what type of lawyer to see for cosign out of student loan

by Dr. Fay Legros 10 min read

A student loan lawyer is an attorney who is experienced in dealing with student loan debt issues, can illuminate your options and can represent you with lenders, creditors and the courts. Every situation is different, so we are not here to tell you when you definitely should or should not hire a student loan lawyer.

Full Answer

Do you need a cosigner on a student loan?

Here is the main reason you need a student loan lawyer to fight for you and protect you against student loan lenders, such as Navient, Discover, National Collegiate Trust, etc. — there is A LOT of money exchanging hands in the student lending market. Whenever there is a lot of money exchanging hands in an industry, people tend to get greedy and break the rules.

Should you hire a lawyer for student loan debt?

Jul 11, 2021 · The rights of a cosigner on a student loan are controlled by the loan agreement the lender provided. The loan agreement will tell you the circumstances under which you can get a cosigner release. Typically, before you can get released from the loan, the borrower must make several consecutive monthly payments, pass a credit check, and show ...

How do I find a good student loan attorney?

Sep 15, 2021 · A cosigner has the right to sue the primary borrower on a student loan to recover the money they spent making the loan payments. So if you don't make any loan payments, you may not be able to sue the primary borrower to recover money. But if you do pay back some of the student loan debt, then you would be able to sue to try to recover the money ...

When can I get a co-signer release from College Ave student loans?

May 26, 2017 · According to Adam Minsky, a lawyer will typically help with the following when it comes to student loan debt: Advice and counsel regarding …

How can a cosigner be removed from a student loan?

The requirements to qualify for cosigner release can vary. But in general, you need to make a certain number of consecutive on-time payments, then undergo a credit history review. If you meet the lender's criteria, your cosigner will be removed and you can continue making payments as the sole borrower.Jan 28, 2021

How do I get my name off a cosigned student loan?

Your best option to get your name off a large cosigned loan is to have the person who's using the money refinance the loan without your name on the new loan. Another option is to help the borrower improve their credit history. You can ask the person using the money to make extra payments to pay off the loan faster.

Can you dispute a co signed student loan?

If your wife did not cosign for your daughter, she can dispute the student loan accounts online via Experian's Dispute Center. If she obtained her credit report directly from Experian, it will include instructions to submit a dispute by mail or by phone, as well.Jul 30, 2019

Can you sue if you are a cosigner?

“Yes, your cosigner can definitely sue you for lack of payment. But don't let it get to that point. You still have to pay your loan, even if you don't like your friend anymore. If you default on a loan, it can negatively affect both your and your old friend's credit.

Can a cosigner be removed?

The most painless way to remove a co-signer is to simply pay off the car loan. If the removal is due to financial strain this may not be the most practical option, but paying off the loan in full will rid the responsibility of both the primary borrower and the co-signer.Dec 16, 2021

How long does a cosigner stay on a loan?

If the conditions are met, the lender will remove the cosigner from the loan. The lender may require two years of on-time payments, for example. If that's the case, after the 24th consecutive month of payments, there'd be an opportunity to get the cosigner off the loan.

What happens if you cosign a student loan and the other person doesn't pay?

The student is the primary borrower with the responsibility to pay back the loan, but as a co-signer you have equal responsibility for repaying the loan if the student doesn't. Additionally, any late or missed payments are reflected on both your credit history and the student's.Jun 23, 2021

What happens if you cosign a loan and the other person doesn't pay?

If you cosign a debt and the borrower doesn't pay, in most every case you will be responsible for the entire debt. And, the lender does not have to try to collect from the borrower. It can look to you even if it might be possible for it to collect from the borrower.

Does removing a cosigner affect your credit?

Cosigner's Credit Score No Longer Affected But they won't be affected by your payment habits once you remove them from your loan.Mar 15, 2022

How can I legally get out of a cosigned loan?

