Do I need to hire an attorney to help with my student loans?

It depends on your situation. If your student loans are private, defaulted, with a collection agency or law firm, or if you’ve been sued, we strongly suggest you contact us. For federal loans, you may be able to work directly with your servicer on income-driven repayment plans or forgiveness programs — but we can help guide you through those options as well.

Can I settle my student loans for less than I owe?

Yes, especially for private student loans. We’ve helped clients settle private student loan debt for 50% or less of the original balance. Settlement is typically most effective when loans have defaulted and been sent to collections. Federal loans are harder to settle, but there are other relief options available.

Do you work with Navient?

Yes, we work with Navient and many other major student loan servicers. We have experience negotiating with Navient’s attorneys and collectors to get our clients the best possible outcome. We also work with Sallie Mae, Nelnet, SoFi, Discover, National Collegiate Student Loans, and many others.

What happens when student loans default?

When student loans default, your credit score takes a hit, and the loans are typically sent to collection agencies. Creditors may garnish your wages, intercept tax refunds, or sue you for the balance. However, defaulted loans can also be good candidates for settlement — creditors may be willing to accept less than you owe to close the account.

Can student loan forgiveness programs help me?

Depending on your loan type, you may qualify for federal forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), income-driven repayment forgiveness, or Teacher Loan Forgiveness. These programs only apply to federal loans. For private loans, forgiveness isn’t available, but settlement can significantly reduce what you owe.

Should I refinance my federal loans into a private loan?

Be very careful. Refinancing federal loans into private loans means you lose access to federal protections like income-driven repayment plans, deferment, forbearance, and forgiveness programs. While refinancing might lower your interest rate, it could leave you with fewer options if you face financial hardship later. We can help you weigh the pros and cons.

How much does a student loan attorney cost?

Tayne Law Group offers free initial consultations and works on a flat monthly payment structure with no hidden fees. We don’t charge monthly service fees or take a percentage of your settlement — just one clear, affordable payment that fits your budget.

Can I negotiate student loan debt myself?

You can try, but student loan creditors are experienced negotiators who know most borrowers don’t understand their legal rights. An attorney can identify leverage points, navigate complex loan agreements, and negotiate from a position of knowledge. Self-negotiation rarely achieves the same results — and mistakes can be costly.