Harassment Relief in Utah
The phone rings. The number is unavailable, but you answer it anyway. It’s a creditor demanding money. You get that sinking feeling you’ve felt plenty of times before. Then they start calling the people who you listed as references on the loan documents, telling them that you owe money and asking how they can get in touch with you. You feel embarrassed and taken advantage of. Then all that seems to come in the mail are past-due notices and collection demands.
You can put your phone on silent and refuse to answer the door, but that won’t stop creditors from attempting to collect on debts owed. Debt collectors can use many different means to contact you, and it won’t stop until you do something about it.
Utah Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Even if you have debt, you still have rights; but how do you stop creditors from using unfair practices in an attempt to collect? Congressional findings show that debt collection harassment influences consumers to file bankruptcy, even if it’s not the best option. This is why there are laws to protect consumers.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is intended to prevent debt collectors from harassing consumers, leaving them to believe their only recourse is to file for bankruptcy.
But how do you know what your options are?
What’s Considered Debt Harassment?
Debt harassment comes in many forms, with the most common being endless phone calls from debt collectors and creditors about your past-due payments. It’s also common to get letter after letter about your debt. And, even if you try to ignore it, creditors can turn to your family and friends to call about your payment.
The reality is that creditors can and do make demands, and debt harassment is unfortunately a common experience for people who need to pay off their loans. Often, debt collectors are aggressive and rude, which can make it feel like they are harassing you and doing something illegal. Unfortunately, even if their methods are aggressive and feel threatening, as long as they stay within the law, creditors can ask you to pay what you owe until it is paid.
Rulon T. Burton Can Help
As soon as you file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Utah creditor harassment law requires all communication from creditors must STOP. That is the law. As soon as you file, the court issues an order called an automatic stay.
What’s an Automatic Stay?
An automatic stay is a protective order that stops all collection activities including:
- Creditor harassment
- Foreclosures
- Garnishments
- Lawsuits
- License suspensions
- Repossessions
An automatic stay is immediately granted when bankruptcy is filed, regardless of whether it is a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
How We Help
When you file bankruptcy with Rulon T. Burton, the automatic stay means creditors cannot contact you in any way. They cannot call, write, email, or text. If any creditor contacts you after you file, you simply tell them that you have filed and give them your case number and the date you filed. If a creditor continues to harass you after you have filed bankruptcy, they can be forced to stop by the bankruptcy court.
A Utah Bankruptcy Attorney Team You Can Trust
Our team of legal professionals knows how to help you during this difficult time. Our experience, thorough knowledge of Utah bankruptcy law, and ability to really listen are what make us the right team to depend on. Call us today to make an appointment; your initial consultation is FREE.
We’re here to review your situation in detail and show you how a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy can help you find relief from creditor harassment.