✂️ Debt Settlement Lawyer in Las Vegas.

🕵️ A Fresh Start Without Bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy isn’t right for everyone. If your financial goals don’t line up with filing for bankruptcy, debt settlement could be the solution you’re looking for. At A Fresh Start Law, Attorney Dorothy Bunce has helped countless Las Vegas residents reduce what they owe, protect their privacy, and finally take control of their financial future.

🤔 What Exactly Is Debt Settlement?

Debt settlement is a process where creditors agree to accept less than the full balance you owe in exchange for marking the debt as “paid in full.”

💡 As you may realize, debt settlement is an entirely different process than “debt consolidation.”

  • Debt Consolidation (in theory): Taking out one big loan to pay off all your smaller debts.
  • What’s usually offered: So-called “consolidation” companies aren’t lenders at all — they’re unregulated businesses that take your money in fees long before they ever contact your creditors. Many clients pay them for years without seeing results.

👉 With real debt settlement, you get direct negotiation with creditors so you can pay less and move on faster — without wasting time or money on shady companies.

⚖️ How Does Debt Settlement Work?

Creditors know that collecting unpaid debts is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. That’s why they’re often willing to negotiate. A skilled attorney can:

  • Persuade creditors to accept a lump-sum settlement.
  • Reduce debts at a meaningful discount.
  • Stop harassment while negotiations are underway.

At A Fresh Start Law, we represent not only standard credit card cases but also the kinds of debts that large settlement companies often refuse to handle, such as:

⚖️ Court judgments and pending lawsuits

🏥 Medical debt and accident claims

🎓 Student loans

💼 SBA loans and business debts

📌 Can All Debts Be Settled?

Not always. Creditors have the right to say no, which means there’s some risk involved. That’s why choosing an experienced debt settlement attorney is essential. At A Fresh Start Law:

🎓 We educate you on the risks before you commit.

💵 We charge a modest retainer and don’t get paid until we get results.

💰 We don’t require you to hand over settlement funds in advance.

This approach keeps you in control — your money stays with you until a settlement agreement is reached.

⏳ How Long Does It Take?

🕒 If you already have the funds available to settle, agreements can sometimes be reached within days.

🕒 If you need time to save, the process can take longer — because negotiations work best when the money is ready.

Because of our strong credibility with creditors, they know that when A Fresh Start Law is involved, settlement offers are genuine and reliable. That trust makes negotiations faster and more effective.

 Advantages of Debt Settlement

Choosing debt settlement offers several significant benefits:

  • 🚫 Stops creditor and collector harassment.
  • 💵 Reduces the amount you owe.
  • 🕵️‍♂️ Keeps your financial details private (unlike bankruptcy, which is public record).
  • 🔄 Is a bankruptcy alternative.
  • ⚡ Usually can be completed faster than a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy repayment plan.

🙋 Is Debt Settlement Right for You?

Debt settlement works best if:

  • You have access to lump-sum funds (from savings, family, or another source).
  • You want to avoid bankruptcy but still need to reduce your debts.
  • You’re dealing with aggressive creditors or collection lawsuits.

Debt settlement may not be right for everyone — but that’s why we always start with a free consultation. Attorney Dorothy Bunce will review your debts, your goals, and your alternatives, and provide you with honest advice about whether debt settlement makes sense for your unique situation.

🌟 Take the First Step Toward Relief

You don’t have to face debt collectors alone. At A Fresh Start Law, we’ll negotiate directly with your creditors to help you settle for less, regain control, and move forward with confidence.

⚖️ Debt Relief Options: How Do They Compare?

