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DebtQuest USA
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Fitzgerald & Campbell in Santa Ana, CA
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Santa Ana-based law firm specializing in debt settlement, judgment resolution, and collection lawsuit defense for individuals and small businesses across California.
Data compiled from public sources
Fitzgerald & Campbell Review
Fitzgerald & Campbell, APLC is a California-based debt relief law firm founded by Greg Fitzgerald, who brings over 30 years of legal experience in consumer and commercial debt matters. The firm claims to have eliminated over $180 million in client debt through negotiation and settlement. Operating since 1992, the firm positions itself as a consumer protection-focused practice that handles cases for individuals overwhelmed by debt as well as small business owners facing financial difficulties.
The firm offers comprehensive debt relief services including debt settlement negotiation, collection lawsuit defense, judgment resolution, and assistance with business debts. They handle multiple debt types including credit card debt, medical debt, student loans, and business obligations. The firm advertises a free consultation process and provides an online calculator tool to estimate settlement costs, monthly payment requirements, and potential savings based on client debt amounts.
Fitzgerald & Campbell distinguishes itself through founder Greg Fitzgerald's published work, including a bestselling book titled "The Bankruptcy Alternative: Keys to Successful Debt Settlement," which positions the firm as thought leaders in debt settlement alternatives. The firm emphasizes a "Perfect Client Life Cycle" approach and highlights award-winning legal representation. Real client results are prominently displayed, including cases showing debt reductions of several hundred thousand dollars and judgment vacations.
As with many debt settlement firms, prospective clients should understand that settlement typically involves negotiating debts down to a percentage of the original balance, requires months or years to complete, may impact credit scores during the process, and involves attorney fees (the website indicates an 18% settlement fee assumption). The firm operates exclusively in California, limiting accessibility for out-of-state consumers.
Services & Features
Business debt resolution
Collection lawsuit defense and representation
Credit card debt settlement
Debt settlement cost estimation calculator
Debt settlement negotiation and reduction
Free initial consultation
Judgment resolution and vacation
Medical debt negotiation
Settlement plan development and management
Student loan debt assistance
Feature Checklist
Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30+ years of founder experience specifically in debt negotiation and collection defense
- Claims $180 million+ in total client debt eliminated
- Serves both individual consumers and small business clients
- Free consultation offered to evaluate debt relief options
- Online calculator tool provides instant estimates for settlement costs and potential savings
- Handles multiple debt types: credit card, medical, student loans, business debt, and judgments
- Published educational resources (bestselling book) on debt settlement alternatives
Cons
- Only serves California clients despite national debt relief market
- Settlement fees of approximately 18% add significant cost to debt relief process
- Website does not disclose typical timeline for debt settlement completion or default interest implications
- No information provided about success rates, client acceptance criteria, or debt amount minimums
- Debt settlement can negatively impact credit scores during the settlement period, not clearly emphasized
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State Consumer Finance Context
This is state-level context for Debt Relief consumers in Santa Ana, CA. It does not confirm that Fitzgerald & Campbell or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Consumer protection
Credit and debt help rules in California
Relevant law: California Credit Services Act of 1984 (Cal. Civ. Code § 1789.10-1789.26)
Registration: Required with California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Upfront fees: Listed as prohibited in the current CreditDoc state summary
- Credit repair companies must provide a written contract disclosing all terms, conditions, and cancellation rights before any services are performed
- Prohibition on making false or misleading statements about the company's ability to improve credit records or remove accurate negative information
- Companies cannot charge or collect fees until services are actually delivered and the consumer has received the promised results
Key state rules to check
- Payday loans capped at $300 with maximum fee of $15 per $100 (459% APR equivalent).
- The California Consumer Financial Protection Law grants DFPI broad enforcement authority.
- Licensed finance lenders under the California Financing Law can charge rates above usury for loans under $10,000.
Complaint resources
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Fitzgerald & Campbell offer?
Fitzgerald & Campbell offers 10 services including Debt settlement negotiation and reduction, Collection lawsuit defense and representation, Judgment resolution and vacation, Business debt resolution, Credit card debt settlement, and 5 more.
What profile signals are listed for Fitzgerald & Campbell?
