"Collections" is the process by which creditors try to get nonpaying debtors to pay the money they owe. There are a huge number of laws in St. Lucie County, Florida governing the tactics that collection agencies can and cannot do.

What if I Am Owed Money in St. Lucie County, Florida?

If you are owed money and the debtor won't pay, for whatever reason, you are entitled to seek collection by any lawful means. Of course, the means of collection that are considered "lawful" are quite limited. You should be aware of the rules that govern collections before you proceed, as violating them can hurt your chances of collecting, and even expose you to liability.

Several practices that collectors cannot engage in include the use of abusive language, contacting third parties about the debt, and threatened or actual violence.

One thing you are allowed to do is send a written demand for immediate payment. The demand should lay out the precise amount you believe is owed, so the debtor cannot plausibly claim ignorance of that fact. If a lot of money is involved, it might be wise to hire a St. Lucie County, Florida collections agency. If you go this route, it is critical to make sure that you hire an agency that is trustworthy, and follows the relevant law to the letter.

What if Someone Is Trying to Collect Money Against Me in St. Lucie County, Florida?

If you truly owe the money that is being sought, and can afford to pay it, you should do so. If the collection caller is behaving in a polite manner, you should try to do the same. In any case, the worst thing you can do is ignore the issue hoping that it will go away. It won't.

However, you do have some options in St. Lucie County, Florida. First of all, you should make an effort to get in direct contact with the creditor, as opposed to the collection agency, and try to work something out. If this fails, you can tell the collections agency to cease calling you, and they typically are obliged to do so. Of course, this doesn't expunge the debt, but it can buy you some time. You should know, however, that when you show that you are not interested in dealing with the creditors or collectors directly, they will usually resort to a lawsuit.

If you have hired a St. Lucie County, Florida lawyer to help, he or she may advise that you file for bankruptcy. If you do apply for bankruptcy, creditors are immediately required to suspend all collection activities. Of course, bankruptcy is a major decision, and should not be made without the advice of an attorney.

How Can a St. Lucie County, Florida Collections Attorney Help?

If you believe that a creditor is violating the law in its effort to collect from you, you should get in touch with a St. Lucie County, Florida attorney, since you may actually have a claim for damages against the creditor.

Also, if you're considering applying for bankruptcy, a seasoned attorney in Florida can tell you if this is a good option, and, if it is, help you through the process.