If you are being harassed by creditors and are struggling to pay off your debts, it may seem like hiring an attorney is the best way to stop the constant phone calls and letters. But before you go down that route, it's important to understand what an attorney can and cannot do to help you with your creditors.
One thing an attorney can do is negotiate with your creditors on your behalf. If you are unable to pay off your debts in full, an attorney may be able to negotiate a payment plan or settlement agreement with your creditors to reduce the amount you owe. This can be especially helpful if you are facing a lawsuit from a creditor or are at risk of having your wages garnished.
An attorney can also help you understand your legal rights and options when it comes to dealing with creditors. For example, they can advise you on whether you may be able to discharge your debts through bankruptcy or whether you may have defenses to a creditor's lawsuit.
However, it's important to note that an attorney cannot make your creditors stop contacting you altogether. Federal and state laws provide certain protections for consumers facing debt collection, such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits creditors and debt collectors from using abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices when collecting a debt. If a creditor is violating the FDCPA or other consumer protection laws, an attorney can help you take legal action against the creditor.
One thing an attorney can do is send a cease and desist letter to the creditor or debt collector, demanding that they stop contacting you. This can be effective in some cases, but it's important to understand that it does not eliminate your debt or stop the creditor from taking other legal action, such as suing you or garnishing your wages.
It's also worth noting that hiring an attorney can be expensive, and it may not always be the best solution for dealing with creditors. If you are struggling to pay off your debts and are considering hiring an attorney, it may be worth exploring other options first, such as negotiating with your creditors directly or seeking the help of a credit counseling agency.
In summary, an attorney can help you negotiate with your creditors and understand your legal rights and options when it comes to dealing with debt, but they cannot stop creditors from contacting you altogether. If you are being harassed by creditors and are considering hiring an attorney, it's important to understand the limitations of what they can do and to consider all of your options before making a decision.