I had a few credit cards that I let go while in college, they were run up to the balance (which was about 0 each and not paid) because I was not able to pay them and didnt get help from family at the time. Of course, I really got attacked with fees, etc. So now, my credit score is very low and I am having a hard time. I didnt have a choice at the time, it was survival and I was also only between the age of 18 and 19 years old. My question is… I am not 23 and trying to clean up my score to get a car in the next year or two. I have not attempted to make payments yet and I am being told that I shouldnt even bother. They have long went to collections and It has been several years… i was told that they have to remove the items from my credit report by law after 7 years. I want to get an attorney and settle with the creditors for a lessor amt (the lowest amt the attorney can bargain for, and I was told they can usually get it knocked down very low) obviously and get the items taken off ASAP.

Is this the best way to go?

Do they remove the items ASAP? Does this immediately up your credit score or does it take time after that? I was wondering how long the process takes once they are told to remove the items for your score to go up?

Thanks!