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Debt Settlement Services in Hawaii

Alternative Approach to Bankruptcy

End Creditor Harassment

Debt Settlement Services & Negotiations

Debt Settlement or Debt Negotiation Explained

With our debt negotiation program, our goal is to help you avoid bankruptcy, and still become debt-free!

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are not the only options for our clients. We offer debt negotiation and settlement services. Our staff will review all your options so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.

Take a closer look at these numbers:

  • -$20,000 balance owed on Credit Cards.
  • -$40,000 if paid off diligently.
  • -$30,000 if paid through Consumer Credit Counseling Services (and results in Bad Credit.)
  • -$140,00 if minimum payments over 10 years.
  • -$11,000 if negotiated by a qualified lawyer For clients interested in debt settlement, our goal is to help you avoid bankruptcy, and still become debt-free!
Debt Settlement Services

Dangerous Consumer Credit Counseling Plans–Warning!

Our Honolulu debt negotiation services is not the same as Consumer Credit Counseling. With Credit Counseling, you pay all your creditors back in full with an adjusted interest rate over 5 to 7 years. We perform true Debt Settlement Plans, eliminating 40 to 60% of the amount you owe. Many of my clients come to me after spending up to two years with a consumer credit counseling program. Usually they find that they are no closer to being debt-free than when they started. Their accounts are marked as seriously delinquent, and not all of the creditors agree to the management plan. In fact, some of them file lawsuits to collect. In many cases, consumer credit counseling programs generally increase your monthly payments until there is virtually no benefit from the program.

Relief From Stress and Strain of Debt

This Debt Negotiation Program reduces your unsecured debt burden through direct negotiation with your creditors. In this program, your creditors are contacted about your financial set-backs and offered a settlement deal in order to satisfy the balance of your debts. In many cases, if you qualify for the program, you can obtain significant settlements in interest and principal. Bankruptcy is not filed, and you’ve still eliminated a vast portion of your debts in 30 months or less.

Your Creditors are Contacted and Required to Deal Only with Your Representative

That’s right. While you’re working to pay your debts, collection agencies and their attorney’s are forced to deal with your lawyer instead of you.

One Consolidated Payment

After a financial analysis of your situation, one monthly payment will be arranged for you in order to pay off your creditors. You don’t have to juggle your monthly finances or throw darts at which bills get paid this month.

Different From Consumer Credit Counseling

Unlike Consumer Credit Counseling whereby an intermediary acts to reduce interest and monthly payments, our Debt Settlement Plan reduces the principle owed. This produces a good chance that you will be able to pay off your debts in a much shorter period. It will provide you with considerable financial savings and a quicker arrival to your destiny: peace of mind.

Just Remember

If you don’t do something with your credit cards, the repayment burden can out-last even you. If you take any credit card balance and just pay the minimum payment (usually 2%) and use an 18% interest rate, the repayment would last 24 years. That is correct, and that is without the penalties and extra interest charges assessed when you’re late. More than 80% of the national work force is dependent on two incomes due in large part to personal debt. Call today or fill out our online questionnaire to set up a confidential analysis of your situation.  We are ready to determine whether this powerful debt management tool could produce real financial and emotional benefits for you.

What actions must a collection agency avoid?

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a collection agency may not act in the following ways:

  • Third-party communications. The collection agency cannot contact third parties other than the debtor’s attorney or a credit bureau for any reason other than to locate the debtor. Collection agents who contact third parties must state their names, and may only add that they are confirming or correcting information about the debtor. They cannot give the collection agency’s name unless asked directly. They cannot state that they are calling about a debt. Collection agents may not contact a third party repeatedly unless they believe an earlier response was wrong or incomplete and that the third party has revised information. Further, collection agents cannot communicate with third parties by postcard or by correspondence that uses words or symbols that betray their collection motive.
  • Attorney-represented debtor. A collection agency cannot contact the debtor directly if a qualified bankruptcy lawyer represents them. However, if the debtor gives a specific company permission to do so it is permissible. 
  • Debtor communications. Collection agents may not contact debtors before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., or at another inconvenient time or place. Collection agents also may not contact a debtor at work if they knows that the employer bans receipt of collection calls.
  • Harassment or abuse. Agents cannot threaten or use violence against the debtor or another person. They cannot use obscene or profane language. They cannot publish a debtor’s name on a “blacklist” or other public posting. Agents cannot call repeatedly or contact the debtor without identifying themselves as bill collectors.

