How Do Lawyers Delete Paid Collections on a Credit Report?

An attorney can sometimes get paid collections removed from a credit report. For the most part, it is up to the credit-reporting bureau whether or not it removes the collection information. If the statute of limitations has expired or if the information on the credit report is incorrect, however, the credit bureau is legally bound to make the necessary corrections.

Pay for Delete

Some lawyers will work out an arrangement with the creditors. By using a "pay for delete," the attorney promises the client will pay off the debt once he has written proof the creditor will remove the debt from the credit report. Even though it isn't necessary to ask a lawyer to set up a "pay for delete" negotiation, having an attorney handle it might be more effective than if the client does it.

Voluntary Removal

Creditors can voluntary choose to have the paid debt removed from your credit report. This is entirely up to them. If you approach them and explain the situation, they might decide to clean up your credit record. Naturally, if there were extenuating circumstances that led to your not paying them and you could furnish proof, that might help your case. Just remember there is no law that states they have to remove the black marks on your credit record.

Statute of Limitations

In some cases, lawyers can delete paid collections simply because the statute of limitations has run out on the debt. When that happens, an attorney sends a letter to the credit bureau pointing out that the statute of limitations has expired. The credit bureau removes the offending debt and sends a copy of the revised credit report to the individual. An individual can also send a letter to the credit bureau informing it that the statute of limitations has expired and asking it to remove the debt from the credit report. The statute of limitations varies from state to state. You can contact your state's attorney general office to find out what the statute of limitations is for your state.

Misinformation

A lawyer can also get misinformation deleted from a credit report. If there is something wrong on the credit report, including listing a paid collection on an account that you were not responsible for, the attorney can send a letter to the credit bureau, along with any documentation supporting his position, and have the misinformation removed from the credit report. An updated credit report, complete with corrections, will be sent to you.