Yes, it is possible to get out of a loan if the primary borrower agrees to a cosigner release. All lenders have different criteria for cosigner release, but in general, the borrower will have to demonstrate that they have the credit or repayment history needed to qualify for the loan on their own.May 25, 2021

Can a student loan cosigner sue the primary borrower?

A cosigner has the right to sue the primary borrower on a student loan to recover the money they spent making the loan payments. So if you don't make any loan payments, you may not be able to sue the primary borrower to recover money.Sep 15, 2021

Is there anything I can do to protect myself if I do cosign a loan?

Establish trust with a trust. "For someone taking on any new possible debt liability, whether for themselves directly or as a co-signer, they should review their estate plan to make sure they have properly protected their assets from any possible future creditor demand issue," says Christensen.Feb 19, 2013

How can a student loan attorney help me?

Student loan attorneys can provide you with legal advice, represent your interests during negotiations or lawsuits, resolve delinquencies, protect...

Am I able to discharge a federal student loan without having to file bankruptcy?

In most situations, neither federal student loans nor private student loans are eligible to be discharged in bankruptcy. However, in some cases, yo...

What is the difference between federal student loans and private student loans?

While federal student loans are offered by the government, private student loans are offered by private-sector lenders. Interest rates for private...

What are the costs of hiring a student loan lawyer?

Our services are offered on a flat fee basis calculated as a percentage of the debt. Typically, we can settle our clients’ debt for 55-60 cents on...

What is a student loan cosigner?

A student loan cosigner is someone who agrees to guarantee a student loan debt borrowed by someone else but does not receive any of the loan proceeds. Basically, they help the loan applicant get a student loan the student couldn't get on their own because they lack good credit.

How do I know if I cosigned a student loan?

If you’re unsure whether you’ve cosigned a student loan, there are a few ways to find out if you cosigned a loan.

Student Loan Cosigner Rights

The rights of a cosigner on a student loan are controlled by the loan agreement the lender provided. The loan agreement will tell you the circumstances under which you can get a cosigner release.

Student Loan Cosigner: Pros and Cons

The student can access more loan money. Private lenders generally require positive credit history, sufficient income, and a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. Many college students lack one or all of these things, and federal financial aid may not be enough to pay for their education.

Cosigned a student loan? Let's talk

Bottom line: When the borrower refuses to pay a student loan you've cosigned, it can leave you feeling helpless — especially when the loan amount is in the tens of thousands of dollars. That's why it's important to evaluate loan options before you cosign.

Can a cosigner sue the primary borrower on a student loan?

A cosigner has the right to sue the primary borrower on a student loan to recover the money they spent making the loan payments. So if you don't make any loan payments, you may not be able to sue the primary borrower to recover money.

Can a cosigner take you to court?

If you're the primary borrower on a debt, your cosigner can take you to court for:

5 Ways to Protect Yourself as a Cosigner

Check credit. Before a lender extends credit on a personal loan, they run a credit check to see if the borrower has good credit, a solid credit history, steady income, etc. It would help if you did the same before cosigning a loan.

Is the lender coming after you for a student loan you cosigned for? Let's talk

Getting harassed to pay a loan you didn't borrow for school is frustrating. Why should you be penalized for the borrower failing to uphold their obligations? While your options are limited, I may be able to help get you off of the loan by negotiating a student loan settlement.

How to get help with student loan debt?

According to Adam Minsky, a lawyer will typically help with the following when it comes to student loan debt:​ 1 Advice and counsel regarding your legal rights and options for your student loans. 2 Direct representation and advocacy in communications with student loan lenders, servicers, debt collection agencies, credit bureaus, dispute bodies, and other relevant entities. 3 Negotiations with student loan lenders, servicers, and debt collection agencies to obtain a desired resolution. 4 Assistance in the preparation, completion, and review of student loan-related documentation such as program applications, letters and correspondence, and contractual agreements (such as student loan rehabilitation or settlement agreements). 5 Representation in court to defend you against a student loan collections lawsuit or to pursue companies that have harmed you.

What is a NACA?

