This article covers the following: How long unpaid medical debts stay on your credit report. Whether you can consolidate your medical debt to protect your credit score. How to negotiate medical debt with a hospital. How Long Does Unpaid Medical Debt Stay On My Credit Report In Kansas? Unpaid medical debt can remain on your credit report for up to seven years from the date of delinquency. However, credit reporting agencies now wait one year before adding medical debt to your report to allow time for resolution or insurance payments. Can I Remove Medical Debt From My Credit Report? Yes, medical debt can be removed from your credit report in certain circumstances. Once medical debt is paid, credit reporting agencies are required to remove it from your report. Disputing incorrect entries with the credit bureau can lead to removal if…Read More
When dealing with financial challenges, reducing expenses is just as important as managing debt. Making intentional choices about spending can help you regain control and avoid unnecessary financial strain. Below are practical ways to trim costs and prevent avoidable debt traps. Avoid Pressure-Induced Spending Financial stress can push people into impulsive shopping, but spending as a coping mechanism only deepens financial woes. Swiping a credit card for unnecessary purchases or taking out cash advances can hurt you in the long run, especially if you ever consider bankruptcy—creditors may challenge debts incurred under these circumstances. To Combat Impulse Spending: Identify triggers that lead to unnecessary purchases. Implement a “cooling-off period” before making non-essential purchases. Seek help from community counseling groups or credit counselors if spending feels out of control. Steer Clear Of The Holiday Debt Trap Many people splurge on gifts…Read More
When facing financial struggles, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and desperate for quick solutions. Unfortunately, an entire industry exists to take advantage of people in tough financial spots, offering so-called "help" that often makes things worse. In this post, I'll highlight some of the worst financial pitfalls to avoid and offer some practical alternatives to help you stay on solid ground. Two Cardinal Rules To Remember If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of anyone reaching out to you with a solution for your financial problems—legitimate options don’t come knocking. Common Traps to Avoid Debt Elimination Scams Be wary of internet ads promising to erase your debt for a small fee. These scams won’t make your debt disappear but will certainly drain your bank account. There is no magic fix for debt, and your…Read More
What you will learn in this guide: The impacts of debt settlement on your credit score. If debt relief guarantees that you will not face wage garnishment. Whether paying the minimum balance will hurt you in the long run. Is It True That Debt Settlement Will Always Negatively Impact My Credit Score? Your credit score is a lifeline to your lifestyle, and you should be aware of anything and everything that can affect it. Unfortunately, debt settlement generally negatively affects your credit score because creditors report settled debts as "settled" rather than "paid in full," indicating that the borrower did not fully meet the terms of the original agreement. However, the impact can vary depending on your prior payment history and other credit factors. The damage may lessen over time, especially if you maintain good financial habits. Can Creditors Still…Read More
What you will learn in this guide: The documents you need to rile a quiet title action. The effects of not serving notice properly and not serving within the right time. Why you should check for encroachments. What Documents Are Needed To File A Quiet Title Action? Documents needed to file a quiet title action typically include: Deed or title documents to establish ownership and the chain of title. Surveys and plats to provide information on property boundaries. Tax records to show payment history and identify any outstanding tax liens. Mortgages and liens to show evidence of existing encumbrances or satisfaction thereof. Affidavits to statements from individuals who can clarify claims or events affecting the title. Easements or restrictive covenants to highlight agreements that affect the property’s use. Failing to gather necessary documents can delay the filing, create issues in…Read More
In this guide, you will learn the following: What a quiet title action is and how it works in Kansas. The types of property issues that can be resolved through a quiet title in Kansas. How long the quiet title process takes, and what to do if it is contested. What Is A Quiet Title Action, And How Does It Work In Kansas? The real estate process is never a smooth one. Each process is unique, and, in some instances, you might find that a property you purchased has title issues that were not settled properly. While this can be unsettling for you as the new owner, these issues can be ironed out through a quiet title. A quiet title action is a legal proceeding used to establish clear ownership of property by resolving any disputes or claims against the…Read More
What Are Common Reasons Debt Lawsuits Are Brought Against Someone In Overland Park, Kansas? Creditors or collection agencies often file lawsuits to recover the outstanding amounts when informal collection efforts fail. There are several common causes for these agencies to take action, including: Missed payments on credit cards or loans Loan defaults Unpaid medical bills Breaches of contract related to personal or business debts. How Can I Avoid Defaulting On A Debt Collection Lawsuit? To avoid defaulting on a debt collection lawsuit, make sure to respond to the summons within the required timeframe—usually 21 to 30 days—, file an answer addressing each claim, and attend all scheduled hearings. If you cannot afford an attorney, consider seeking legal aid for help with drafting your response. Additionally, communicating with the creditor early on to explore settlement or payment options may help you…Read More
When facing overwhelming debt, the idea of borrowing more money to stay afloat might seem like a solution. However, taking out new loans to pay off old ones often leads to deeper financial trouble. Instead, it’s critical to evaluate the risks, understand your options, and approach debt strategically. Here are key insights and practical tips to consider when managing debt responsibly. Key Considerations Before Taking on New Debt Evaluate the Urgency of Existing Debt Don’t let pressure from creditors or collectors push you into rash decisions. Explore ways to handle debt collection, such as negotiating payment plans, disputing errors, or seeking legal protections, before resorting to new loans. Assess Your Financial Outlook Temporary Setbacks: If your financial challenges are short-lived, a carefully chosen loan may help you recover. Ongoing Struggles: Avoid new debt if your financial difficulties are long-term. Adding…Read More
Facing a collection lawsuit can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can take control and defend yourself effectively. Whether the claim comes from an original creditor or a debt buyer, understanding the process and knowing your rights are crucial. Below are the key steps to manage a collection lawsuit and practical tips to protect your interests. Always Respond to the Lawsuit Ignoring a lawsuit won’t make it go away. When served, carefully read the documents, including the complaint and summons. These outline the creditor's claims and the deadlines for your response. Missing these deadlines can result in a default judgment, meaning the creditor automatically wins. If you’re unsure how to respond, seek legal advice or resources from local courts or legal aid organizations. Filing an “answer” with the court—often denying the creditor's claims—keeps your options open. Understand Common…Read More
What Happens After I’m Served With A Summons For A Debt Collection Lawsuit? How Should I Respond? After being served with a summons for a debt collection lawsuit, having an idea of what is going to happen and some tips as to how to respond can help you significantly. So, let’s dive right in. Time To Respond In Kansas, you generally have 21 to 30 days to respond after being served. Failing to respond within this period can result in a default judgment against you, meaning the creditor automatically wins. This means the court may rule in favor of the creditor without a trial, allowing them to pursue actions like wage garnishment or asset seizure to collect the debt. Filing An Answer Your response is called an answer, where you must address each claim made by the creditor. For each…Read More
