Zrylw: Thank you for joining us today. With tax season in full swing, we are lucky to have caught you.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We are always glad to speak about taxes; it’s what we do!

Zrylw: We understand that Instant Tax Solutions’ ratings with the BBB have remained consistently an A+ – that is quite an achievement. We want to congratulate you for that honor.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We thank you for that. We definitely couldn’t have done it without our service team.

Zrylw: What type of agents does your firm employ?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Only the best former IRS Auditors, Certified Public Accountants, Federally Licensed Enrolled Agents, and Legal Counsel.

Zrylw: Please tell our readers what services you provide.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We offer Tax Resolution services; basically, when a taxpayer is behind with Uncle Sam, we help them understand why and sort through options they have for repayment.

Zrylw: There are options?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Yes, actually, the IRS has many programs available for those who cannot file on time, cannot pay on time, or who are already behind – even if they are years past due.

Zrylw: Very interesting. We didn’t know that.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Many good hard-working Americans don’t. The IRS isn’t just going to call everyone who is late and say, “We’ll catch you next year, when you are caught up on your personal obligations…”

Zrylw: So, what kinds of reductions are available?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: There are programs that allow for monthly payments and even reduced penalties.

Zrylw: Are all taxpayers eligible and guaranteed reduced taxes?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: No, that is a topic of discussion now among agencies like us. There have been a number of TV ads placed over the last few years that promise results – to everyone. The fact of the matter is, it isn’t possible to make those claims. The IRS has very specific guidelines, policies and safeguards in place to ensure proper use of the system.

Zrylw: That sounds very confusing. How does Instant tax Solutions keep up with it all?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Our staff is trained and re-trained constantly. We monitor the IRS’s regulations and ensure that our representatives are up-to-date on even the smallest changes.

Zrylw: Looking at your website, we can see you are different. It says that you offer direct support, flat fees, and that you are licensed in all 50 states. Is that right?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Yes, that is all correct. Also, as a value-added service to our clients, we offer a comprehensive evaluation of their tax situation before we accept their case or their payment. Our staff will advise if there does not appear to be an IRS program that can help, and why.

Zrylw: No wonder Instant Tax Solutions has earned such high marks from the Better Business Bureau.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We take pride in each and every case that we present to the IRS and we are certainly honored to have the recognition of an A+ rated firm.

The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team, a group of the firm’s employees who specialize in rating and accessing taxpayer information, offers a no obligation, no cost consultation. The group specializes in solutions and offers services without delay, without hidden charges, and without false promises. For more information, visit them online at www.InstantTaxSolutions.com or call 888.387.4071

The conference is a two-day program. Byron Pederson says that on the first day group participants will be introduced to the potential Board of Directors and officers, and have an opportunity to vote on these nominations. Additionally, Byron Pederson notes that the group’s budget preparation, legislative development, and membership development programs will be discussed. Also on the agenda will be the development of standardized contracts in uniform disclosures.

Many industry leaders are scheduled to speak at the conference, including Karen Hawkins, the Director of the IRS’s Office of Professional Responsibility, says Byron Pederson. Ms. Hawkins is expected to address the IRS’s concerns and will stress the continued professionalism of industry agents who are authorized to appear before the Agency. Larry Lawler is also scheduled to discuss policies and procedures in place that will help tax debt resolution companies consistently remain compliant with IRS regulations, says Byron Pederson. As well, Byron Pederson notes that the group’s lobbyist, Mark Guimond, will offer a briefing as to the most recent status of proposals, including California’s Bill 708 and the Telemarketing Sales Rule, which is currently on hold.

Byron Pederson points out that participants will be offered a view of the tax resolution industry from the U.S. Senate. Also, says Byron Pederson, the issue of Internet Marketing and lead generation will be addressed. Most–if not all–forms of advertisement will be spoken about and include a discussion regarding how some firms intentionally mislead consumers, and how that has a negative impact on the industry as a whole, notes Byron Pederson.

Byron Pederson explains that the National Association of Tax Debt Resolution Companies was founded to help ensure fairness to both consumers as well as those serving in the industry. According to Byron Pederson, the American public needs to be aware of what services are available and how a reputable and honest firm can positively impact the lives of those afflicted with tax issues. Byron Pederson believes that the Association can offer both legislators and consumers information on why tax debt resolution firms are important to the economy. Additionally, the group will help educate people on how to differentiate the legitimate agencies from the scammers, concludes Byron Pederson.

