  3. If they violated the FDCPA, will you take my case on contingency?
  4. What's my realistic exposure if I'm sued — and my best defense?
  5. Is bankruptcy worth comparing to settlement in my situation?
  6. What will this cost me, in total, in writing?

🚩 When to get help immediately

  • • You received a court summons (deadlines run fast — answer it)
  • • Your wages or bank account are being garnished or frozen
  • • A collector threatened arrest, lied, or contacted your employer
  • • The total debt is large enough that bankruptcy deserves a real comparison
Legal information, not legal advice. We link to these nonprofit and bar-affiliated services because they're the most trustworthy starting points — we have no financial relationship with any of them and receive nothing if you use them. Verify any attorney's license and reviews independently.