Fitzgerald & Campbell has profile signals associated with California residents with $10,000+ in unsecured debt seeking settlement alternatives to bankruptcy, Small business owners facing significant commercial debt or judgment liabilities, Individuals being actively pursued by collection agencies or facing collection lawsuits.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Fitzgerald & Campbell?
Key strengths: 30+ years of founder experience specifically in debt negotiation and collection defense; Claims $180 million+ in total client debt eliminated; Serves both individual consumers and small business clients. Areas to consider: Only serves California clients despite national debt relief market; Settlement fees of approximately 18% add significant cost to debt relief process.
How does Fitzgerald & Campbell compare to similar companies?
In the Debt Relief category, comparable providers include DebtQuest USA, Debt Consolidation And Credit Counseling Brownsville Texas, USAvsDEBT-Holdings, LLC. DEBT RELIEF. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 801 N Parkcenter Dr Suite 107, Santa Ana, CA 92705
- BBB Accredited
- No
CreditDoc Profile Note
Research Note on Fitzgerald & Campbell
Best suited for California consumers with substantial unsecured debt ($10,000+) who want to avoid bankruptcy and can afford attorney fees of approximately 18% of settled amounts. Primary caveat: debt settlement takes months to years, may harm credit during the process, and is only available to California residents; consumers should verify they qualify for settlements before engaging.
Profile Signals
- California residents with $10,000+ in unsecured debt seeking settlement alternatives to bankruptcy
- Small business owners facing significant commercial debt or judgment liabilities
- Individuals being actively pursued by collection agencies or facing collection lawsuits
Updated 2026-04-29
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Compare Your Needs With Fitzgerald & Campbell
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Quick Summary
- Fitzgerald & Campbell is listed as a Debt Relief provider in Santa Ana, CA on CreditDoc.
- Use this page to check contact details, location, listed services, review signals, FAQs, and similar providers before deciding what to do next.
- If you need a loan, account, installment option, credit help, or debt support, start with the fit quiz and compare alternatives before contacting a provider.
- For broader context, continue into the free Credit Fundamentals course or a relevant financial wellness guide.
Next Steps
Find contact or location Check phone, address, map, and website availability. Check specific services See whether the provider lists the help you need. Review fit context Use the quiz to compare category, service, and public-rating fields. Compare alternatives Review similar providers before making contact. Improve your position How to Do Debt Consolidation Yourself Without a Company Learn the basics Start the free Credit Fundamentals course.
Financial Wellness Guides
How to Do Debt Consolidation Yourself Without a Company
A step-by-step guide to consolidating your debt on your own, without paying a debt consolidation company. Covers balance transfers, personal loans, the snowball method, and negotiating directly with creditors.
Read guide →Financial Fresh Start: A 90-Day Reset Plan for Any Situation
A step-by-step 90-day plan to assess your finances, attack debt, dispute errors, and rebuild credit. Real timelines, specific actions, and legal protections you can use immediately.
Read guide →Debt Management Plans: How They Work and Who They Help
Learn how debt management plans reduce interest rates, negotiate with creditors, and help rebuild credit in 3–5 years. Real timelines and eligibility rules.
Read guide →Financial Terms Explained (14 terms)
New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
How Loans Work
Default — Loan Default
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Why it matters
Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example
You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
Legal Terms
CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.
Why it matters
The CFPB is your most powerful ally against high-cost lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.
Example
A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.
FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and are required to stop contacting you if you request in writing.
Why it matters
Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you may have a right to sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.
Example
A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.
Garnishment — Wage Garnishment
A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and has obtained a judgment.
Why it matters
Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.
Example
You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.
Statute of Limitations — Statute of Limitations (Debt)
A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.
Why it matters
Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.
Example
You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.
Debt & Recovery
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)
A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.
Why it matters
Chapter 13 may be more relevant than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.
Example
You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)
A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.
Why it matters
Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income is generally required to be below your state's median to qualify.
Example
You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.
Charge-Off
When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.
Why it matters
A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.
Example
You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).
Collections — Debt Collections
When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.
Why it matters
Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.
Example
An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.
Debt Consolidation
Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.
Why it matters
Consolidation is generally most useful when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.
Example
You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.
Debt Settlement — Debt Settlement / Negotiation
Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.
Why it matters
Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.
Example
You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.
DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Why it matters
Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example
You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
Judgment — Court Judgment (Debt)
A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.
Why it matters
Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.
Example
A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and has obtained a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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