Instant Tax Solutions provides reviews, free of charge, during an initial consultation where the client is given an honest evaluation of their circumstance. If the Instant Tax Solutions reviews team does not believe the debt can be settled, they speak up and inform the consumer as to why. Education is a top priority of the ITS founders, that’s why their staff is trained continually on new tax laws and tax relief programs.

The Instant Tax Solutions reviews team will waste no time getting started on your project, as they respect the value of your time and know that peace of mind can never come soon enough. As well, the Instant Tax Solutions reviews team provides live customer support with direct access to the client’s personal case manager. ITS believes that education is a key element in their process and offers insight in to each step so that the client may remain informed and involved.  With an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, Instant Tax Solutions is the right choice when it comes to IRS problem and back taxes.

Here’s what clients have posted on Instant Tax Solutions Reviews:

I received an IRS notice of levy on my wages and I was scared to death. Within 48 hours, ITS had the levy released and now they are helping me get caught up on unfiled returns. What a relief it will be to have this settled!  [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Mary G. on 11/21/2011]

Instant Tax Solutions is a professional organization that does what it says. Just be ready with all your information because they do not mess around.  [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Eric S. on 12/1/2011]

So far so good! They do what they say to do and that is great!!! In situations like this you need a company that will deliver, they really stand behind their company’s name…. INSTANT TAX SOLUTIONS… The solution is really instant. The people working in this company, they don’t waste time, they work on it right away……. so far I’m happy with their services, no doubt about it, they are very recommendable.  [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: A.L.R. III on 11/30/2011]

Instant Tax Solutions provided me with the exceptional service and far exceeded my expectations and turned a $75,000 headache into (and I am not exaggerating) a $0 liability. I would highly recommend them for all your tax needs  [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Tracy on 11/28/2011]

I highly recommend working with the very experienced staff at ITS. From my first intake call I felt like I was in competent hands, and was so relieved to have someone with your level of expertise on my side. All of the professionals at ITS are first -rate, and I couldn’t have achieved the results I did without their exceptional support. [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: David on 11/21/2011]

Instant Tax Solutions did a great job. They answered all of our questions and made a stressful situation into something that was easier to handle.  [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Amy on 11/18/2011]

All of the interactions have been very professional at Instant Tax Solutions. I have no problem recommending them because they were straight forward and were able to make me feel comfortable to the point that they made dealing with the IRS comfortable. I cannot thank them enough. [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Gabriel on 11/15/2011]

I was very stressed about my situation but found relief from using Instant Tax Solutions. They stayed on top of things and took care of my IRS problem. [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Sharon on 11/11/2011]

The Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of NAR Part 08, Section 39, says Arthur van der Vant, outlines the process for selection/appointment of arbitrators. Before an individual goes to REALTOR arbitration, he or she would be provided with a list of arbitrators to choose from, and/or to challenge. Arbitrators are REALTORS who happened to serve on the Professional Standards Committee at any given time, explains Arthur van der Vant.

1. Issue number one in selecting arbitrators is that the party in arbitration would only be given the individual REALTOR’s name and the name of the brokerage company he/she works for. No other information as to their qualifications would be provided. According to Arthur van der Vant, the NAR’s arbitration guidelines allow a party in arbitration to challenge any arbitrator on the list, based on qualifications but, asks Arthur van der Vant, how is it possible to determine their qualifications to begin with, if you do not know anything about them?

2. One of the qualifications based on which arbitrators are chosen is the familiarity with state(s) laws and regulations. Here, Arthur van der Vant outlines Part 08, Section 39 of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

Section 39. Selection and Appointment of the Professional Standards Committee
There shall be a Professional Standards Committee of at least ______ Board Members, in good standing, of whom at least a majority shall be REALTORS®, appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Board of Directors. Members of the Professional Standards Committee shall be selected to serve on Hearing Panels as required to hear matters of alleged unethical conduct by Board Members or to provide arbitration as requested. The committee shall annually select its own Chairperson and Vice Chairperson (or, alternatively, the President shall annually designate the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the committee).

