Know the Difference Between Cancellation and Exit

Cancellation, in timeshare parlance, generally refers to the narrow window of time after purchasing your timeshare when you are legally allowed to cancel (more on cancellation here). Exit, on the other hand, refers to the process of getting out of your timeshare after the cancellation window has passed. A timeshare cancellation attorney will help you understand the fine print of your contract and support you in cancelling your timeshare within the rescission window. A timeshare exit attorney will help you approach getting out of your timeshare after the rescission window has passed.

Explain your Situation (Documentation Helps!)

A timeshare cancellation attorney should have knowledge of your state’s rescission window and will simply need to know the details of your contract, as it may specify a delivery method or other key information to include. 

An attorney specializing in timeshare exit will approach the situation very differently. Instead, they’ll want to know if you were misled during the presentation. Specifically, they’ll ask if you can prove that what you signed differed substantially from other written information provided to you by the brand and that you wouldn’t have bought the timeshare otherwise.

Find an Attorney with a Record of Results

If you do go forward with a timeshare cancellation attorney (or one that specializes in exit), make sure to do your research. The timeshare industry generates over $10 billion in annual sales in the US alone. Yet that success, unfortunately, has also attracted third party imposters offering to help you unravel a regretful purchase you no longer (or never did) use.

When on the search for a timeshare cancellation attorney check their reviews, licenses, and the legitimacy of their industry affiliations. ARDA, the Better Business Bureau, or your state’s Attorney General’s office are all solid sources of info for fact-checking authenticity.

Compare Prices

Your timeshare was a substantial purchase; letting go of it shouldn’t be an exorbitant expense. You’ll want to find an attorney who will work within your budget. Pay attention to how they are asking to be paid. Any attorney requesting upfront fees, wire transfers, or encouraging you to cease paying your timeshare maintenance fees, should be a red flag.

Explain Your Situation

Whether you simply no longer wish to use your timeshare or you feel you were deceived by sales misinformation, be totally transparent while speaking to your cancellation lawyer. You’ll not only want to paint a clear picture for your attorney, but make sure the firm has the experience necessary to pursue a cancellation in an ethical manner, without building up an overwhelming amount of fees for you.

Get a Second Opinion (and a Third)

As with any major financial decision, it’s always wise to compare quality, and cost. Thorough research can help you determine the firm that’s best equipped to work with you. And in an effort to provide insight for timeshare owners seeking cancellation, ARDA has established the Coalition for Responsible Exit.

The ARDA database not only lists companies that are official ARDA members, but – heads up! – fraudulent companies that have attempted to use the ARDA logo and name in their schemes. If the time has come to part with your timeshare, investing effort into research will pay off!

What if you don’t want to work with a Timeshare Cancellation Attorney?

You still have options! KOALA has partnered with Timeshares Only, a BBB-accredited resale marketplace with a record of results. 

You can also rent your timeshare on KOALA. Listing with  takes 1-2 minutes.  Listing takes only a minute and it is 100% risk-free – meaning we only get paid if your timeshare is rented.

Get Rented