If you’re dealing with debt collectors and frustrated by your finances, let us help you. Our legal team has more than 29 years of experience helping Oklahomans find solutions to their debt problems. We’ll evaluate your individual needs and recommend a path forward. You may have several options depending on the types of debt you have, your income, and other factors. We’ll also advise you on your rights when debt collectors contact you.
Debt Relief Options
Our legal team assists clients with various debt relief options, including bankruptcy filings and handling creditor lawsuits. Bankruptcy is a popular debt relief option for a reason. It’s a legal process designed to provide targeted discharge of certain debts for struggling Americans. Discharge means that the slate is wiped clean and you no longer owe that debt. While not all debts can be discharged during the bankruptcy process, discharging some debt can provide financial relief. In particular, if you’re struggling with mounting credit card debt or medical bills, bankruptcy could be very useful for you.
Bankruptcy also gives you a temporary reprieve from debt collectors. The bankruptcy court imposes an “automatic stay” just after you file a bankruptcy petition. The automatic stay orders creditors to stop making debt collection efforts. As long as the stay is in place, creditors and debt collectors are not supposed to contact you about outstanding debts. In addition, creditor lawsuits must be paused. The stay gives you breathing room and allows the court time to assess your current financial situation.
Don’t Let Debt Collectors Harass You
If you’re fielding phone calls or letters from debt collectors, be aware that several laws besides just the bankruptcy automatic stay can protect you. First, if you have filed for bankruptcy and debt collectors continue to contact you, here’s what to do. Tell the debt collectors that you have filed for bankruptcy, give them your case number, and give them your attorney’s contact information. The debt collectors are not allowed to contact you directly once they have notice of the bankruptcy. Although the court notifies creditors of bankruptcy filings, sometimes a debt collector has not received a notice yet. You telling them that you have filed should stop future communications. If a debt collector continues pestering you, tell your bankruptcy attorney.
If you have not filed for bankruptcy, there are laws protecting you from debt collector harassment. First, debt collectors are required to inform you that they are collecting a debt. They must send you a written notice identifying the amount of the debt, the creditor’s name, and several other important statements about your legal rights. Second, debt collectors cannot harass you, swear at you, or lie to you about a debt. There are limitations on the times and methods of contact. These important restrictions are listed in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Violation of this act can subject debt collectors to legal liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Debt collectors won’t stop calling me. What can I do?
Debt collectors are relentless. If you don’t pay back the debt or negotiate to pay a settlement amount, they will keep calling and calling. We recommend that Oklahomans facing debt collection schedule a free initial consultation with our firm to learn about their options. You might be surprised to learn how you can find a way out of your financial situation.
Can I get my debts discharged by the bankruptcy court?
The bankruptcy court can discharge certain kinds of debt, while it cannot discharge others. Common kinds of debt that get discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy include credit card debt and medical bills. Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to get personalized legal advice from an experienced bankruptcy attorney before you file.
Hire the Debt Relief Team You Need to Gain Control of Your Finances
When debt collectors are hounding you, turn to the bankruptcy lawyers who have been helping Oklahoma City metro area clients get the fresh starts they need for more than 29 years. Reach out to Chris Mudd & Associates PLLC to get started with a free initial consultation today. Debt relief is right around the corner – text us or fill out our contact form so we can help you get your life back in order.