In selecting members of the Professional Standards Committee, the President should consider the following recommended criteria:

• number of years as a REALTOR®
• number of years in the real estate business
• primary and secondary fields of real estate endeavor/expertise
• participation in post-licensing real estate education
• training in the Code of Ethics
• position in firm (principal, nonprincipal)
• size of firm
• common sense
• open-mindedness
• familiarity with state(s) laws and regulations
• receptiveness to instruction/training
• other relevant professional or procedural training

3. Some may argue that the REALTOR arbitration is an insult, says Arthur van der Vant, partially for the reason that judgments are passed and awards are entered by unqualified individuals who have no knowledge of the state laws and regulations. Their decisions are often misguided by favoritism and the only recourse to the arbitration verdict is an appeal to the Board of Directors of the REALTOR Association which must be filed within 10 days of issuing the Arbitration Award Notice.

4. It must be also noted, insists Arthur van der Vant, that to calculate the 10 days for a timely filing of an appeal request the REALTOR Association does not go by the date of party’s receipt of the Arbitration Award Notice, but by their date of mailing it. If the Arbitration Award Notice by any chance would be lost in mail, you would lose your opportunity to appeal. According to Arthur van der Vant, Realtor Boards typically mail Arbitration Award Notice via US Certified Mail with the Return Receipt Requested, but that is a slow process and you may receive the Arbitration Award Notice 5-8 days after it was mailed to you, leaving you only few days to respond, at best.

5. In the event you would have enough time to file an appeal, points out Arthur van der Vant, the Procedural Review would only be available and granted to you if the original arbitration panel made procedural error, not because they issued a wrong verdict that was not in compliance with the state law or regulation.

6. The Procedural Review Panel would be made of members of the Board of Directors of the REALTOR Association. Says Arthur van der Vant, Realtors who are elected Association’s Directors are elected from its REALTOR members and often for “political reasons” and not for their qualifications or knowledge of the state laws and regulations.

7. It must be noted, says Arthur van der Vant, that in the event your request for a Procedural Review is granted you would again receive a list of arbitrators to choose from. However, you would only be given a REALTOR’s (board member) name and the name of the brokerage company she/he works for. No other information as to their qualifications would be available. As Arthur van der Vant has already, stated NAR’s arbitration guidelines allow you to challenge any arbitrator on the list, but he points out that this might do little good, if there was no specific information to go by.

8. If you make to the Procedural Review, says Arthur van der Vant, you must know that those reviews are conducted covertly in full secrecy. NAR does NOT allow Court Reporters or any other type of recording during the Procedural Review, he claims. So if you later intended to bring a lawsuit in the court of law, you would have no proof of what has transpired during the Procedural Review proceedings. Such secrecy allows REALTOR Associations to protect the status quo, and to escape the scrutiny of the law, cites Arthur van der Vant.

OTHER OPTIONS

All arbitration proceedings are ruled by federal laws and state laws, notes Arthur van der Vant. In Illinois, this is the 710 ILCS Illinois Uniform Arbitration Act. Arthur van der Vant states that Illinois regulates arbitration through the variety of laws that govern issues pertaining to arbitration: (a) The law governing the arbitration agreement; (b) The law governing the arbitral tribunal and its proceedings (lex arbitri – procedural law); (c) The law governing the substance of the dispute; and (d) The law governing recognition and enforcement of the award. The Illinois Courts exercise jurisdiction over the seat of arbitration and have a supervisory role over the conduct of the arbitration. All arbitrations must be conducted in strict conformity with the Illinois Law (710 ILCS Illinois Uniform Arbitration Act).

(710 ILCS 5/3) (from Ch. 10, par. 103)
Sec. 3. Appointment of arbitrators.
If the arbitration agreement provides a method of appointment of arbitrators, this method shall be followed, reports Arthur van der Vant. In the absence thereof, any method of appointment of arbitrators agreed upon by the parties to the contract shall be followed. An arbitrator so appointed has all the powers of one specifically named in the agreement. When an arbitrator appointed fails or is unable to act, notes Arthur van der Vant, his successor shall be appointed in the same manner as the original appointment. If the method of appointment of arbitrators is not specified in the agreement and cannot be agreed upon by the parties, the entire arbitration agreement shall terminate.

