Talk About Debt: Who We Are and How We Help You Fight Back

You're here because you got sued, a collector won't stop calling, or you're wondering if bankruptcy is your only move. You need answers, not another finance blog that tells you to "just make a budget."

Talk About Debt exists to connect people drowning in debt with attorneys who specialize in consumer protection and bankruptcy. We're not a law firm. We're a referral service that only works with lawyers who meet our standards: responsive, experienced, and willing to fight for you.

What We Actually Do

We match you with attorneys in your state who handle debt lawsuits, creditor harassment, and bankruptcy filings. You tell us your situation through our bankruptcy screener or debt defense intake form. We route your case to a lawyer in our network who practices in your jurisdiction.

The referral is free. You pay nothing to use our platform. If the attorney takes your case, you'll discuss fees directly with them. Many consumer protection cases are contingency-based. If a debt collector violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), your attorney might collect fees from the defendant, not you.

Why Attorneys Pay Us, Not You

Law firms pay us a referral fee when they accept a case from our platform. You never pay for the introduction. This model works because attorneys need clients, and people in debt crises need lawyers fast. We're the bridge.

Our network includes over 200 attorneys across 48 states. We vet them for three things: active bar membership, malpractice insurance, and at least two years of consumer law experience. We drop firms that ghost clients or rack up bar complaints.

The Problems We Help You Solve

1. You Got Served With a Lawsuit

Debt collectors file roughly 70,000 lawsuits every month in the U.S. Most defendants never show up to court, so they lose by default. The collector gets a judgment, then garnishes your wages or freezes your bank account.

If you respond within your state's deadline (usually 20-30 days), you can force the collector to prove they own the debt and that the amount is accurate. Many can't. We connect you with attorneys who file answers, demand proof, and negotiate settlements.

2. A Collector Is Violating Your Rights

The FDCPA bans specific tactics: calling before 8 a.m. Or after 9 p.m., contacting you at work after you've said to stop, threatening arrest, or discussing your debt with neighbors. If a collector crosses these lines, you can sue them for up to $1,000 plus actual damages.

Attorneys in our network handle FDCPA cases on contingency. You don't pay unless you win. The collector pays your legal fees if you prevail.

3. You're Considering Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans in about four months. It costs $338 to file (as of 2025) plus attorney fees, which average $1,200-$1,800 depending on your state.

Our bankruptcy guide walks you through eligibility, exemptions, and what you'll lose. If you decide to file, we connect you with a bankruptcy attorney who will prepare your petition, attend the 341 meeting with you, and handle objections from creditors.

How Our Referral Process Works

Start by completing our intake form. It takes about 10 minutes. We ask for your state, the type of debt, whether you've been sued, and your household income. This helps us match you with the right attorney.

Within 24 hours, an attorney from our network will contact you. If it's urgent—say, your court date is in five days,we flag your case for same-day outreach.

The attorney will review your situation, explain your options, and quote their fees if they take the case. You're not obligated to hire them. If you don't feel comfortable, tell us. We'll refer you to someone else.

What Happens If No Attorney in Our Network Can Help?

Sometimes your case doesn't fit. Maybe the debt is too old to sue over, or you live in a state where we don't have coverage yet. We'll tell you that upfront and point you toward free legal aid resources in your area.

We won't string you along or sell your contact info to third-party lead buyers. If we can't help, we say so.

Why Attorneys in Our Network Are Different

Most people hire the first lawyer who answers the phone. That's a mistake. Not all consumer attorneys are created equal. Some focus on quick settlements and high volume. Others actually litigate.

We prefer the second type. The attorneys we work with have won judgments against major debt buyers like Midland Funding and Portfolio Recovery Associates. They know how to challenge affidavits, depose witnesses, and force collectors to drop cases when the documentation is weak.

What We Ask Every Attorney Before We Refer Cases

• How many debt defense or bankruptcy cases have you handled in the past year?
• Do you carry malpractice insurance with at least $100,000 in coverage?
• Will you return client calls within 48 hours?
• Have you ever been disciplined by your state bar?

If they hesitate on any of these, we don't add them to the network.

What We Don't Do

We don't negotiate with creditors on your behalf. We're not a debt settlement company. Those outfits charge upfront fees, tell you to stop paying your bills, and then pocket 20% of whatever they save you. Many leave clients worse off than when they started.

We also don't give legal advice. Only a licensed attorney in your state can do that. If you ask us whether you should file bankruptcy or fight a lawsuit, we'll say: "Talk to the attorney we're referring you to."

The Bottom Line

Talk About Debt connects you with consumer protection attorneys who specialize in debt defense and bankruptcy. We vet every lawyer in our network, and we never charge you for the referral. If you're facing a lawsuit, harassment from collectors, or considering bankruptcy, start with our free screener. You'll hear from an attorney within 24 hours.

Common Questions About Talk About Debt

Do I have to hire the attorney you refer me to?

No. The referral is an introduction, not a contract. If the attorney doesn't feel like a good fit, tell us and we'll connect you with someone else.

What if I can't afford an attorney?

Many consumer protection cases are handled on contingency, meaning the attorney only gets paid if you win. For bankruptcy, some attorneys offer payment plans. If cost is a barrier, ask the attorney about your options during your initial consultation.

How quickly will an attorney contact me?

Most attorneys in our network reach out within 24 hours. If your case is time-sensitive, we flag it for same-day contact.

What states do you cover?

We have attorneys in 48 states. If we don't have coverage in your area, we'll let you know and suggest alternative resources.