I am finally ready to face my horrible credit and have questions.  I
am very anxious about doing this and very embarrassed so I'm hoping
that being armed with information before starting the process will
help.  I have defaulted on my student loans (it's been at least five
years now) plus lots of little debts that have accumulated over the
years.

First, I know how and where to request my credit report from the three
main agencies.  However, once I do this will they sell my contact info
to my creditors so they will be able to contact me?  I know I will
need to contact them, but I want to do it when I am ready and able to
start payments.

Second, I am trying to go back to college and finish my degree.  Once
I set up payments, how soon after can I get my transcripts from my old
schools?    Does it differ per school or is there a standard time in
which they will release them?  (I am trying to see if I can make the
application deadline and need my transcipts obviously..)

Lastly, I know that debt consolidation companies are frowned upon and
not recommended (even had a banker tell me they are sometimes looked
upon worse than bankruptcies?!).  If I can avoid the constant onslaught
of calls from creditors, I would obviously like to do this.  Can I
hire a law firm to handle all this?  I heard of someone doing this to
repair their credit and it seemed to have worked but I don't know
details.  Are there legit consolidation options for school loans?

Thanks for your help!  I am determined to get my credit rating back.

First, Using a consolidation service such a Sallie Mae is not frowned
upon.  Just try to find one that wont cheat you.

Second, if you cannot pay your debts, you cannot pay an attorney.

If you want to know if credit reporting agencies will give you your
information, check their privacy policy on their website.

The question with regard to transcripts all depends.  Are you loans
through your school?  If so, yeah, thats a problem.  But I do remember
hearing about a lawsuit a while back... i dont remeber which state...
that said they cannot hold your transcript hostage to get you to pay
your debt/tuition.  Im sure Google can help you find the case Im
thinking of.

And of course, once you get back into school, (assuming it is full
time) you can put off those student loan payments for another period
of time.

Also, are these private loans or federal loans?  Im not sure you can
or would want to consolidate private loans... but I am really
unfamliar with such things.

Thanks for replying and, just for clarification, in response to your
comment "If you cannot pay your debts, you cannot pay an attorney.." I
never said I couldn't afford an attorney now.  I was asking for
opinions on the attorney option, not on my ability or inability to
pay.

Thank you.