"Collections" refers to the process by which creditors attempt to get nonpaying debtors to pay what is owed. There are many laws in Oakdale, Louisiana regulating the conduct of collections agences.

What if I Am Owed Money in Oakdale, Louisiana?

If somebody owes you money and is refusing to pay, you have many options at your disposal. However, in doing so, you will be governed by very strict consumer protection laws that govern the collection of debts. Breaking these rules can hurt your chances at successfully collecting, and might even expose you to civil liability.

The law prevents creditors from engaging in any form of violence against the debtor in an attempt to collect. It further bars them from using abusive language or contacting third parties about the debt owed by the debtor.

You may, however, send a written demand for timely payment. The demand should lay out clearly how much the debtor allegedly owes. If there is a large amount of money involved, it might be worth it to hire an Oakdale, Louisiana collections agency, which will probably take its fee in the form of a percentage of the debt collected. You should do some research on various collections agencies in your area, to make sure the one you hire is dependable, and scrupulously follows the law.

What if Someone Is Trying to Collect Money Against Me in Oakdale, Louisiana?

If you really 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 Oakdale, Louisiana 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 normally 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 typically leaves them with no other option but to sue.

If you have retained an Oakdale, Louisiana attorney during this process, they might advise that the best course of action is to file for bankruptcy. This is a major decision, however, and should not be made lightly. You should only file for bankruptcy if an attorney advises you that it is a viable feasible option, given your individual circumstances.

How Can a Oakdale, Louisiana Collections Attorney Help?

If you think that a collection agency is engaging in illegal tactics, you should call a local Oakdale, Louisiana attorney, as you might have a claim for damages against the creditor or the collection agency.

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