How quickly can I expect to see results from a debt settlement?

The results of a debt settlement are not immediate and the process to get results can take several months in Pennsylvania. The process is as follows: First, a creditor must agree to accept a settlement. This can take time if the creditor is unwilling to negotiate initially. Second, any terms of the settlement must be met. This can include the payment of a lump sum, or multiple payments over a set period. Third, the settlement agreement must be finalized with all parties agreeing to the terms of the settlement. Finally, the creditor must report the debt settlement to the three major credit bureaus. Depending on how long it takes the creditor to report the settlement to the bureaus, the settlement may not immediately show up on your credit report. So, while the actual negotiation process may be completed within a few weeks or months, the full benefits of the settlement may not be seen for several months.Ideally you should see the results of a successful debt settlement within three to six months after the process has been completed. It is important to remember that by settling your debt, you may be hurting your credit score initially. While this may improve over time, the settlement may stay on your credit report for up to seven years. This means that it is important to weigh the cost-benefit of a debt settlement before entering into one.

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