When you’re buried in debt, it’s hard to know which path is best. Here’s a side-by-side look at the three most common solutions:

 
Debt SettlementBankruptcyDebt Consolidation
What It IsNegotiating directly with creditors to accept less than what you owe.Legal process that can eliminate or restructure debts through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.Take out a new loan to repay all your debts with one monthly payment.
Who It HelpsPeople who can pay something, but not the full balance.People with overwhelming debt and little chance of repayment.People with good credit who qualify for a new loan.
PrivacyPrivate — settlements aren’t public record.Public — bankruptcy filings are part of court records.Private, but lenders run a credit check.
TimelineCan resolve quickly if you have funds ready (weeks to months).Chapter 7: ~3–4 months. Chapter 13: 3–5 years.Depends on loan terms — usually 3–5 years of repayment.
Credit ImpactShort-term negative, but can recover faster than bankruptcy if debts are resolved.Varies depending on current credit score and how many accounts are delinquent. Stays on report 7–10 years, but many things can limit its effect.Can improve credit if payments are made on time.
CostAttorney fees + lump-sum settlements (usually less than total debt).Court filing + attorney fees (often cheapest if you qualify for Chapter 7).New loan interest + fees (may cost more long-term).
RisksCreditors may refuse to settle. Need money available to pay right away. Tax consequences.Risk of losing non-exempt assets (in Chapter 7). Strict court oversight in Chapter 13. No tax consequencesHard to qualify with poor credit. Many “debt consolidation companies” are really just unregulated settlement companies. Tax consequences
Main BenefitSettle for less than you owe without filing bankruptcy.Wipes out most debts and gives you a legal fresh start.Simplifies payments into one, sometimes at a lower interest rate.

Speak with a skilled debt settlement lawyer at A Fresh Start Law today.

We negotiate with your creditors and find the best solution for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there still any questions from you? You can contact us for more advanced questions or answers

Q: Will I owe taxes on forgiven debt?

Yes, sometimes. If a creditor forgives more than $600 of debt, they may send you a 1099-C tax form. That amount could be considered taxable income. But many people qualify for exceptions, especially if you’re insolvent (meaning your debts are greater than your assets). We’ll help you understand your tax situation before you settle.

🌟 Bottom Line

Debt Settlement =

best if your debts are overwhelming and you need a complete reset.

Bankruptcy =

best if your debts are overwhelming and you need a complete reset.

Debt Consolidation =

best if your credit is still strong and you qualify for a fair loan.

👉 At A Fresh Start Law, Attorney Dorothy Bunce will help you decide which option truly makes the most sense for your unique financial situation.

We are happy to serve many locations in Clark County, including:

Bunkerville
Summerlin South
Laughlin
Blue Diamond
Jean
Boulder City
North Las Vegas
Mesquite
Winchester
Mount Charleston
Enterprise
Spring Valley
Moapa Valley
Indian Springs
Whitney
Nellis Air Force Base
Logandale

Dorothy Bunce, our attorney, is actively licensed with the US District Court of Nevada, which covers the Bankruptcy Court, as well as the State Bar of Nevada. She is also an active member of the Southern Nevada Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys as well as several other professional organizations.

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🗺️ What It’s Like to Work With A Fresh Start Law

☎️ Talk to us — free consult, zero pressure.

🧾 Attorney Dorothy Bunce reviews your documents with you (no “fill this out alone” homework).

⚖️ Attorney Dorothy Bunce files your case and stops collections.

👩‍⚖️ Attorney Dorothy Bunce represents you at your Trustee meeting (usually on Zoom). Of course, you must attend this meeting as well.

✨ Fresh start — plus credit rebuilding guidance (clients only)

Why Choose A Fresh Start Law?

35+ years helping people and families start fresh

Personalized plan — never one-size-fits-all

Clear explanations — no legalese, no surprises

Local & experienced — Las Vegas/Henderson trusted guidance

⭐ Reviews & Endorsements

 (A Few Favorites)

💬 Common Questions (Quick Answers)

🏠 🚗 Will I lose my house or car?

Usually not if we plan correctly. Chapter 13 helps you catch up, while exemptions can protect your equity in your property in most Chapter 7 cases.

📞 Ready for Your Fresh Start? Free consultation with Attorney Dorothy Bunce.