I have a debt collector calling me, what should I do?

by Mark E. Godbey, Lawyer Referral Service Panelist

It is up to each individual creditor—whether a medical provider, credit card company, car dealer or other organization—to decide how they will deal with customers who are behind in their payments. Sometimes, a collection agent will call if you are just 30 days past due. Other times it may take several months.  If you do get a call, theoretically you haven’t been sued yet. However, often a lawsuit was filed, but they have not been able to serve you with it yet. 

If you are getting calls from a collection agency because you are behind on your payments, and you know it is just the tip of the iceberg, you should consider calling a bankruptcy attorney. If it’s the only debt you owe, and it is only $2,000 for example, you should try to work out a payment arrangement with that creditor. However, if you have lots of other debts, it may be time to consider filing a bankruptcy.   

Most bankruptcy attorneys will not charge you for the first consultation.  Once you do hire an attorney, you can refer any debt collection calls to your attorney who will handle them for you.


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