How best to handle a debt collection matter?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

How best to handle a debt collection matter?

I have a letter from a debt collector (law firm) representing a credit card company that I owe, asking me to respond in 15 days or they will seek judgment. What is the best way to approach this. Call them to negotiate or is there a letter I can write to stop the harassment?

Asked on December 1, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, California

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

If you legitimately owe the money, while you would be able to send them a written request to stop communicating with you (under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act), that will NOT stop them from suing you for the money--it just means you won't have to hear from them until they sue you. If you owe the money, you can also assume that they will very likely be able to win and obtain a judgment against you; therefore, it would be in your interest to try to negotiate a settlement or payment plan you can live with.

For more information about your rights under the FDCP, do an internet search for "Fair Debt Collections Practices Act"--it should turn up some information put by the FCC on the subject.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption