Legal & Debt Solutions
Debt Counselling · 200 reviews
#1
Rank
9.1/10
Our Score
How we rate
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Debt Counselling Terms
Min Debt
Any amount
Process Length
36–60 months
Initial Fee
R0
Monthly Fee
NCR-regulated
NCR Number
Not listed
Services Offered
- ✓Debt Counselling
- ✓Debt Review
- ✓Debt Relief
- ✓Debt Consolidation
- ✓Debt Solutions
Top Loans from Our Experts
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓ No upfront fees charged to clients entering the debt review process
- ✓ Immediate legal protection against creditor action once the Section 86 process is initiated
- ✓ Single consolidated monthly payment replaces multiple creditor obligations, simplifying budgeting
- ✓ Clients retain their assets, including home and vehicle, throughout the review process
- ✓ Offices in both Durban and Johannesburg providing accessibility across two major provinces
- ✓ Consistently high customer satisfaction scores based on independent verified reviews, with praise for individual consultants by name
- ✓ Real-world case studies published on their website demonstrate meaningful reductions in monthly repayments and interest rates for clients
Disadvantages
- ✗ No NCR registration number (NCRDC) is publicly displayed on the website, making independent verification of regulatory status difficult
- ✗ Specific fee structures, including restructuring fees and monthly aftercare fees, are not transparently disclosed on the website
- ✗ The debt review process typically takes between 36 and 60 months, requiring a long-term commitment from the client
- ✗ Consumers under debt review are flagged on their credit profile for the duration of the process, which limits access to further credit
- ✗ New credit applications are not permitted while a consumer is under formal debt review
- ✗ Debt review is only available to consumers with a regular income, excluding those who are unemployed or informally employed without verifiable earnings
- ✗ The process involves court proceedings to make the repayment plan an order of court, which some clients may find daunting without adequate guidance
About Legal & Debt Solutions
Legal & Debt Solutions is a South African debt counselling firm with offices in Durban (Mount Edgecombe) and Johannesburg (Fourways), offering professional debt relief services to consumers who are struggling to meet their monthly financial obligations. The company operates under the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 and provides formal debt review (Section 86), debt counselling, debt consolidation, and related debt relief services designed to help clients regain financial control without losing their homes, vehicles, or other assets.
The firm focuses on restructuring existing debt obligations into a single, reduced monthly payment by negotiating directly with creditors on the client's behalf. Once a client is accepted into the debt review process, they receive immediate legal protection against creditor harassment and legal action, giving them the breathing room needed to work through their obligations in a structured and manageable way.
Legal & Debt Solutions positions itself as an accessible, client-centred service, advertising no upfront fees and a straightforward three-step process. With a strong customer satisfaction track record reflected in independent reviews, the company has built a reputation for clear communication, empathetic service, and practical guidance for South Africans navigating serious debt challenges.
How Does Legal & Debt Solutions Work?
The process begins with a free initial consultation during which a debt counsellor reviews the client's full financial picture, including income, living expenses, and all outstanding debt obligations, to determine whether they qualify as over-indebted under the National Credit Act. If the client qualifies, the debt counsellor formally applies to all registered credit bureaus and notifies all creditors that the client has applied for debt review under Section 86 of the NCA, triggering immediate legal protection against further creditor action. A restructured repayment proposal is then negotiated with creditors, aiming to reduce both monthly repayments and applicable interest rates, and this plan is submitted to the National Consumer Tribunal or a magistrate's court to be made an order of court. Once confirmed, the client makes a single monthly payment through a registered Payment Distribution Agency, which distributes funds to all creditors according to the agreed plan until all debts are settled and a clearance certificate is issued.
Requirements
- South African resident with a valid South African identity document
- Regular, verifiable income (employed or self-employed with provable earnings)
- Proof of over-indebtedness, meaning monthly debt repayments exceed or significantly strain disposable income
- Recent payslips or bank statements reflecting income and existing debit orders
- A full list of all creditors, account numbers, and outstanding balances
- Not currently under debt administration, sequestration, or another active debt review process
- Willingness to commit to the full debt review process and refrain from applying for new credit during the review period
Who Is Legal & Debt Solutions Best For?
