Debt can be a major source of stress and anxiety for many people. Fortunately, there are companies out there that specialize in helping individuals and families get back on their feet financially. One such company is Advocate Debt Relief, LLC (ADR). In this article, we will provide an in-depth Advocate debt Relief review, including its services, pros and cons, and answers to some common questions.
Pros and Cons of Advocate Debt Relief:
Pros:
- Free consultation: Advocate Debt Relief offers a free consultation to prospective clients, during which they can discuss their debt situation and receive a personalized debt relief plan.
- No upfront fees: ADR does not charge any upfront fees, which can provide peace of mind to clients who are already struggling financially.
- Flexible payment plans: ADR offers flexible payment plans, making it easier for clients to make payments on their debt.
- Settlement negotiation: ADR negotiates with creditors on behalf of its clients, which can result in lower overall debt amounts.
Cons:
- Limited services: Advocate Debt Relief only offers debt settlement services, so it may not be the best choice for clients who need other types of debt relief, such as debt consolidation or credit counseling.
- Program Length: The average program length with ADR is between 24 and 50 months, which may be longer than some clients are comfortable with.
- High fees: ADR charges a fee of 20-25% of the total amount of debt enrolled in the program, which can be higher than some other debt relief companies.
- Not available in all states: ADR is not available in all states, so clients in certain areas may need to look for other debt-relief options.
Services Offered by Advocate Debt Relief:
Advocate Debt Relief specializes in debt settlement services, which involve negotiating with creditors on behalf of clients to reduce the total amount of debt owed. ADR’s process typically involves the following steps:
- Free consultation: Prospective clients can speak with an ADR representative to discuss their debt situation and receive a personalized debt relief plan.
- Enrollment: Clients can enroll in ADR’s program and start making monthly deposits into a settlement account.
- Settlement negotiation: ADR negotiates with creditors on behalf of its clients to reduce the total amount of debt owed.
- Debt resolution: Once a settlement agreement has been reached, ADR will make payments to the creditor(s) from the client’s settlement account.
- Program completion: Once all enrolled debts have been settled, the program is considered complete.
What is Advocate Debt Relief?
Advocate Debt Relief is a debt relief company that provides debt settlement services to individuals and families who are struggling with high levels of debt. The company negotiates with creditors on behalf of its clients to reduce the total amount of debt owed, with the goal of helping clients become debt-free.
ADR’s services typically include a free consultation, enrollment in a debt settlement program, negotiation with creditors, and resolution of debts through payments made from a client’s settlement account. The company charges fees based on a percentage of the total amount of debt enrolled in the program, and the average program length is between 24 and 50 months. Advocate Debt Relief does not charge any upfront fees and is available in select states across the United States.
What services does Advocate Debt Relief offer?
Advocate Debt Relief specializes in providing debt settlement services to clients who are struggling with high levels of debt. The company negotiates with creditors on behalf of its clients to reduce the total amount of debt owed, with the goal of helping clients become debt-free. Services offered by Advocate Debt Relief typically include a free consultation, enrollment in a debt settlement program, negotiation with creditors, and resolution of debts through payments made from a client’s settlement account.
The company does not charge any upfront fees and clients only pay fees based on a percentage of the total amount of debt enrolled in the program. The average program length with Advocate Debt Relief is between 24 and 50 months, although it can vary depending on a client’s specific circumstances.
How does Advocate Debt Relief’s debt settlement process work?
Advocate Debt Relief’s debt settlement process typically involves the following steps:
- Free consultation: The company offers a free consultation to potential clients to assess their financial situation and determine if debt settlement is the right option for them.
- Enrollment in debt settlement program: If a client decides to move forward with Advocate Debt Relief, they will enroll in a debt settlement program. The company will work with the client to determine an appropriate monthly payment that will be deposited into a settlement account.
- Negotiation with creditors: Advocate Debt Relief will negotiate with creditors on behalf of its clients to reduce the total amount of debt owed. The company aims to settle debts for less than what the client owes, typically with a lump-sum payment from the settlement account.
- Resolution of debts: Once a debt is settled, the client will make a payment from their settlement account to the creditor. This process will be repeated until all enrolled debts are settled.
