Lawyers instead of going it alone?

You can get a *LOT* of things done by just getting organized, following this board and using the templates posted on another area in this board.
Your situation may vary. You didn't really tell us how much trouble you're in.
But it is quite easy to just go ahead and send letters yourself, and I would view it as a waste of time to bother bringing in a lawyer and coordinating your efforts with him if you're performing simple repair work on your credit.
Describe the situation, we can offer advice... you may be in a bad enough situation that a lawyer would help, but most people who come on the board don't need a lawyer's help to clear things up.
If I had a lawyer writing my letters, more than anything, I would be concerned about him getting confused as to what I was doing, and potentially tripping us up in our attempt to get to the goal.

 

By all means let PPL take over. I am using them in CA and the law Firm Parker/Stanbury and the best. Not only did they get MBNA to remove thier trade line off of my credit report but they also got NCO (who collects for MBNA) to remove their info, and refund money that I paid to them. PPL is worth the 26.00/mo its a lot better than lexington and all the others in my opinion.

 

Framme is tops. Don't hesitate. They will also advise you about things you need to do yourself. They are my provider also. Never been disappointed. BTW, I wouldn't trade my PPL membership for anything. It'a good feeling to know I can pick up that phone anytime.

 

Very new to all this....what is PPL?

 

"Pre-Paid Legal"
It's a service you can subscribe to. It is similar to medical insurance, except that it insures you against legal bills, to some extent. It entitles you to certain services at reduced fees.
There are a lot of situations where it won't cover you, but it does provide value.

By the way, when researching my post, I ran into some sites on the web which indicate that getting into the business of selling PPL services may be an unwise plan. Apparently they are or were subject to a class-action suit by components of their sales force.
Cite: http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/stocks/melissadavid/10030240.html

 

WOW, why didn't I think to use PPL for this, I pay for their services as well!!!!!!

Breeze, I'm curious how you use them. You work on your own reports and then communicate with them when you have difficulties or violations; forward them copies of letters for review?

Sassy

 

The service is real simple. (I know because I use them and sell it as well). First off you can have them pretty much do everything. After you sign up for a membership you call the law provider in your state (it's a 1-800 number). You will speak with an operator who will do a quick interview with you. Once you tell them your situation they will place you with a lawyer at their firm that handles your specific problem. From there they will have you fax your credit reports to them and you basically tell them what you want done. They will offer advice on steps that you need to do yourself but they will do all the leg work if you want. Also in most states the legal provider is a huge law firm that have clients like all state insurance, the lakers basket ball team, nabisco, not to mention some of the wealthier people in that state. Anyway its an awesome service to have and reccomend it to anyone. (I am not just saying that because I sell the membership) Oh yea if you do decide to join good for you (much better than lexington) but what ever you do, DO NOT sign up to me an associate. Thats where I made my mistake. I think they have a great service but the sales force is set up like a pyramid. So basically you dont make any money until you recruit people and they start producing, unless you are an awesome sells person and can just sell the membership. anyway if you all want anymore info on this let me know and I will inform you. And please dont make too many comments about my spelling and punctuation (i am wicked bad at both)

d

 

Thanks dario,

Your explanation helps me muchly. I am already a member just really hadn't utilized their services.

Helps with understanding the pending action as well in their sales force.

Sassy

 

Sassy, I really don't have a lot going on credit report-wise. I used them when I needed to get that old judgment vacated - they referred me, and I had to pay for the attorney's time (discounted fees for non-covered services). That attorney dragged his feet, but he was good. When I finally complained to Framme, they lit a fire under his bottom, and everything was done within about a week.

I also used them when my dentist screwed up the insurance billing and tried to make me pay. That was a conference call situation and resolution was quick. Taught me to use the conference call technique when resolving billing and insurance screwups. Now I don't bother Framme with it, I just do it myself. They can't pull the "it's their fault" "no, it's their fault" routine when you have both parties on the phone at the same time, hahahaha!!! They are both on the spot - the one at fault is usually the provider, but when confronted this way (with a friendly knowledgable customer, hehe) the insurance company goes out of their way to work with the provider, where they normally would not take that time.

I have called with various questions, got quick, accurate, complete answers. Absolutely no complaints.

I sold it for a while, along with my insurance products, prior to my present job. I let the appointment go after that. My beef was that the website I paid $19.95/mo. for was unusable for internet marketing and they wouldn't let us key apps in there ourselves -we had to mail the paper app to their headquarters. IMO, the organization is fraught with hucksters wanting to sell you other marketing stuff that (in my case) turns out to be a ripoff. I spent about $1,200 to fly to Dallas for a web marketing seminar, all approved by PPL headquarters. It was a joke. The dude got as far as building a website (I already knew that). He promised to send us a CD with the markting training because he never completed that section (the part I went there for). I have never received anything, and he is still marketing other related stuff with PPL approval. Bleccchhhh!!!

I did recruit some other agents, and as soon as they signed, PPL changed the contract - all the marketing materials I had purchased and provided to them for free, were immediately outdated, and PPL would not exchange any of it. Not to mention those agents came in under a different contract than I had sold them (more idfficult to qualify for higher pay). I let them out of their agreements, and PPL refunded. But also, PPL was being sued by then.

Memberships are great. I would sell it again as an insurance product if I were brokering again. The old bod just doesn't hold up like it used to, hehe. Phone selling is much better for me.

BTW I just qualified for my first bonus where I am now (and y'all know where that is). They have juicy bonuses for doing a good job.

 

Congrats on your juicy bonus, Breeze, gotta love that!

Thanks, I don't know why I've never thought to call them up when I find myself in a pickle -- I'm going to make sure I do, if even just to get another opinion.

Interesting to know on the marketting, my son, 18, was approached and has been considering selling. They seem to be making good money doing so around here. He thought it could be some nice frosting money on his days off.

Who doesn't need a lawyer at some time is why I signed up with them; it was offered through a union membership initially, though AZ isn't a big union state, and then transferred.

I know one person that had used them for a hairy employment termination and hearings and the lawyer was awesome -- ended up with the termination overturned and a monetary settlement for all the grief and stress. Beyond being sharp, he really cared about the case and those involved. A lawyer with a passion for justice, gotta LOVE that!

I just pulled out the membership package last night to re-read and see what's covered and what I'm missing.

Thanks!

Sassy