NACA is a bar association for attorneys who only represent consumers and borrowers, and you can search for local attorneys who have listed “student loans” as an area of practice. Contact your state bar association for a referral (many state bar associations have referral services).

Who is Robert Farrington?

Robert Farrington. Robert Farrington is America’s Millennial Money Expert® and America’s Student Loan Debt Expert™, and the founder of The College Investor, a personal finance site dedicated to helping millennials escape student loan debt to start investing and building wealth for the future.

Do I need a lawyer for student loans?

The fact is, most issues with your student loan debt doesn't require the services of a lawyer. For many things, such as changing your repayment plan or applying for student loan forgiveness programs, you can fill out the paperwork or online form yourself. However, there are scenarios where it can be very beneficial to pay a lawyer ...

What is Avvo for lawyers?

Avvo also provides a record of client reviews and peer endorsements, which can be helpful in selecting an attorney. Once you find an attorney you might want to work with, cross-reference the attorney with your state bar association to see if that attorney has any record of public discipline.

Is student loan debt hard?

Dealing with a difficult student loan situation can be tough. It's not only financially draining, but it can be extremely hard emotionally. If you find yourself wanting professional help for your student loan debt, make sure you consider whether a lawyer is the right choice.

What to do if you are being sued for student loans?

If you are being sued or are in collections, in most cases you will want to speak with a student loan lawyer. Often an attorney can help you see solutions you might miss before the window of opportunity for action narrows. Even if you decide to proceed on your own, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney.

How many people default on student loans?

Over 3,000 people default on their federal student loans each day in the United States. Fortunately, you have many options to help you get your payments under control, and most of these you can do yourself. However, there are occasions when it pays to hire a student loan lawyer. A student loan lawyer is an attorney who is experienced in dealing ...

How long do student loans take to default?

Your student loans are in default when you have not made payments for 270 days (about nine months). This is the point that signals to a lender that you do not intent to pay back a loan. Therefore, they will refer your case to a collection agency to take action against you. If you act quickly, you may be able to work things out with your loan servicer yourself. Even then, consulting with a student loan lawyer is not a bad idea even if you handle the bulk of the work yourself.

What is a TLFP?

The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program (TLFP) is for those who teach in low-income schools or educational service agencies. To apply for student loan forgiveness for a teaching position, complete a Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application and submit it to your loan servicer.

Can you file for bankruptcy if you have student loans?

Some debts, such as credit card debts, are automatically discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, student loan debt is not automatically discharged. You must prove to the court that being forced to pay your student loans would cause you “undue hardship”.

What is it called when you can't pay your student loan?

Federal student loans and some private ones allow a postponement of payment under certain circumstances. This is called deferment. Various circumstances qualify such as being in school or the military.

What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Chapter 13 is a reorganization where you still repay debts but do so under a plan that prioritizes debts and may enable you to pay less every month while the plan is in place. If you have student loans, you will still owe the unpaid amount after the end of the Chapter 13 plan.

What happens if you cosign a student loan?

If you cosign a student loan, you become legally responsible for paying the loan if the borrower defaults. “If you can't afford to make the payments, don't cosign the loan,” Latham says.

Do you need a cosigner for a student loan?

Co-signers are only required when a student applies for a private student loan. “That’s because private loans are credit-based, and most students haven't had time to build a credit history,” said Andrew Latham, a certified personal finance counselor and managing editor at SuperMoney.com.

Can a cosigner be released from a student loan?

Cosigners can be released from a student loan. Some private loans will allow the co-signer to be released from the loan if the student makes 12 months of consecutive payments, or a similar consecutive repayment time period, Griggs noted.

What is a cosigner release?

A co-signer release is when the lender agrees to take the co-signer’s name off the loan because you now have sufficient credit and income to qualify for the loan on your own. This generally occurs because you’ve been in the workforce for at least a year after graduation and have focused on building good credit.

How many consecutive payments does Ascent offer?

Ascent offers co-signer release after 24 consecutive, on-time payments of both the full interest and principal due each month. You must also be a U.S. citizen, meet income and credit requirements that show the ability to repay student loans without help from a co-signer and sign up to make automatic payments.

