"Collections" refers to the process by which creditors try to get nonpaying debtors to pay what is owed. There are various laws in Berea, Kentucky regulating the conduct of collections agences.
What if I Am Owed Money in Berea, Kentucky?
If somebody owes you money and is declining to pay, you have several options at your disposal. However, in doing so, you will be governed by very specific consumer protection rules that govern the collection of debts. Violating these rules can hurt your chances at effectively collecting, and might even expose you to civil liability.
For example, when trying to collect, creditors are not allowed to use abusive language, contact any third party regarding the debt, and of course they are not allowed to use threats of violence in an attempt to get their money.
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 Berea, Kentucky collections agency. If you go this route, it is essential to make sure that you hire an agency that is reputable, and follows the relevant law to the letter.
What if Someone Is Trying to Collect Money Against Me in Berea, Kentucky?
If you know that you owe the money being sought of you, and have the resources to pay it, you should do so - this is the fastest and surest way to end collections calls. Of course, this is not the case for everyone. Whatever your situation, you should always behave amicably with the collection callers, especially if they are doing the same. Whatever you do, you should not ignore the matter, because this will never make the problem go away, and will make things worse in the long run.
Luckily, you have some options in Berea, Kentucky. First of all, you should try to directly contact the creditor, and see if some altered payment plan can be worked out. If this doesn't work, you can ask the collectors to stop contacting you by phone, and they will usually be obliged to do so. Of course, this doesn't make the debt go away, but it may give you some time to collect yourself and prepare a legal defense. Once this happens, the collection agency can only contact you to inform you that it intends to sue you for the debt owed.
If you have hired a Berea, Kentucky attorney to help you through this process, he or she may advise that you declare bankruptcy. Once this occurs, creditors are legally barred from trying to collect against the debtor. Of course, this is a major decision, and should not be made lightly.
How Can a Berea, Kentucky Collections Attorney Help?
If you think that the collection agency is violating the law in its effort to collect, you should probably call a Berea, Kentucky attorney, since such conduct on the part of the creditor may actually give you a claim for damages against it.
If you are thinking about bankruptcy, a seasoned Kentucky bankrutpcy attorney can help guide you through the process.