Legal & Debt Solutions is best suited to South African consumers who earn a regular income but find themselves unable to comfortably meet all their monthly debt repayments across multiple creditors, including credit cards, personal loans, vehicle finance, or home loans. It is particularly relevant for individuals who are facing creditor calls, potential legal action, or are spending more than they can afford each month servicing debt, and who want a structured, legally protected path to becoming debt-free without surrendering their assets.
Is Legal & Debt Solutions Safe & Legit?
Debt review in South Africa is a formally regulated process governed by the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 and overseen by the National Credit Regulator. All legitimate debt counsellors are required to hold a valid NCR registration number in the format NCRDCxxxx, and consumers are encouraged to verify their debt counsellor's registration directly on the NCR website before signing any agreements. While Legal & Debt Solutions does not prominently display an NCRDC number on their public website, consumers can and should request this number directly from the company to confirm compliance before proceeding.
Registered Credit Provider (NCR)
Our Full Review
Legal & Debt Solutions is a dedicated South African debt counselling firm operating from offices in Mount Edgecombe, KwaZulu-Natal, and Fourways, Johannesburg. The company focuses exclusively on helping over-indebted South African consumers restructure and resolve their debt obligations through formal and informal debt relief mechanisms. Their service offering spans debt review, debt counselling, debt consolidation, and broader debt solutions, positioning them as a comprehensive resource for consumers at various stages of financial distress.
The debt counselling process at Legal & Debt Solutions follows the standard framework established by the National Credit Act. Once a client makes contact, a consultant assesses their financial situation to confirm over-indebtedness. If the client qualifies, the formal Section 86 debt review application is submitted, notifying all relevant creditors and credit bureaus. The debt counsellor then negotiates reduced repayment terms and lower interest rates with each creditor, consolidating all obligations into a single affordable monthly payment. Case studies published on the company's website illustrate meaningful outcomes: one example shows a client's monthly repayments reduced from R62 800 to R31 530 with the interest rate dropping from 32.5% to 7%, while another reflects a reduction from R18 408 to R11 200 with the rate falling from 26.5% to 4%. These figures, while specific to individual circumstances, reflect the genuine potential of the debt review process when negotiated effectively.
On the subject of fees, Legal & Debt Solutions explicitly advertises no upfront fees, which aligns with good industry practice and NCR guidelines. The NCR regulates the fees that debt counsellors may charge, including a once-off restructuring fee and a monthly aftercare fee typically capped at 5% of the monthly distribution or R450, whichever is lower. However, the company's website does not detail its specific fee schedule, and prospective clients are advised to request a full written fee disclosure before committing to the process, as required by the NCA.
Customer feedback for Legal & Debt Solutions is notably positive, with a high trust score based on a substantial number of verified reviews. Recurring themes in client feedback include praise for individual consultants, with staff members such as Thandi, Zitho, and Tafa mentioned by name for their professionalism, clarity of explanation, and empathetic approach. Clients consistently highlight the relief of having a clear plan in place and being protected from creditor pressure. This level of personalised service is an important differentiator in a sector where clear communication can make a significant difference to client confidence and outcomes.
Overall, Legal & Debt Solutions presents as a credible and client-focused debt counselling service with demonstrated results and strong customer satisfaction. The main area for improvement is greater transparency on their website regarding NCR registration credentials and fee disclosures. Prospective clients should request the company's NCRDC registration number and a full written fee breakdown before signing any agreements. Subject to that verification, Legal & Debt Solutions represents a solid option for over-indebted South Africans seeking a structured, legally protected route to becoming debt-free.
User Reviews (200)
I had a very good service experience…
I had a very good service experience with Thandi
Tandi o thusise hantle and i…
Thandi o thusise hantle and i understand everything she explained to me.
Good communication and service,thank…
Good communication and service,thank you so much Zitho.
Efficient!
Smart, efficient with 0 hassles. Thanks to the team I was able to reconstruct my debts and get me back to where I need to be.
Respect,kind and helpfull from Tandi.I…
Respect,kind and helpfull from Tandi.I appreciate her service
Great Experience
My experience was great, smooth and hassle free. I really appreciate the Legal & Debt Solutions team and a special thanks to Tafa!
Tandi minty
Ngiyabonga kwi company ngosizo
Thandi
Thandi Happy Thandi assist me Thandi Happy, Thandi assist me
Thandi
The productive is great, Thandi's approach and clear communication made the process super smooth. Thank you.