1. Without an Arbitration Agreement you would NOT be able to bring action into arbitration, but you could in the court of law.

2. On the other hand, if you willingly participate in an arbitration – even if it is improperly conducted and the arbitration award is not issued in conformity with the law, you might have waived your legal rights because you voluntarily submitted yourself to NAR’s jurisdiction.

3. Arthur van der Vant says that another alternative may be having an arbitration agreement by and between parties to a transaction, which designates other arbitration venue, for example American Arbitration Association (AAA). With AAA you would have a transparent system where retired Judges and/or other highly qualified attorneys are making decisions. They have spent their lives on the law and its application and they are familiar with state(s) laws and regulations.

Arthur van der Vant is a Receiver and Assignee located in Cook County, Illinois. He is an expert in commercial real estate and corporate turnaround management with over 10,000 projects to his credit. As a member of several professional organizations, including the Turnaround Management Association and the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, Arthur van der Vant is up to date on every aspect of his profession. He is one of only a handful of Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM), and has trained at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC. Currently, Arthur van der Vant serves Illinois State and Federal Courts as a Receiver, and as an Assignee in Assignments for Benefit of Creditors (ABC).

For more information or to contact Arthur van der Vant, please call 800-496-9107.

The data contained in this publication is for information purpose only. The accuracy of the data contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. The author and/or publisher do not engage in rendering legal, accounting, or any other professional advice, and suggests that the services of a professional in those fields should be sought. Any liability, loss, or risk, personal, or otherwise incurred as a result of using any of the information herein stated is not the responsibility of the author and/or publisher.

According to Houghtaling the Gauthier firm, now known as the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, began to stagnate. “We lacked leadership and that began to take its toll,” says the managing partner of the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm. The future Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams managing partner John W. Houghtaling continued to do “the only thing [he] knew to do” and that was to work hard. Arriving at the office at 6 AM every day and being the last to leave was exhausting, but in the long run it would pay off for the future Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law partner.

During this time period, law firm partners quarreled over firm leadership and who would control the firm now known as Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law. “There was a lot of inner office politics and confusion over who was ‘in charge,’” recalls Houghtaling, “I was just passionate about my work and now as the managing partner of law firm Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, I think it paid off.”

Houghtaling, before the law firm became known as Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, tapped a young attorney named James Williams to partner with him in the work. “The other partners of the Gauthier firm were still quibbling,” says Houghtaling. “Williams and I began to basically build a law firm, inside a law firm.” The future partners of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law brought in new clients. In addition, when the parent organization of the Gauthier firm would lay off personnel and staff, Houghtaling and Williams would hire them as their staff. By 2005, the Gauthier firm had all but become the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams. There was only one last step for the future managing partner of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, and that was to purchase the actual law firm.

“Wendell’s family gave their blessing to the purchase,” says Houghtaling, who would then officially become the managing partner of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm. “The future Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm had the clients, we had the money and now we had the family blessing,” adds Houghtaling. Houghtaling purchased the law firm, making Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams official. Yet the newly established Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm would experience something they could have never planned for – Hurricane Katrina.

Both Williams and Houghtaling agree that they were “feeling on top of the world” with the establishment of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law. And while Katrina could have devastated the newly minted Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, the opposite took place. “It was during the aftermath of Katrina that the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams grew,” notes Williams. During this time of recovery Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law became known for being a major force in helping the victims of Katrina.

For more information about the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, visit them online at http://www.ghwlegal.com.

About Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law

The law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams has redefined the meaning of excellence in legal representation of clients. Nationally and internationally respected for many years, the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams is a continuation of the Gauthier firm that gained major prominence with a landmark decision for clients devastated by the 1980 fire at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. That wrongful death suit is only one milestone on a list that includes over $85 million in insurance recoveries for victims of Hurricane Katrina, $13 million for the families following a major airline crash, and the landmark $246 billion negotiated deal with tobacco companies concerning their hidden knowledge of the dangerous consequences of tobacco smoke.

On an international level, successful decisions won by the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm and its founder, the late nationally respected trial attorney Wendell Gauthier, include a $9.25 million breach of contract settlement in El Salvador and intervention on behalf of victims exposed to poisonous contamination in Bhopal, India. Since 2003, the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams has collected over $138 million for businesses and individual clients, representing negotiated contracts totaling over one quarter of a billion dollars.

