The economic recession has too many people wondering how they can possibly pay their loans and debts the way they agreed. Too many people have lost jobs or are dealing with a pay decrease, or may even have new expenses they have to meet. These are very stressful situations for everyone. There is some hope, though, in finding that loans can be renegotiated, fees can be removed, payment schedules rearranged, and payments reduced so that paying the debt is manageable once again.

In the absence of criminal liability for debt and debtor prisons, the lenders realize that their options are limited. If a debtor refuses to pay a debt, the lender only has a few courses open to them. Reporting the default to a credit bureau hurts the borrowers credit ranking, but does not necessarily result in repayment. A lender may also resort to seeking a remedy in court, but this process is time consuming and expensive and only makes sense for large loans. Further, a court remedy may not necessarily result in repayment.

Because they know their options are extremely limited and not always effective, many lenders have begun to renegotiate loan terms because they realize there is a greater chance of receiving payment that way. Their goal is to recoup as much of the outstanding loans without increasing their costs. Lenders know that court and collection fees increase their costs so they prefer to avoid it.

Renegotiating loan terms and payments is a good way to go for both the borrower and the lender. The goal of the lender is to have the debt repaid as much as possible, so even though they have to give up the original loan terms lenders realize this is preferable to court or collection fees. This practice has become so prevalent that many companies and banks now have special hardship departments for handling these situations. They receive the renegotiation requests and then can negotiate reduced payments and other terms of the loan or credit card.

Renegotiating is an uncomplicated process that starts with contacting the company holding the loan note that needs to be renegotiated. Asking in a straightforward way for the hardship department or for someone who can renegotiate loan terms will ensure that you are put in touch with the right person. As you talk with this person, carefully and clearly explain your situation in as much detail as possible, and make sure you have a plan you can offer for their consideration. Avoid becoming aggressive or threatening with this person in any way so that they know you are making a good-faith attempt at repaying your debt.

If you are truly incapable of paying back your debt you have nothing to lose by attempting to renegotiate your loans, and everything to gain. Remember that although the renegotiation process can be quite time consuming, and the lender may want documentation to substantiate your hardship situation, the result can be quite rewarding. Even if the lender refuses to renegotiate, you have put forth the effort and you are in no worse a position. There is satisfaction in making the effort.

Wendy Polisi is the founder of Credit Repair College and Finance the Dream. Finance the Dream is the nations leading provider of Rent to Own Houses,offering homes throughout the United States. For more information on free credit repair please visit her at Credit Repair College.