What is the different between a debt workout and a debt consolidation?

A credit card debt “workout” is also referred to as a negotiated settlement. For example, if you owed $5,000 on a credit card and agreed to pay $2,000 as a settlement in full, this would be a credit card debt workout. Firms who perform this type of work may identify themselves as debt management, debt relief, debt workout, debt settlement or debt consolidation. However, I define debt consolidation as a reorganization of the debt through a credit counselor or taking a debt consolidation loan to pay off the debts in full.

Who is eligible for debt settlement services to get out of credit card debt?

Creditors typically agree to debt settlement arrangements where they feel a settlement of the debt will be in their best interest. In most cases they come to this conclusion because the person requesting the debt negotiation appears to be a legitimate candidate for bankruptcy. Knowing that in most bankruptcy cases they would receive nothing, they opt to take a discounted settlement on the debt rather than receive zero dollars in a bankruptcy.

What would trigger them insisting on my income and asset information as a part of the debt settlement services and negotiation?

Let’s assume that after seeing your credit report and some preliminary information the creditors make a high debt settlement offer such as 75 cents on the dollar. In order to persuade them to take a debt settlement less than their initial offer, they might demand further evidence of your financial hardship including financial statements. Then, with evidence in hand proving the person’s lack of ability to repay the debt, the creditor may consider a debt reduction allowing a pay off in a much lower range.

What is a typical settlement percentage?

Most of credit card debt accounts settle in a range of 30 to 50%. Be aware that some credit card debt accounts may settle considerably higher reaching into the 75 to 80% range while in rare cases credit card debt accounts will settle in the 20 to 30% range. In very rare cases I have seen debt solutions agreed to for as little as 5 to 10% or as much as 90 to 95%.

What would determine differences in the debt settlement amounts?

The foremost factor in debt settlement is the debtor’s financial situation; the next most important factor would be the internal debt settlement policy of the creditor. It is difficult to predict the internal policies of these creditors but they are usually very consistent in their practice. For example – MBNA, American Express and Citicorp may be all major financial firms, but their respective policies on debt settlements are quite different. However, American Express customers generally receive the same treatment across the board. Only an attorney who works with these creditors everyday could know these nuances of their policies, and could use this knowledge when putting together a debt settlement plan.

Do credit card debt settlements need to be made all at once to achieve debt elimination?

With most settlements you will need to pay off the individual credit card debt all at once in a lump sum. However, in some cases the creditors will arrange a short payment plan, especially with larger amounts of credit card debt. These plans might range anywhere from three to six months.

How does this type of credit card debt workout affect someone’s credit?

It depends on the status of the debtor’s credit before the debt workout. As an example, let’s imagine that credit report scores run on a scale of one to ten, one being the best. Only ranks of one and two are good enough to walk into most local banks to get a loan or credit card. After a debt settlement, a person would be considered near a six on this scale.

For someone who started as a one or two this would be a dramatic decrease in their credit score. Anyone with good credit should consider the debt workout as an option very seriously before undertaking it. However, an individual may already have a score of 9 to 10 if they have multiple accounts that creditors wrote off. For these people, settling their accounts through debt settlement would actually improve their credit. This does not mean it will make their credit good – rather, it just means their credit will go from very bad to only plain bad.

One of the free services we offer our clients is our 720 Credit Rebuild Program. We believe in complete financial rehabilitation, including a recovered credit score. Utilizing our 720 Program will guide you through the mechanics of returning to a 720 + credit rating within as little as 12 to 24 months after we’ve filed bankruptcy for you or competed a debt negotiation plan. 

Can a person achieve these credit card debt settlements on their own or do they need to hire a debt settlement professional to get out of credit card debt?

While it is certainly possible for someone to negotiate or settle their own debts, I do not recommend it.  In the first place, creditors take the situation much more seriously when a Hawaii bankruptcy lawyer contacts them. An individual would not know how to negotiate a debt settlement or what a proper debt settlement would be. A settlement professional working in this field would know how to deal with most individual creditors.  it’s important to understand the nuances of filling out financial forms. Most individuals do not know how to do this properly.

A debt negotiation lawyer  also knows what to say, what not to say, what to ask for and who to talk to. Credit card settlements are best done according to the creditor’s standard operating procedures and formats. In my experiences, most people have no idea how to go about following such debt solution procedures. It is disturbingly common for debt collectors to try and do things, which may be industry tricks or potentially commit fraud in order to get you to pay off debt in full. Some of these things may include getting you to reveal information about yourself you may have no obligation to reveal. In other cases having you send money for a “full settlement” only to find they have lied and simply taken the money on account.

