San Diego Bankruptcy Lawyer

How Do You Stop Collection Calls?

One of the immediate benefits of filing any type of bankruptcy action is that you no longer have to deal directly with your creditors. However, it may take some time for your creditors to get the word that you have filed for bankruptcy. There are a couple of ways you can get the collection calls to stop immediately after your attorney files your petition.

You can choose to be proactive and notify each of your creditors that you have filed for bankruptcy. Provide them with the contact information for your attorney, and ask that they direct any questions or concerns directly to your legal counsel. Your attorney will handle any necessary communication with the creditors, at least until the court has approved your petition. You may even arrange for your attorney to contact the creditors after you have retained him / her. If you take this route, make sure you have provided the attorney with all the names and addresses of the creditors.

You may also choose to respond to any telephone calls from your creditors by verbally informing them of your actions when they call. As with the written notification, be prepared to provide the collection agent with your attorney’s contact information. By law, once the creditor is informed verbally or in written form that you have entered a bankruptcy petition, there is to be no further direct contact with you.

Should a creditor choose to continue contacting you directly, report the telephone calls to your attorney. He or she can take the appropriate action to stop the calls immediately. This may mean your attorney will file a motion or proceeding in Court to have the creditor punished for its misbehavior, but often the issue is resolved informally.

Creditor harassment is serious. Let us know if it’s a problem for you. We can help stop it.