- Completion of the program: Once all enrolled debts are settled, the program is considered complete and the client is considered debt-free. The company charges fees based on a percentage of the total amount of debt enrolled in the program.
It is important to note that debt settlement can have a negative impact on a client’s credit score, and there is no guarantee that all debts will be settled. However, Advocate Debt Relief strives to provide a personalized and effective debt settlement program to help clients become debt-free.
How long does it take to complete Advocate Debt Relief’s program?
The length of Advocate Debt Relief’s program can vary depending on a client’s specific circumstances. However, the company’s website states that the average program length is between 24 and 50 months. It is important to note that not all clients are able to complete the program, and some may require a longer program length due to their financial situation.
Additionally, the length of the program can be impacted by factors such as the total amount of debt enrolled, the number of creditors, and the client’s ability to save sufficient funds. Advocate Debt Relief’s program length estimates are based on the company’s past experiences with clients, creditors, and debt collectors.
What fees does Advocate Debt Relief charge?
Advocate Debt Relief charges fees based on a percentage of the total amount of debt enrolled in the program. The company typically charges between 20% and 25% of the total amount of debt enrolled, depending on the state in which the client resides. It is important to note that Advocate Debt Relief does not charge any upfront fees and only charges fees once one or more of the enrolled debts are successfully settled.
In the event that Advocate Debt Relief settles one or more but less than all of a client’s enrolled debts, the company only charges the client a fee based on the amount of enrolled debt actually settled. The specific fee structure can vary depending on a client’s specific circumstances, so it is important for potential clients to discuss fees and payment options with Advocate Debt Relief during the consultation process.
Is Advocate Debt Relief available in all states?
No, Advocate Debt Relief is not available in all states.
The company currently operates in a limited number of states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
It is important for potential clients to check if Advocate Debt Relief operates in their state before considering enrolling in the company’s program.
How does Advocate Debt Relief compare to other debt relief companies?
Comparing debt relief companies can be difficult, as each company has its own unique set of services, fees, and program lengths. However, there are a few ways that Advocate Debt Relief can be compared to other debt relief companies:
- Fees: Advocate Debt Relief charges fees based on a percentage of the total amount of debt enrolled, which is similar to many other debt relief companies. However, the exact fee structure can vary depending on a client’s specific circumstances.
- Program length: The average program length for Advocate Debt Relief is between 24 and 50 months, which is similar to other debt relief companies. However, program lengths can vary depending on a client’s financial situation.
- Services: Advocate Debt Relief offers debt settlement services, which are one of the most common types of debt relief services offered by companies in this industry. However, other companies may offer different types of services, such as debt consolidation or credit counseling.
- Reputation: Advocate Debt Relief has received positive reviews from some customers, but it is important for potential clients to do their own research and read reviews from multiple sources before making a decision.
Overall, it is important for individuals to carefully research and compare multiple debt relief companies before making a decision. Factors such as fees, program length, and services offered should be carefully considered, as well as a company’s reputation and track record of success in helping clients become debt-free.
How can I contact Advocate Debt Relief?
To contact Advocate Debt Relief, you can call them at +1 (888) 889-7130 or send an email to [email protected]. The company’s physical address is located at 27599 Riverview Center BLVD Suite 201, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Additionally, you can visit the company’s website at www.advocatedebtrelief.com to learn more about their services and schedule a free consultation.
Are there any reviews or testimonials of Advocate Debt Relief’s services?
Yes, there are some reviews and testimonials available for Advocate Debt Relief’s services. On the company’s website, there are several customer testimonials that highlight their positive experiences with the company. Additionally, there are some reviews of Advocate Debt Relief available on third-party review sites, such as Trustpilot and BestCompany. However, it is important to note that not all of these reviews may be reliable or representative of the overall customer experience with the company.
Regarding BBB (Better Business Bureau) accreditation and rating, Advocate Debt Relief is not BBB accredited, but they do have an A+ BBB rating. However, it is important to note that the absence of complaints or reviews on the BBB website does not necessarily indicate the quality or reliability of a company’s services. It is still recommended that potential clients do their own research and read reviews from multiple sources before making a decision.
Advocate Debt Relief FAQs
What types of debt can Advocate Debt Relief help with?
