When looking for debt settlement lawyers online, you must find an attorney who has the ability to practice law in Ohio, not just firms that advertise themselves as “national firms.”
The Supreme Court of Ohio Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline issued an advisory opinion on October 7th stating that out-of-state lawyers are not practicing law if they are representing an Ohioan in a debt-settlement case.
Non-Ohio attorneys are subject to the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and Debt Adjusters Act, which generally exempt Ohio attorneys (some exceptions apply).
This opinion could especially affect out-of-state law firms that offer foreclosure rescue services in Ohio.
Foreclosure rescue operations often promise to save consumers’ homes from foreclosure or to reach an agreement with the consumer’s mortgage servicer.
Although consumers are required to pay high upfront fees, the foreclosure rescue services often fail to deliver on their promises, leaving consumers in a worse financial position.
Get free foreclosure prevention assistance through Save the Dream Ohio at 888-404-4674 or
www.savethedream.ohio.gov.
File a complaint about a foreclosure rescue or debt settlement service at
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ConsumerComplaint.
Links:
File a complaint about a foreclosure rescue or debt settlement service
Get free foreclosure prevention assistance through Save the Dream Ohio
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