The law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams was one of the first in America to establish the use of mock trials. With a retired judge presiding, a jury of peers selected from the area of trial and set within a simulated courtroom, the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm is able to try a case before it ever goes to court. Using modern day technology, legal experts are able to adjust their strategies depending upon the reaction of the mock jury in deliberation. As well, the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm shares jury deliberation videos with opposing counsel to facilitate settlement. Over the years, the strategy of mock jury deliberation video sharing has recovered over $4 billion for clients.

The Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm continues to redefine excellence by boasting some of the top legal talent in the nation. Wendell Gauthier, law firm founder, was ranked one of the “Nations Top 10 Litigation Lawyers” and named three times to the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in America” by National Law Journal. His legal acumen and success was featured in two major book publications and was the motivation for the central character in John Grisham’s hit book and movie, “The Runaway Jury.”

In 2005, Managing Partner John Houghtaling was named to the leadership position of the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling, and Williams. Mr. Houghtaling was named to the 2010 edition of Louisiana Super Lawyers, an honor that is achieved by peer recognition and professional achievement in twelve indicating areas. Only ten years prior, Mr. Houghtaling had embarked on his career with the Gauthier law firm by moving boxes in the file room. Now, at the age of 39, Mr. Houghtaling has negotiated for his individual clients of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm an astonishing $100 million dollars.

The law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams has been widely recognized for its legal excellence in the areas of product liability, wrongful death, personal injury, medical malpractice, insurance disputes, class actions and labor and employment disputes. The law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams also dominates in the areas of business, civil, commercial, complex, gaming, and hurricane litigation.

Legal representation is not the only area in which the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm redefines excellence. Whether it is participation in the Louis A. Martinet Society promoting social justice for the community and legal profession, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, or charity work following Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm believes in serving the community with excellence. Working in and supporting the New Orleans community is extremely important to John Houghtaling and the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling, and Williams.

For more information about the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling, and Williams, visit them online at http://www.ghwlegal.com or call (504) 456-8600.

The law firm, says John W. Houghtaling, has regularly donated to many not-for profits.  “The list includes the Louisiana Bar’s Pro Bono Project, Louisiana Trooper Association, the Susan B. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research and Crimestoppers,” states John W. Houghtaling.  Additionally the firm, says John W. Houghtaling “was proud to sponsor a toy giveaway” for Destiny’s Children, a nonprofit helping inner city kids.

Continuing the belief of giving, John W. Houghtaling’s law firm donated $35,000 to the Louis A. Martinet foundation.  According to John W. Houghtaling, the Louis A. Martinet foundation upholds social justice in the community and for the legal profession. John W. Houghtaling also accepted an appointment to fundraising chair for the Archbishop’s Community Appeal in 2007.  “This group benefits Catholic charities and several other nonprofits,” explains John W. Houghtaling.

Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, according to John W. Houghtaling, sponsored the Annual French Quarter Classic delivering toys to children in a local Children’s hospital.  The group, known for collecting exotic cars, and in cooperation with John W. Houghtaling collected $15,000 for Make-A-Wish foundation.  At a later date, John W. Houghtaling personally matched that donation.  “I want to support an organization that offers hope to children seemingly lacking hope,” adds John W. Houghtaling.

“When I have a chance to support the community,” notes John W. Houghtaling of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, “I will do all that I can to make that support happen.”  According to John W. Houghtaling, financially blessing the community will always be a fundamental piece of the legal firm.  “I know – we all know – that there were people along our paths that helped us, now we simply want to do the same,” concludes John W. Houghtaling.

John W. Houghtaling is the Managing Partner of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams. For more information, visit the law firm on the web at http://ghwlegal.com.

About John W. Houghtaling

Loving the drama of the courtroom would lead John W. Houghtaling from modest means and background to managing partner and ownership of the prestigious Gauthier firm in New Orleans, now renamed Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams.

It was at Emory where John W. Houghtaling had first heard the name Wendell Gauthier.  While at College his mother sent him a newspaper article about pending big tobacco litigation and the famed attorney, John W. Houghtaling would remember the name some time later.  A fellow Loyola law school student was bragging about his work with the nationally known Gauthier firm.  John W. Houghtaling pressed for details only to find that the classmate had done manual labor, not legal work.  Yet the enterprising John W. Houghtaling saw a door of opportunity where most would have not, and took the next step.