Have More Questions About Debt Settlement Services? Call Us Today

We offer all our prospective clients different options to consider, including but not limited to bankruptcy. Call 808-528-4274 or fill out our online questionnaire to begin the path to financial freedom.

Honolulu

Address: 900 Fort Street Mall Suite 910, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 528-4274

Kaneohe

Address: 46-005 Kawa Street #206
Kaneohe, HI 96744
Phone: (808) 528-4274

Aiea

Address: 498-211 Pali Momi St. #608
Aiea, HI 96701
Phone: (808) 528-4274

Maui

Address: 220 Imi Kala St suite 203 c
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: (808) 426-2004

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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for relief under the bankruptcy code.
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James Terry

James Terry is a 2017 graduate from the University of Hawai’i William S. Richardson School of Law in Honolulu. Upon graduation, he worked as a clerk in the State of Hawai’i Intermediate Court of Appeals before accepting the job at Blake Goodman, P.C. He is licensed in Hawai’i and admitted to the Federal Courts for the District of Hawai’i. James was born and raised in Hawai’i on the island of Oahu and attended Saint Louis High School and Hawai’i Pacific University prior to entering law school.

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Vianne Yang

Viane was born in California and eventually was drawn to the islands. With her degree in finance, she hopes to assist clients get out of debt and start a fresh new life. In her spare time, she enjoys running along the beach and catching beautiful sunsets.

Coronavirus – Our Firm’s Response
The health and safety of our staff and our clients is our first priority.
Staff will stay home if they are sick. And, we recommend that client’s do the same. We will
be happy to reschedule any office meetings.

For our potential clients and existing clients:

We will be happy to offer all of our services online.

You may even have your free consultation by phone.

After retaining our office, we can work with you via phone and emails. We can even file your
case electronically. Therefore, we can both perform our duties to keep the members of our
families and community safe from the spread of Covid-19.

We are prepared to do everything possible to be proactive and safe.
We believe that our actions today will safeguard the health of our clients and staff, while
continuing to serve you with unsurpassed professionalism and support.

Honolulu Office Parking

Free Parking Locations

Parking option #1 : Downtown municipal parking, 1052 Bethel Street.

Clients who are disabled or nursing should be aware that there are no elevators, only conveniently located stairs at the downtown Municipal Parking Lot.

Parking option #2 : Chinatown municipal parking, Marin tower 60 N., Nimitz Highway. Parking entrance on Smith Street.
Parking option #3 : Harbor Court Parking, 847 Bethel Street.

You can find our office in the heart of downtown Honolulu. The office is very easy to find, and we cover all parking costs, if you park in one of these three parking locations listed below. Please don’t park in our building at Pioneer Plaza. We don’t reimburse you for that cost.

Hawaii bankruptcy lawyer Blake Goodman is ready to help you and your family put your financial struggles behind you and begin the next chapter in your life. We can assist with your Chapter 13, Chapter 7 or debt settlement claim. You may also wish to contact our Windward Side-Kaneohe office.

Kaneohe Office Parking

There is ample free parking in front of and behind the building. We look forward to addressing your student loan, debt settlement, tax resolution or Hawaii bankruptcy concerns. There is no charge for your first consultation. You can also contact our Honolulu office.

Aiea Office Parking

Turn at the Big City Diner off Pali Momi Street. Free parking available in front of building.

Use the information to contact our Hawaii bankruptcy attorneys‘ Pearlridge – Pearl City – Aiea office. Someone from our office will be in touch shortly. We look forward to addressing your student loan, debt settlement, tax resolution or Hawaii bankruptcy concerns. There is no charge for your first consultation. You can also contact our Honolulu office or at our Windward Side-Kaneohe office.

Malia Conner

Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Malia Connor moved to California’s Bay Area to study dance at San Francisco State University, where she formed her own dance company, 25 years ago. She moved back to Oahu in 2017 to begin taking care of her aging parents.

Malia is excited for the opportunity to help Hawai’i residents get out of debt and is eager to apply her executive admin skills and creativity to the team of Blake Goodman.

