AboutRegan Shinski Expertise I can answer questions on collections, repossessions, bankruptcy, credit repair, credit counseling, FICO scores, credit planning, and the cause and effect of credit related decisions. I can also answer questions on collection settlements and preparing to sue your creditors for false debts and credit reporting.
Experience Fifteen years ago I was financially devasted due to severe health issues. I filed bankruptcy, had a foreclosure, car repossession, tax lien, and ruined credit. I immersed myself in credit law. I settled dozens of accounts and had them removed to improve my credit. I personally sued four creditors and collection agencies and won cash settlements for their false reporting on my credit reports.
Since then, I have completely recovered and have nearly $100,000 in revolving credit lines and perfect credit. I have owned a credit repair company for the past five years and have an additional three years of specific work in the collections and debt management industry.
I am fully versed in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Acts (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and have used them successfully in collection settlements and lawsuits for myself and others. I am also familiar with and abide by the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA).
I have deleted or helped delete literally hundreds and hundreds of derogatory items from consumers' credit reports and helped negotiate many settlements with collection agencies and creditors. I have also advised people on bankruptcy at any stage.
In the current credit market, I have successfully advised numerous people on how to obtain credit and how to negotiate for better terms.
Education/Credentials BA - University of Minnesota
Question My dad just passed away and was the primary caregiver for my mother who has Alzheimers, she is now in a nursing facility and is in the process of receiving Medicaid due to her lack of income. My dad had $30,000 in credit card debt, the house is being short sold at a reduced price, probably going to be foreclosed. Now I'm getting messages on my answering machine from collection agencies representing the credit cards, what should I do?
Answer Hello Mike:
Sorry for the awful news and the burden you are carrying. You should tell them the truth. Who is handling the estate? If it is someone else, give them that name. If you are handling it, tell them the truth - the estate has negative value and there is no life insurance (I'm assuming since you didn't mention it.) They may ask for a copy of the death certificate. Give it to them. The ESTATE is responsible for the bills, not the children. If there are no assets, you have nothing to hide. In most states, if there was a will, there may be a probate hearing to confirm and assess this.
Again, my deepest condolences and let me know if I can help further.
Regan
p.s. If anyone else co-signed for any of the debts that person is still responsible.