Wearing a suit and tie and carrying his laptop, John W. Houghtaling reported to work at the Gauthier firm, moving boxes for $8.00 an hour.  And though he was told he looked “silly” and that he should dress more appropriately for the job, John W. Houghtaling dressed for success – every day – to move boxes.  One day, that dress-for-success mentality paid off when the legendary Wendell Gauthier was unsuccessfully looking for a lawyer to write a letter.  John W. Houghtaling stepped up and offered his writing services.  The rest is history.

Starting at 6 AM everyday and ending his day after everyone else had left the office, John W. Houghtaling, in the next step of his life as an attorney for the Gauthier firm, was a tireless worker.  Passionate about his work and able to choose the cases in which he was interested, John W. Houghtaling began showing Wendell Gauthier and the other partners his value and keen legal mind.  Yet something would happen that would devastate both the Gauthier firm – and John.

In 2001, after a brief battle with liver cancer, Wendell Gauthier died at the age of 58.  The loss of his mentor precipitated the unseen next step for John W. Houghtaling.  While the other partners of the Gauthier firm bickered over leadership roles, John W. Houghtaling continued his tireless work.  Bringing in new clients, hiring his own staff from people who had been laid off by the stagnating Gauthier firm and even tapping the partnership of James Williams, John W. Houghtaling saw his next opportunity.  With the blessing of the Gauthier family and enough money, clients and staff, John W. Houghtaling purchased the law firm in which just ten years earlier, he had carried books.

In 2005, at the age of 33, John W. Houghtaling became managing partner of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams.

Do you feel pinched by your credit card company even after years of consistent payments?  You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.  The good news is that there is help out there.  My assistance came in the form of Liberty Settlements of Houston, TX.

When this financial crisis struck the country, people nationwide were caught in a position of unemployment after years of consistent work.  I was one of the lucky ones.  I didn’t get laid off, but I got laid back.  My hours and my pay were cut about 25%.  At first my wife and I worried about making ends meet. I was still paying our basic monthly bills like rent and utilities.  I could still buy groceries.  Then the unthinkable happened.

My credit card company, to address my lost wages – get this – actually hiked my interest rate up!  Next thing I knew my minimum payment was nearly twice what I was used to.  It was only a matter of time before I ended up broke; there was no way to keep up.  I was at the end of my rope.  My phone was ringing off the hook from insistent creditors.  After a few low weeks, I decided I wasn’t going to live like this.

I did some research on the Internet and discovered Liberty Settlements.  Liberty Settlements is a debt negotiation firm that is helping me pull out of the pit of debt my credit card company has placed me in.  Liberty Settlements also relieved me of a lot of stress.  You see, they do the calling and haggling with the credit card companies.  I stop getting hounded.  And while I follow a savings plan, Liberty is negotiating a settlement with my creditors.

Soon the credit card company will accept my offer through Liberty Settlements, at a much lower payoff than what I initially owed.  I will pay that settled amount from my savings plan.  My credit rating will survive, and I will be debt free.  I don’t think my wife and I could have accomplished this whole process without Liberty Settlements.

Credit card companies depend on consumers who struggle to pay off  debt.  They actively look for consumers who submit minimum payments each month.  Those of us who survive this way are familiar with the feelings of stress, discomfort, and even shame that this type of usury creates.  Liberty Settlements knows this and they can help stop it.

The market crashed.  Jobs evaporated.  Consumers have less money now than ever.  At this critical moment, credit card companies have chosen to cut throats – our throats.  The throats of the same customers they’ve been generating income from, for years.  They’ve mercilessly raised interest rates and the required minimum payments are now much higher. Unless we know about companies like Liberty Settlements, we will never get the pressure off our lives.

Who can we turn to, the government?  The government bailout may be aiding the banks that run the credit card companies, but it’s not helping the little guy.  The government is not doing a thing that eliminates the pressure of the average consumer.  What about credit counselors?  Credit counselors are going to tell us what we already know, maybe give us some free therapy while we moan about our debt problems, but offer no critical solutions.

It’s time to look into debt settlement.  Debt settlement firms, like Liberty Settlements, provide the same services to individual consumers that have been available to companies for decades – clearing debts.