Do all lenders have cosigner releases?

Not all lenders provide co-signer releases, but many do. Before borrowing from a private lender, you should call them to make sure the program hasn’t changed. Lenders can make changes to their co-signer release options at any time.

How long does it take for a student loan to be released from CommonBond?

CommonBond requires three years of consecutive on-time payments before it will approve a co-signer release. Your loan has to meet credit and income standards, but, unlike some other lenders, your federal student loan repayment plan likely won’t affect your approval for a CommonBond co-signer release.

Does Sallie Mae have a cosigner release?

Sallie Mae offers a co-signer release option after 12 on-time payments that cover principal and interest. You must also be old enough to sign a contract (18 in most states), provide proof of completing the education program you attended with the loan money, be a U.S. citizen, provide W2s or other income proof and have had no loan in hardship or other modified payment programs.

What is a cosigner on a student loan?

A co-signer is a person who agrees to be responsible for the loan if you can’t repay it. This is a big commitment because the person agreeing to be your co-signer—typically a family member or close friend—is taking a risk. Afterall, it’s not just your credit that will be affected if you miss student loan payments.

How to reduce student loan payments?

You can reduce your monthly student loan payments by choosing an income-driven repayment plan on any federal student loans you’ve taken out. Use the monthly savings to pay off your private loans with co-signers faster. Refinance student loans.

What happens if a loan goes into default?

You may have the most responsible young adult in the whole state, but if something goes awry and the loan goes into default, the lender may come after your income or your assets, including potentially garnishing paychecks and seizing homes and cars. A default might also tarnish your credit score.

Who is the SoFi lender?

SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp. or an affiliate (dba SoFi), a lender licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law, license # 6054612; NMLS # 1121636 . For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

Does defaulting on a loan affect your credit score?

A default might also tarnish your credit score. Simply signing the loan also affects your score. Even if you’re not the one making payments, you’re still connected to the loan according to the major credit bureaus.

What happens if you refinance a student loan?

Just note that if you refinance with a private lender, you will lose the repayment benefits of federal student loans, like income-driven repayment plans that allow students to pay a percentage of their income and extend the loan terms beyond the standard 10 years, or Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Can you shorten your loan term?

Many lenders allow well-qualified borrowers to either lengthen the term of the loan, which may lower their monthly payments (but increase the amount they pay overall) or shorten their loan term, which can mean higher monthly payments but a shorter payoff period.

Does SOFI affect credit score?

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. A hard credit pull, which may impact your credit score, is required if you apply for a SoFi product after being pre-qualified. SoFi Loan Products.

What does it mean to cosign a student loan?

Broadly speaking, a student loan cosigner is someone with an established credit history who agrees to share equal financial responsibility for a student loan. Cosigners are often family members or relatives, but they don’t have to be.

When might a student need a cosigner for a student loan?

Many students and their families may turn to private student loans to pay for college if grants, scholarships, and federal aid won’t cover the full amount they need. Private student loans for college are available to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as international students and DACA recipients.

Are student loans available without a cosigner?

Student loans with no cosigner are available from some lenders, but not all provide this option and the requirements will typically be different with each. There are a number of different factors, such as age, income, and credit history, that may be used to determine if a student is eligible for a loan on their own.

What are the pros and cons of cosigning a student loan?

There are financial implications to cosigning a student loan. Though your head should ultimately guide your decision, it might also be helpful to consider how this might impact your relationship with your student.

How can cosigning a student loan help my credit?

You don’t have to have perfect credit to be a cosigner; you typically just need to meet minimum credit and other requirements. If things go well, your credit may improve alongside the student’s. Two primary reasons that cosigning a student loan can help your credit score are:

How can Ascent help cosigners and borrowers?

Ascent is honored to be recognized as the best private student loan for 2021 by Forbes Advisor and NerdWallet (to name a few), and is committed to providing students with more opportunities to finance their education.