What Is Debt Collection in Beaufort, South Carolina?

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Broadly, the term "Collections" refers to the practice of creditors attempting to force debtors to pay what they owe. There are various laws and regulations in Beaufort, South Carolina that govern collection agencies, and strictly limit the types of tactics they are authorized to engage in.

What if I Am Owed Money in Beaufort, South Carolina?

If you are owed money and the debtor refuses to pay, you have some options at your disposal. However, you must tread lightly when it comes to collecting your debts. Creditors and collectors are governed by strict consumer protection rules. Violating these rules can hurt your chances of recovering what you are owed, and even subject you to civil or criminal penalties.

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 a Beaufort, South Carolina 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 carefully follows the law.

What if Someone Is Trying to Collect Money Against Me in Beaufort, South Carolina?

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 cordial 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.

Luckily, you have some options in Beaufort, South Carolina. First of all, you should attempt to directly contact the creditor, and see if some adjusted 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 normally be obliged to do so. Of course, this doesn't make the debt go away, but it might 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 retained a Beaufort, South Carolina 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 Beaufort, South Carolina 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 Beaufort, South Carolina, as you might actually have a claim for damages against the collection agency.

If you are thinking about bankruptcy, a good South Carolina bankrutpcy attorney can help guide you through the process.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Beaufort

The city of Beaufort is the county seat of Beaufort County in South Carolina. Beaufort is situated on Port Royal Islands, in the Sea Islands and Lowcountry areas. Sometimes the city is confused with a city of the same name in North Carolina- the two have the same spelling but are pronounced differently.

Beaufort is known for its scenery and historic feel. Many of the buildings located there are done in antebellum style architecture. It is the second oldest city in the state and boasts a population of about 13,000. The downtown historic district is where much of the original Beaufort settlement can still be found. Other neighborhoods include the Pigeon Point, West End, Spanish Point, and Battery Creek areas.

Tourism has become the main focal point of the Beaufort economy. The city's hotel and bed breakfast scene thrives due to visitors seeking beach vacations, golfing areas, and watersport opportunities.

Lawyers in Beaufort usually visit the Beaufort Municipal Court when filing claims. Many Beaufort, South Carolina lawyers are members of the Beaufort County Bar Association as well as the South Carolina Bar Association. Beaufort lawyers specialize in a variety of legal fields and practices.