Paying bills is a natural part of life. There may come a time when you will have a hard time making ends meet. Losing a job or even being underemployed can cause a variety of financial problems. If you find yourself unable to pay your bills, then filing for bankruptcy may be the best course of action. Going in to speak with a lawyer about your financial situation is a great way to find out what your options are. While no one ever wants to file for bankruptcy, in some instances, it is unavoidable. With the right amount of preparation and legal advice, you will be able to get through this process with ease. The following is some information on how to deal with creditors both before and after you file for bankruptcy.
Knowing if You Are a Victim of Unfair Debt Collection
Each year, nearly a million people file for bankruptcy. When dealing with creditors before filing for bankruptcy, you will usually experience a fair amount of harassment. There is a point where dealings with creditors can go from stern to illegal. The Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was designed to protect consumers from being harassed by creditors. If you feel as if you have been a victim of unfair debt collection practices, then you may be able to sue the creditor in question and get compensation. Here are some of the most commonly used debt collection practices that are considered illegal in the previously mentioned federal act.
- Creditors call you either before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- The creditor contacting you directly even after you have informed them you have legal representation
- Telling employers or co-workers you owe them money
- Contacting you at work even when you tell them not to.
- Threats to arrest or imprison you for your debts
- A creditor who falsely claims they are a lawyer
- Talking with anyone other than your spouse about your debt
As soon as you suspect you are being unfairly harassed by a creditor, you need to act quickly. Contacting the team at Badgley Law Group is a great way to figure out what your rights are and whether or not you need to pursue a lawsuit against the creditor in question.
Dealing With Creditors After You Have Filed For Bankruptcy
About a week after you file for bankruptcy, the courts will mail out a “341 Notice” to your creditors. If the creditors continue to contact you after receiving this notice, there are ways to stop them from doing so. When contacted by a creditor, be sure to let them know you have filed for bankruptcy and give them your case number. If you receive bills from a creditor after filing for bankruptcy, you should mail them a copy of the 341 Notice with a copy of the bill you have received.
Badgley Law Group is Here to Help!
When in need of help with your bankruptcy filing, be sure to call the Badgley Law Group at 407-708-9320. We can offer you a free consultation to discuss the details of your case.