Liberty Settlements knocks heads with the credit card powerhouses, negotiating a settlement with them on our behalf.  The folks at Liberty Settlements run interference for us, confronting predatory credit card companies.  In turn, this gives consumers elbow room to save some money to satisfy creditors.  By the time Liberty Settlements is done negotiating, their clients will usually pay half or less of what they initially owed the credit card companies.  Voila!  Liberty Settlements provides a real solution.

1. Never release your social security number.  Only release your social security number when it is absolutely necessary says Matt Mullhofer.
2. Use a corporation or another entity for major transactions.
3. Avoid writing checks because they leave an extensive paper trail.
4. According to Matt Mullhofer when investing offshore, ensure that you are in compliance with all laws and reporting requirements.
5. Only disclose what is necessary to financial institutions.
6. Maximize the bearer transactions that are not reported under your name.
7. Use financial professionals that will keep your financial information confidential.  Attorneys are bound to keep all of your information confidential.
8. Always have your accountant work through your lawyer to insure confidentiality told Matt Mullhofer.
9. Use a post office box or drop box for mail correspondence.
10. Avoid using safety deposit boxes, use private vaults instead.
11. Prepare a living trust to bequeath your property.  This will avoid the high cost associated with probate as well as any loss of privacy.
12. Arrange your investments so that you can provide the least possible amount of financial information.

About Matt Mullhofer

Matt Mullhofer has been practicing law since 1999, and has owned and operated the Law Office of Matt Mullhofer, PC since 2000. The goal of Matt Mullhofer is to provide professional legal services to the clients of ProtectMyAssets.

While volumes can be written about the needs of estate planning, sometimes it is easiest to have a short simple check list. To that end, here is a two minute check list that may help facilitate a more comprehensive discussion. Every estate needs the following:

A Will:

This legal document tells who will manage your estate. A will is a document containing your instructions and wishes as to how your property and assets are to be distributed after your death says Matthew Mullhofer. Any person, of any age, should seriously consider a will at the earliest possible time. It is the expression of your wishes concerning how your property will be distributed. It is a written statement, signed in compliance with you state guidelines. It is a legal document containing the names of the people you want to benefit, as well as details of your possessions at the date of your death. Matthew Mullhofer knows that your property and possessions include everything you own; your home, land, vehicles, bank accounts, benefits of insurance policies, furniture, boat, investments such as shares of stock, personal jewellery, artwork, and so on. A will is the only way you can ensure your assets will be distributed according to your wishes.

A Letter of instruction:

This document addresses financial and personal issues that must be attended to after your death. It is generally less formal then your will and can be much more to the point.  One of the most important features of a letter of instruction reflects Matthew Mullhofer, is it provides specific information regarding personal preferences in medical or funeral care and details concerning dispersion or care of your personal assets that your legal documents may not outline. Letters of instruction can be used for many different things, but one of their main uses is simply to lead the person who must settle your estate through the process step by step in plain language that he or she can easily understand says Matthew Mullhofer.

Advance directive:

While this document may be referred to by different names, its intent is straight forward. These documents refer to health care directives, living wills, health care (medical) powers of attorney, and other personalized directives. It is a legal document that you as the signor defines your desire to be kept alive by extraordinary medical efforts. Matthew Mullhofer has utilized this type of document for many of his clients. This is particularly important if you suffer from a terminal illness or are severely disabled and can no longer make decisions for yourself. This document eliminates the distress that your loved ones might other wise be faced with.

Power Of Attorney:

This is the document that gives another person legal authority to act on your behalf. When you create this document, you are acting as the principal and the person you giving the power to is called your attorney in fact. Matthew Mullhofer acts as an attorney in fact for many of his clients. If you create a durable power of attorney, that document will continue in effect even if you become incapacitated. While this document can serve as a directive for many things, it is core needs for every estate. There are many details involved in each one of these documents. As you review your current situation these brief definitions may help. Being prepared for such a discussion is half of the process.

Matthew Mullhofer is a practicing attorney In Orange County, California. Matthew Mullhofer specializes in the protection of client property by providing estate planning; living trust preparation and asset protection. The Matthew Mullhofer firm may be reached at 877-246-2770.8877-246-77.246.2770.