Skip to main content

About Us

Credit and Debt Relief, LLC

We are an attorney-owned debt relief company based in Palm Harbor, Florida, dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome the burden of overwhelming debt.

Credit and Debt Relief was founded by attorneys Stephen M. Bernhardt and Athena Pearl Riley as the sister firm of Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law, PLLC. While Bernhardt Riley focuses on debt lawsuit defense litigation, Credit and Debt Relief was created to address a broader range of client needs — from proactive debt settlement to comprehensive financial recovery.

Our attorneys bring a unique advantage to the table: experience on both sides of creditor lawsuits. Having previously worked on the collection side, we understand exactly how creditors think, what motivates them to settle, and how to negotiate the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Whether you are drowning in credit card debt, facing medical bills you cannot pay, or have been served with a debt lawsuit, we have the tools and expertise to help. Every case is personally managed by a licensed attorney — never handed off to a call center.

We offer a full range of services including Florida debt relief, credit card debt settlement, and debt lawsuit defense.

1000s Debts Settled
100s Trials Conducted
298+ Google Reviews
A+ BBB Rating

Meet Our Attorneys

Experienced Florida attorneys committed to helping you find lasting debt relief.

Stephen M. Bernhardt, Owner/Attorney

Stephen M. Bernhardt

Owner/Attorney

Debt Defense LitigationCreditor NegotiationConsumer Rights
Stephen M. Bernhardt is a co-founder of Credit and Debt Relief with extensive background defending clients against creditor lawsuits. Having previously worked on the collection side, he brings unique insight into creditor strategies, enabling more effective settlement negotiations. Together with Athena Pearl Riley, he established Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law, PLLC before creating Credit and Debt Relief to address broader client debt management needs.
Athena Pearl Riley, Owner/Attorney

Athena Pearl Riley

Owner/Attorney

Debt Relief SolutionsSettlement StrategyFinancial Recovery Planning
Athena Pearl Riley is a co-founder of Credit and Debt Relief who focuses on comprehensive debt relief solutions. She co-founded Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law, PLLC with Stephen M. Bernhardt and played a central role in creating Credit and Debt Relief to help clients manage both lawsuit and non-lawsuit debts through strategic settlement approaches.

Ready to Work With Us?

When you hire Credit and Debt Relief, you get licensed Florida attorneys handling your case from start to finish — not a call center or salesperson. Every strategy is tailored to your specific debts, income, and goals.

Your first consultation is completely free and confidential. We will review your debts, explain your options, and give you an honest assessment — no pressure, no obligation.

  • Free, no-obligation consultation
  • Licensed Florida attorneys — not a call center
  • Performance-based fees — you only pay for results
  • Lawsuit defense included if creditors sue you
  • Serving all of Florida — Palm Harbor based

Ready to Take Control of Your Debt?

Schedule a free consultation with our experienced debt relief attorneys today.

Schedule Consultation
Call Now Free Consultation