Received a Collection Letter? What Now!
We do everything we can to stay on top of our bills and keep our credit top-notch. However, sometimes emergencies occur, and we find it challenging to meet our financial obligations. When this happens, we all fear answering the telephone or going to the mailbox while waiting for the dreaded collection letter.
Receiving a collection letter can be intimidating, but it does not have to be.
If you have received a collection letter recently, it is best to speak with a Brighton Beach bankruptcy lawyer to learn more about your rights and what you should do next. Call an experienced bankruptcy attorney at Usrulova Law Offices today for assistance with your recent collection letter.
What is a Collection Letter?
A collection letter is a notification reminding consumers of their past-due payments. Most collection letters are formatted letters used to handle past-due accounts, some of which are written by attorneys to ensure their legality. These letters serve two purposes:
- Collect overdue funds
- Maintain a relationship with the customer
What to Do After Receiving a Collection Letter?
If you have received a debt collection letter, you should take action as soon as possible. Steps you should take after an account goes to collections include:
- Take a deep breath and relax. Your first instinct may be to panic, but it is best to take a moment and gather your thoughts before calling the collection company or taking action.
- Decide what you want to do: You have several options available when dealing with debt collection, including settlement, payment plans, and disputing the debt.
- Call the collections agency: After reviewing the debt and determining if validity, call the collections agency to discuss the debt. Take notes about the call, including who you spoke with, interest, fees, and settlement offers.
- Hire a bankruptcy/debt settlement attorney: If you become overwhelmed with the collections agency, schedule a consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer Brighton Beach to learn more about your rights and how they can help with debt relief.
How Your Brighton Beach Bankruptcy Lawyer Can Help?
Hiring a bankruptcy attorney can help you deal with debt collectors and draft a response to your recent collections letter. Additionally, an attorney can help push back the burden of proof to the collection agency. They must prove the following:
- They have the right to sue you for the debt
- You are the person responsible for the debt
- The amount owned is valid
Because debts, especially those in collections, change hands often, it may be challenging to fully prove the debt, resulting in the dismissal of the case or allowing you to settle at a significantly lower rate.
A bankruptcy lawyer in Brighton Beach can stop creditors from harassing you by consistently calling or sending endless collection letters. Working with an attorney can reduce the feeling of being threatened and help handle debt collectors during your process.
If harassment from a collection agency continues and the company violates consumer laws, your attorney will take immediate action. If needed, your attorney will file a countersuit against the collection agency, which may result in their case being dismissed, and you receive financial compensation for the harassment.
Additionally, an attorney can help you determine the best way to move forward with your finances, whether it be debt settlement, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. The moments after receiving a collection letter can be stressful, but it does not have to be. Call the Ursulova Law Offices to learn more about how we can help handle collection agencies and get your finances back on track. Our bankruptcy attorney is ready to discuss your case during an initial consultation.
