What Is Debt Collection in Crystal Lake, Illinois?

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"Collections" is the process by which creditors attempt to get nonpaying debtors to pay the money they owe. There are a large number of laws in Crystal Lake, Illinois governing the tactics that collection agencies can and cannot do.

What if I Am Owed Money in Crystal Lake, Illinois?

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you have some legal options to seek repayment of your debt. However, you need to be careful in this area. There are many laws and regulations detailing what debt collectors can and cannot do. Breaking these laws, even inadvertently, can harm your chances at collecting, and maybe even expose you to civil penalties.

For example, it should go without saying that creditors are not allowed to use threatened or actual violence when trying to collect. They are also not permitted to use abusive language to the debtor, or contact a third party about the debt.

You may, however, send a written demand for timely payment which lays out to the debtor precisely how much is owed. If a large amount of money is owed to you, it might be a good idea to hire a collections agency in Crystal Lake, Illinois. These agencies usually take their fee in the form of a percentage of the debt collected. You need to research agencies carefully however, and make sure the one you hire does not engage in illegal practices.

What if Someone Is Trying to Collect Money Against Me in Crystal Lake, Illinois?

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 civil 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.

Your best option in Crystal Lake, Illinois might be to contact the creditor directly, and try to work out some type of new repayment plan. The sooner you do this, the more receptive to your ideas the creditor is likely to be. If this isn't successful, you can demand that the collectors stop contacting you by phone, and they will typically be obliged to do so. Of course, this doesn't make the debt go away, and you should only take this route if you are prepared to defend against a lawsuit from your creditors, since demanding that they stop contacting you usually leaves them with no other option but to sue.

If you have hired a Crystal Lake, Illinois lawyer to help, he or she might advise that you file for bankruptcy. If you do file 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 Crystal Lake, Illinois Collections Attorney Help?

If you believe that the collections agency is engaging in illegal or abusive activity, you should consult with a local attorney in Crystal Lake, Illinois, as you might actually have a claim for damages against the collection agency.

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

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake is located in McHenry County, Illinois. It is a suburb of Chicago.

Being so near Chicago, Crystal Lake residents have the vast Chicago legal force for all their legal matters. Chicago is home to large firms, as well as mid to small size law firms.

For some great shopping and dining, Crystal Lake Park District is the place to go. Other popular sites include Northwest Herald, Walkup Road, Main Beach, Lakewood, and the Dole Family mansion.

All in all, Crystal Lake offers small town charm with the big windy city nearby!