Advocate Debt Relief primarily specializes in helping clients with unsecured debts, such as credit card debts, medical bills, personal loans, and certain types of business debts. They may not be able to assist with secured debts, such as mortgages or car loans, or certain types of debts, such as student loans or tax debts.
Is Advocate Debt Relief a legitimate company?
Yes, Advocate Debt Relief is a legitimate debt relief company that is registered with the state of Florida and operates in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. They have been in business since 2018 and have helped thousands of clients reduce their debt burdens.
How does debt settlement affect my credit score?
Debt settlement can have a negative impact on your credit score, as it typically involves negotiating with your creditors to settle your debts for less than the full amount owed. This can result in late payments, charge-offs, and collections on your credit report, which can lower your credit score. However, once your debts are settled, you can begin to rebuild your credit over time.
Will creditors continue to harass me while I’m enrolled in Advocate Debt Relief’s program?
Once you enroll in Advocate Debt Relief’s program, they will work with your creditors to negotiate a settlement and stop collection efforts. However, it is possible that some creditors may continue to contact you or take legal action until a settlement is reached.
Can I continue to use my credit cards while enrolled in Advocate Debt Relief’s program?
No, it is generally not recommended to continue using your credit cards while enrolled in a debt relief program, as this can increase your debt burden and make it more difficult to negotiate a settlement with your creditors. Advocate Debt Relief may advise you to stop using your credit cards and focus on saving money to pay off your debts.
What happens if I miss a monthly deposit into my settlement account?
Missing a monthly deposit into your settlement account can delay the debt settlement process and may result in additional fees or charges. Advocate Debt Relief recommends that clients make their monthly deposits on time to ensure the best possible outcome.
Can I cancel my enrollment in Advocate Debt Relief’s program at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your enrollment in Advocate Debt Relief’s program at any time without penalty. However, it is important to note that canceling the program may result in additional fees and could potentially harm your credit score if your debts are not fully settled.
How much can I expect to save on my debt by using Advocate Debt Relief?
The amount you can save on your debt by using Advocate Debt Relief’s program will depend on various factors, including the amount of debt you owe, your creditors’ willingness to negotiate, and your ability to make monthly deposits into your settlement account. Advocate Debt Relief estimates that clients typically pay between 20% and 25% of the total amount of debt they enroll in the program.
Will I owe taxes on the amount of debt forgiven through Advocate Debt Relief’s program?
It is possible that you may owe taxes on the amount of debt forgiven through Advocate Debt Relief’s program, as the IRS considers forgiven debt to be taxable income. However, there are some exceptions and exclusions that may apply, and it is recommended that you consult with a tax professional to understand your specific tax implications.
How long will it take for my debt to be settled through Advocate Debt Relief’s program?
The length of time it takes to settle your debts through Advocate Debt Relief’s program will depend on various factors, including the amount of debt you owe, your creditors’ willingness to negotiate, and your ability to make monthly deposits into your settlement account.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Advocate Debt Relief offers debt settlement services for individuals struggling with unsecured debt. While the company has a good BBB rating and offers a free consultation, it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons before enrolling in their program. Advocate Debt Relief’s fees can be relatively high compared to other debt relief companies, and their program length can also be longer than average. Additionally, debt settlement can negatively impact credit scores and may not be the best solution for everyone.
However, for individuals who are unable to make their minimum monthly payments and have exhausted other options, Advocate Debt Relief may be a viable option. The company has a team of experienced negotiators who work to settle debts for less than the full amount owed. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the program and to communicate regularly with Advocate Debt Relief to ensure that the process is moving forward smoothly.
Ultimately, the decision to enroll in a debt settlement program is a personal one and should be made after thorough research and consideration of all available options.
5 Comments
Visitor Rating: 1 Stars
I called Advocate after receiving a voicemail from them offering a loan. At first, I thought it was a scam. It’s not. What they offer is help with settling debt. I don’t have a need for that service, but was very impressed with how helpful they were. For example, I have some medical debt (interest free) through Care Credit. They gave me advice on working with Care Credit in the future that was very helpful. For a company whose services I ended up not needing, they were really great. Based on this impression, if you do in fact need debt settlement help, I would strongly consider using them.
Visitor Rating: 2 Stars
Visitor Rating: 1 Stars
Visitor Rating: 4 Stars