Collections Attorneys in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Financial issues can happen to anyone. Hospital stays, unexpected emergencies, home problems, sudden deaths, and other factors can result in overwhelming bills. Unfortunately, sometimes these bills cannot be repaid. As a result, the creditor may send the past due amounts to collections.

When collections begin, your credit is adversely affected and other issues can follow. In some circumstances, collections may be improperly contacted by the creditor, or collections may not reach the individual. In either case, your credit history can still suffer and a wide range of other problems might happen.

If you find yourself dealing with collections, we can help. McCarter | East PLLC’s team of attorneys and civil litigators has the experience and know-how to help you navigate this difficult time. Call us today and let us help you get back on the right track.

Collections Can Affect Your Credit

If you have debts in collection, that usually means a third party is trying to retrieve payment for your debts on your creditor’s behalf. Debt collection is federally regulated, and even though you have rights that must be respected, debts in collection can still negatively affect your credit rating.

Credit bureaus generally give late payments a time category (30 days late, 60 days late, 120 days late). The longer the past-due period, the more it will have an impact on your credit score. A payment that is 120 days late will affect your score more negatively than one that is only 30 days late.

Debt collections is one of the most negative things that will show up on your credit report. 

What To Do If Collections Contacts You

When you fall behind on your bills or debts, collectors will start contacting you. These collectors are often individuals or agencies hired by creditors to collect on past-due debt. Many collection agencies use aggressive practices, including threats, profane language, and harassing communication techniques.

Being behind on your bills doesn’t make you a criminal, and you shouldn’t be treated like one. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law that places rules and regulations on what tactics a debt collector can use. In general, here are your rights:

• Time & Place — Debt collectors are not allowed to contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless you agree to it. They also can’t contact you at work if your employer doesn’t allow its employees to take personal calls.

• Harassment & Abuse — Debt collectors can’t threaten you with physical violence, use obscene language, or lie to you about how much you owe or your federal rights.

• Attorney representation — If you’re being represented by an attorney and the debt collector knows, they must communicate with your attorney and not you personally.

If you have bills or debts in collection, contact a collections attorney immediately. If they violate your rights, you may have grounds to take legal action against them. 

Remedies For Issues With Collections

If you’re dealing with a third-party debt collector, there are several tactics you can take to handle the situation and get your finances back on track.

1. Don’t ignore them — Debt collectors will keep contacting you until you pay. Ignoring them can cause further damage to your credit score.

2. Get more information - Without admitting your debt, get information from the collectors. Ask who the creditor is, the original amount, and how much you owe now. The more details they can provide, the better.

3. Get everything in writing — Legitimate collectors are required by law to send you a letter detailing your remaining debt.

4. No personal details on the phone — Regardless of whether you can pay the debt, avoid telling them too much. Request a letter with all of the debt information.

5. Contact an attorney for help — After receiving your letter, contact an attorney. An attorney working on your behalf can help analyze your debt, negotiate payment plans, and offer solutions to settle your debt. 

If you have debt that you can’t pay, have fallen behind in your payments, are facing foreclosure, or are experiencing harassment from collectors, there is help available. Contact an experienced lawyer to get started. 

Collections Attorneys Serving Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Having a collections note on your credit report is not a dead end. It may feel like you are out of options, but there is hope. At McCarter | East PLLC, we can help decrease the financial stress in your life and help you deal with debt. If you’re overwhelmed by debt in Woodbury, or anywhere else in Tennessee, it’s time to make the decision to act. Reach out to us today.