Where To Get Free Legal Advice On Debt Collection

When the debt collectors come calling…it can be tough.  When they begin to seriously harass or threaten you…it can be very frustrating and often scary.  What can you do and where can you get free legal advice on debt collection practices?

There are debt collection consumer advocates that can assist you, along with several books and other agencies that can offer sound, legal advice.  Depending on your situation, you may even want to take advantage of the free consultations that many lawyers offer to prospective new clients.

3 Ways to Handle Debt Collection

1. Do not be intimidated.  Remember that you have rights and that you are not at the mercy of the debt collector.  By law, the debt collector has to mail you a written notice within 5 days of the initial contact.  Law stipulates that the consumer is allowed to dispute the validity of the debt.  Meaning, you can use the dispute process to be sure that you really do owe that particular company.  There are circumstances where a separate company actually “buys” the debt and usually has little or no documentation to prove that you actually owe them.

2. Know who you are dealing with by doing what research you can.  Look up the company name and be sure that they are not just trying to scam you.  Get the proof in writing and get that proof up front.  You will soon know if you are dealing with a real, legitimate company or not.

3. Never ignore a lawsuit.  This is not an instance where you can just let it be.  When dealing with the original creditor, than you will follow one course of action according to the law.  If it is a secondary company that purchased the debt and is now harassing you, you will follow another course of action, according to the law.  You have a right to know the law and follow it, whether it ends up working more in your favor or not.

Where to Find Free Legal Advice

• Contact an attorney whose practice is related to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).  Often you can schedule a free consultation to find out what the next step may be.
• Look up your state’s Legal Aid office.  These agencies offer free help and advice for those who may not be able to pay a lawyer.
• Search on Google for agencies and sites that will answer your questions and offer advice for free.  (Hey, did you know that you are actually on one of these sites right now?  Check out our free eBook on debt at the top of this page!)  These sites have professionals on staff or work with lawyers that can help advise you of your legal rights.
• Research the debt collection laws and know your rights.  Check at your local library, book store or online.

Knowing your rights when the debt collection calls begin is the best way to be prepared and will help you in knowing the best way to respond.  Whatever you do, do not allow a bad situation to get even worse by ignoring the collection attempts.  Take control and get the free information that you need.