Excellent speaker
Excellent speaker Friendly conversation Straight to the point Understanding Knows her job very well
The respond and feedback I always get…was always on point
The respond and feedback I always get went I inquire and the assistance given everytime I get massages from places I owed money
Thanks for your help Sis Thandy♥️😘
Thanks for your help, I really appreciate all of your hard work 👏❤️😍and I hope this it will help me a lot thank you so much 😘😍♥️
“TANDI” first off all she was so good…
“TANDI” first off all she was so good like everything was so clear she made me believe that on this viva Lgal & debt solutions viva tandi👌
Thandi tshangase
They good at they work , they know how to help someone, I'm so great full to meet you guys
Yugen was the most patient and graceful…
Yugen was the most patient and graceful rep i have ever met. Quick response very helpful. Lds you have GOLD in her!!!!!
I would wish to behelp by Thandi In…
I would wish to behelp by Thandi In future cause she is accurate with time and. Good approach and she know how to do follow up wish she do it for other clients Im impressed.
Most impressive is Yugen's response…she had never left any query unresolved.
Most impressive is Yugen's response time to any query as well as resolving it so expeditiously. She even went to the extent of attending to matters on a weekend! Always ready to satisfy me .
Zitho has been such a help and she made…
Zitho has been such a help and she made me so aware and explained everything so that I could understand exactly what I am getting myself into ... a life changer
I haven't received anything yet
I haven't received anything yet
Tandi was very patient and she if very…
Tandi was very patient and she if very good at communicating she doesn’t just go straight to the point she makes jokes along to make sure you are comfortable and I am looking forward to be helped by her again 🥰🥰
Showing 20 of 200 reviews
Contact Legal & Debt Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Legal & Debt Solutions offer?
Legal & Debt Solutions offers debt counselling, formal debt review under Section 86 of the National Credit Act, debt consolidation, debt relief, and general debt solutions. These services are designed to help over-indebted South African consumers restructure their existing debt obligations into a manageable repayment plan, not to provide new credit or loans.
Is Legal & Debt Solutions registered with the NCR?
All debt counsellors operating legally in South Africa must be registered with the National Credit Regulator and hold a valid NCRDC registration number. Legal & Debt Solutions does not display an NCRDC number on their public website. Consumers are strongly advised to request this registration number directly from the company and verify it on the NCR's official website at ncr.org.za before entering into any agreement.
How long does the debt review process take?
The formal debt review process typically takes between 36 and 60 months, depending on the total amount of debt owed and the restructured repayment terms negotiated with creditors. Debt consolidation or settlement arrangements outside of formal review may be completed in a shorter timeframe. The exact duration will be determined during the initial assessment based on your specific financial circumstances.
What fees does Legal & Debt Solutions charge?
Legal & Debt Solutions advertises no upfront fees. Under NCR guidelines, debt counsellors may charge a regulated restructuring fee and a monthly aftercare fee, typically 5% of the monthly payment distributed to creditors, capped at R450 per month. The company's website does not publish its full fee schedule, so prospective clients should request a detailed written breakdown of all applicable fees before signing any agreement, as required under the National Credit Act.
Can I take out new credit while under debt review?
No. Once you are formally placed under debt review under Section 86 of the National Credit Act, you are prohibited from applying for or taking on any new credit for the duration of the process. This restriction is a legal requirement and is in place to protect you from accumulating additional debt while you are working through your existing obligations.
Will I lose my home or vehicle if I go under debt review?
No. One of the key benefits of debt review is that it allows you to retain your assets, including your home and vehicle, provided you continue to make your restructured monthly payments as agreed. The debt review process is specifically designed to make repayments affordable enough that you can maintain these commitments without surrendering your assets.
What happens when I complete the debt review process?
Once all debts included in your debt review plan have been fully repaid, your debt counsellor will issue you with a Section 71 clearance certificate. This certificate is submitted to all registered credit bureaus, and your debt review status is removed from your credit profile. You will then be free to apply for credit again and your credit record will begin to recover over time.
How do I get started with Legal & Debt Solutions?
You can contact Legal & Debt Solutions by calling their Johannesburg office on 010 745 8499 or their Durban office on 031 828 5035, or by completing the enquiry form on their website at ldsolutions.co.za. A consultant will contact you to assess your financial situation, confirm whether you qualify for debt review, and explain your options with no obligation and no upfront cost.