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 I had a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged in July 2004. My credit score is okay considering the bankruptcy but upon review of the Top 3 credit reporting agencies I discovered that a number of the old accounts are shown as "closed by grantor" rather than discharged in the Chapter 7. My question is whether I should dispute them and have them show as discharged instead.
The biggest account is a mortgage that is being shown as "reclaimed", rather than discharged. Should I also dispute this one?
Thanks for your time.
Answer Hi David:
I would. Based on what you are saying there is no down side to doing so. I would dispute them as "inaccurate" or "incorrect" or "not reporting correctly" first rather than stating they should be included in bankruptcy. That way, you may get a full deletion. If they verify it or keep it on incorrectly, you can always dispute it again and send in a copy of the discharge notice if all you want is to get it reporting properly.
Be advised once you send in copies of the bankruptcy papers or state it should be included in bankruptcy, you probably limit your ability for credit repair down the line. This is why I recommend disputing as I stated above first.
I own a credit repair company that has deleted literally hundreds and hundreds or bad accounts similar to yours. I think your would be a good candidate for quality credit repair. People in your situation have shown good results from professional credit repair done properly. E-mail or call me if you have any questions or if we can help.
