Know Your Rights:
As a citizen you are protected from harassing techniques that Atlanta debt collectors may use. There is actually a law that covers this specifically. It is called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Also known as FDCPA, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law that prohibits specific, aggressive collection practices. Georgia has additional state laws that prohibit debt collection agencies from harassing techniques as well.

Related: Read What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act 

Is Bankruptcy a Good Option:
A Georgia bankruptcy lawyer can be an excellent advocate. Your bankruptcy lawyer will review your financial situation, and discuss various options on how to deal with creditors, including ensuring that harassing phone calls stop. If you are a good candidate for bankruptcy, he can help you prepare the correct documentation, represent you in court and help determine what type of repayment plan is appropriate (if you are filing Georgia Chapter 13)

 - Note: if you are filing Georgia Chapter 7, you will not have a repayment plan. Items that you can keep under Chapter 7 are different than under Chapter 13.

Stop the Harassing Calls:
If you are receiving threatening or harassing debt collection techniques, talking to a lawyer from Berry & Associates can be a great help. We will give you confidence in dealing with those threatening creditors and help ensure they stop contacting you. In some cases, legal action can be taken against agressive creditors that have violated FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act).

How to Take Action Against Harassing Debt Collection:
Have harassing calls? Think bankruptcy might be a good option? Contact Berry & Associates and stop the harassing phone calls. Call us at 404-235-3328 or 1-800-414-3328.

Falling behind in paying what you agreed to when you either signed the credit card agreement or the paperwork for your loan, the company will start attempting to collect on the debt, and are called “debt collectors.”

Some companies will outsource the collection of debt to a third party, which are also called collection agencies. There are federal laws in place which regulates the practices and the collection tactics of debt collectors. In 1986, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was implemented.

It is important that you’re informed on your rights as a debtor when dealing with collectors. Any communication which you have with a collector, they must include “This is an effort to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.” either in the letter they send you, or even when they communicate with you over the phone. It is important that you’re informed on your rights as a debtor when dealing with collectors. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires collectors to:

• Identify themselves and notify you.
• Provide the name and address of the original creditor. They might have your previous address on file, but the mail was forwarded to your new address.
• Notify you of your right to dispute the debt. If you do not believe that this is your debt, you must dispute it within 30 days of receiving the initial letter from the collector.
• Provide verification of the debt. If you do not believe the debt is yours, in the dispute letter, you will need to request verification of the debt.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides a great frequently asked question guide(http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm) which goes into more details about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Local to metro Atlanta and have a question about the FDCPA? Stop harassing creditors by contacting Berry & Associates either online or by calling 404-235-3328 or 1-800-414-3328.

As a citizen in Atlanta, do you know what your rights are when filing bankruptcy?  How will bankruptcy affect your student loans, taxes and your mortgage payments?  Does filing change the status of your business debts, lease agreements or credit card payments?  Should you qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or Chapter 13, and what impact will it have on your personal and your business goals?

To make the most efficient recovery from your economic situation, you need an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney with a deep knowledge of bankruptcy exemptions.  A skilled bankruptcy attorney will equip you with the knowledge of how your assets will be affected in both the short term and the long term.  Their counsel will also give you confidence when faced with a creditor who is using harassing techniques.

As your advocate, an experienced bankruptcy attorney will prepare you for court hearings, options to consider when dealing with creditors, including what type of monthly payment plan is affordable (depending on how you file).

Don’t face bankruptcy alone.  Surround yourself with a skilled team that can help you weather the storm and establish a solid financial future.