Anna Lisa Hughes

Anna Lisa Hughes received a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from San Francisco State University, and became fluent in both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese while studying and working abroad in Chile and China. Anna Lisa has nine years of paralegal experience in various areas of practice, including immigration, estate planning, civil rights, and bankruptcy law. Originally from Colorado, she moved to Hawaii for the cultural and ethnic diversity of the island of Oahu. Outside of the office, Anna Lisa has also had a career in music as a bassist and songwriter.

Joshua Humpries

Joshua Humphries is a 2008 graduate from the Widener University School of Law in Delaware. Upon graduation, he worked for a national law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies for several years before moving to a smaller firm where he continued he established the firm’s bankruptcy practice. During that time, he also represented claimants in workers compensation and social security disability claims. In 2013, he also began practicing in the areas of debt collection and general civil litigation. He is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Hawaii and admitted to the Federal Courts for the District of New Jersey, Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania and the District of Hawaii.

Dora Casillas

Prior to coming to this beautiful island, Dora Casillas lived in Simi Valley, California where she worked in the legal field for 18 years. Dora finds bankruptcy law the most rewarding where at the end of the day, she knows she helped many obtain a fresh start leading to a less stressful life.

Born in Texas and raised in California, Dora is fluent in Spanish. She enjoys the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, along with the hiking trails and beaches. Dora is thrilled to be here and to have the opportunity to work with such a great team to serve the people of Hawaii.

Julia Oaten

I attended the University of Manchester, (UK) gaining a B.A. with Honors in Art History, before obtaining my J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Before moving to Hawaii and specializing in bankruptcy, I practiced criminal law as a Public Defender in Annapolis, MD.

While I am Cuban – Armenian, I grew up in England. My family and I moved to Hawaii in 2007 when my husband was offered a great job here. I stayed at home until we were all settled in and then responded to Blake’s job offer, and have been here ever since. I am the proud owner of an English bulldog and I enjoy fishing and hiking Oahu’s beautiful island with my husband and young son.

I really enjoy helping our clients achieve a fresh start and hopefully relieve them of some of the stress being in debt can cause while protecting them from creditors and helping them survive the bankruptcy process with their dignity intact.

Blanca Goodman

I’m Blake’s wife of 20 plus years. My job is very exciting – I deal with all our clients’ creditors, collections agencies and attorneys. I process all our client’s bills statements, warnings letters, and law suits. I’m the one who spends one hour or more on the phone finding the accounts or negotiating the best deal I can for our clients.

I’m from Mexico and I came to this country 20 years ago. I speak Spanish, and I would love to learn Japanese and Korean. We have two smart twin girls. One of my greatest enjoyments is to listen to audio self improvement books, and classical music.

I dance Kahiko and Auana hula, and wake up every morning to a Zumba exercise routine.

My purpose is to help our clients find debt freedom as soon possible, between 2 years or less. I do have constant communication with our clients about their case, and I want our clients to feel that I do care deeply from my heart.

Jeff Mulford

Jeff Mulford attended California Western School of Law in San Diego, California on a creative problem solving scholarship. When he first stated practicing in 2010, he represented numerous chapter 7 clients throughout Southern California during the height of the foreclosure crisis. He enjoys practicing bankruptcy law because it provides relief to people going through difficult times and puts them on a fresh start towards a brighter financial future.

Prior to law school, Jeff earned an M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from California State University, Long Beach and a B.A. from the University of California at Davis.

Jeff moved to Hawaii in 2016 because he loves the beauty of the islands and the slower pace of life. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and reading.

Blake Goodman

I received my law degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1989 and have been exclusively practicing bankruptcy related law in Texas, New Mexico, and Hawaii ever since. In the past, I was a Certified Public Accountant, receiving my license from the State of Maryland in 1988. Today I am unlicensed, inactive and am not holding myself out as a CPA.

I specialize in providing solutions to a family’s debt burdens and tax problems. To date, I’ve helped over 8,000 individuals and families alleviate their financial setbacks caused by overwhelming debt problems. Our law firm is one of the largest bankruptcy filers in the entire state of Hawaii. I am a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association, the Federal Bankruptcy Law Section, the Tax Freedom Institute and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers. In addition to being a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, my article “The Often Overlooked 10-Year Tax Discharge Rule” was published in the ABI Journal.

I moved to Hawaii in 1999 with Blanca, my wife, who works with me at the office, because we wanted to live in tropical paradise. We now have twin daughters and have found Hawaii to be more than just a pretty place to live. It is the center of the universe for us.