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  • Spectacular!

    I liked your fast, friendly service. You were all knowledgeable in the area of bankruptcy. Your treatment of me as a client was spectacular! You were great at promptly responding to my questions and concerns. I loved that you provided courteous and quick responses to all my questions.
    --Donna
  • Highly Recommended!

    I have worked with Seth and he is the utmost professional in how he works with his clients. If you need an attorney you can trust I would highly recommend the Law Office of Seth Hanson.
    --David
  • Very Professional.

    Everyone was very professional and efficient. Seth, and everyone that I had contact with were very knowledgeable. I was very pleased with how we were treated by his staff. My questions were always answered promptly. I was very pleased with the service I received and would not hesitate to refer someone to your firm.
    --Anonymous
  • Non-judgmental.

    You were very open and answered all of my questions. You never made me feel like I was asking a dumb question. I was comfortable with your knowledge of the law. It was hard for me to make this decision to move forward in my life. Everyone was friendly to me and respectful. Non-judgmental. Every question I asked was answered promptly and appropriately. I would recommend you.
    --Anonymous
  • More Than Expected!

    I found the firm's representation to be more than what I expected. I was always kept in the loop, all my questions were answered (whether or not I asked more than once the same question), and I felt completely supported by the firm staff when going through this (at times) scary ordeal. Thank you again.
    --Joanna
  • Very Impressed!

    I liked that you had very friendly, caring staff. You were all very knowledgeable. Your treatment towards me was excellent and you quickly responded to all my concerns. If a friend asked of your overall impression, I would say that we were very impressed and we would recommend you to them.
    --Danielle

Dealing With Debt Collectors

Who Are These Guys?

Debt collection is usually handled by creditors in-house for the first 90 days after delinquency. These collection callers are typically polite because they are concerned with maintaining the company’s reputation. After 90 days, you’re likely dealing with a collection agency. Collection agencies are far more aggressive in their tactics because they usually get 25% to 60% of any collected debt. As a last resort your creditor may sell the debt to a debt buyer. Debt buyers can be irritating because they purchase very old debt and often don’t know from where it originally came, which means that they sometimes try to collect from people who don’t actually owe anything.

What Does the Law Say?

Debt collectors have to play by the rules. They can only call you between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM and can’t contact you at work unless you give them permission. You and your spouse are the only people they can contact about your debt. The law prohibits collectors from lying about your debt. It’s also important to know that they can’t garnish your wages unless they get a judgement against you, so don’t be scared by empty threats. Finally, they are not allowed to contact you if you send them a written request to cease all communication.

How Should I Deal with Collectors?

Here are some ideas on how to deal with debt collectors:

  • Don’t get emotional. Debt collectors are trained to try and push as many buttons as possible because you’re more likely to pay them when your emotional.
  • Get a phone which can record phone conversations. Turn on the recorder when collectors call to get proof of any illegal activity.
  • Don’t send them written notice to cease all contact unless as a last resort. Doing so can increase the likelihood that they will try and get judgment against you.
  • File for bankruptcy. Once you retain a bankruptcy attorney, creditors cannot contact you directly unless they receive permission from your attorney. Automatic stay goes into effect upon filing, which prevents any creditors from taking collection actions against you.

If you’re being hounded by creditors, consider giving our team of Stockton bankruptcy lawyers call for a free consultation. We’ve helped hundreds of clients in the Stockton area and would be happy to help you.

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