Future.

You may think that it is unavoidable to deal with debt collectors after you are deeply in debt. While it may be helpful to speak with collectors to see if you can work out a reasonable payment arrangement, some collection practices are considered abusive and are against the law. You and others might be interested in learning the differences between permissible and unlawful methods to collect a debt.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission prohibits debt collection practices that are deceptive, unfair or abusive. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from such collection methods as the following:

• Foul or abusive language on the phone by collectors
• Repeated, harassing phone calls or calls at inconvenient times of the day and night
• Phones calls at your workplace, if you specify the collector cannot contact you at work
• Threats of jail time or fines
• False statements of being an attorney, government representative or member of law enforcement
• Intimidation or threats of physical harm

There are less abusive, but no less unlawful, methods a debt collector might use, which often trick unsuspecting debtors. For example, a collection agency might send you documents that intentionally resemble legal or government papers. A collector may ask you to sign paperwork that he or she deceptively assures you is not a legal document, or the other way around. A debt collection agency may contact other members of your family only once to obtain your contact information, but you should know that the law forbids collectors from talking about your debt to anyone else but you or your attorney.

Debt collection practices may be confusing. If you are in doubt as to whether a collector is using unlawful tactics to collect from you, or are wondering what steps can be taken to stop creditor and debt collector harassment, it may be in your best interests to contact an attorney.

Bankruptcy no longer has the social stigma it once did. However, those who are considering bankruptcy may take comfort in knowing what has caused others to seek financial relief through this legal process. Although reasons for financial struggles vary from family to family, three of the most common causes of bankruptcy that are often cited by those petitioning for relief from the court include:

• Medical debt. Whether you have health insurance or not, a medical emergency can quickly lead to insurmountable debt. Even those with insurance can find high deductibles unmanageable. As a result, medical debt is the most common cause for bankruptcy.
• Unemployment. It is simply impossible to make ends meet without an income. Job opportunities can be scarce, and many families continue to struggle to find adequate employment.
• Divorce. The end of a marriage is also the end of a financial partnership. In many cases, the income relied upon by the family has not changed, but the financial needs often double as the family shifts from one household to two.

A recent publication in the Chicago Tribune notes that these three factors contribute to almost 90 percent of all bankruptcy petitions within the United States.

Is bankruptcy right for me? The decision to go into bankruptcy is not an easy one. Those who are struggling financially are wise to take three different questions into account when attempting to determine if bankruptcy is right for their family. First, how much of an income or savings is at your disposal? Second, how much do you owe? Third, how much do you own in assets (home, car, business interests)?

Gather this information together and seek legal counsel. An attorney experienced in bankruptcy matters will be able to answer your questions. Questions like what can you keep in bankruptcy and how will life look after the bankruptcy process is complete.

Bankruptcy is a legal process that can help those who are struggling financially find a fresh financial start. Those who have considered this process have likely stumbled on a number of legal terms, including “automatic stay.” This term refers to a court order that is granted after an applicant is approved for bankruptcy.

What happens when an automatic stay is issued? This court order requires creditors to stop contacting you. In addition to ceasing contact, these creditors cannot file a lawsuit in an attempt to gain payment or enter a lien against your property.

The automatic stay can also stop a landlord from evicting a tenant that is going through bankruptcy if the eviction is in connection to a demand for rental payment. The court order can also stop garnishment. Garnishment is a process that allows a creditor to remove money directly from your paycheck. When you get the paycheck from your employer, the creditor would already have taken a portion of payment from the check. When an automatic stay goes into effect, the garnishment should stop.

This order also extends to include utilities. A person that is going through bankruptcy is often protected from utility disconnection.

Does the applicant need to do anything to make the automatic stay go into effect? Essentially, no. The applicant just needs to put together a successful application for relief through bankruptcy. If granted, the automatic stay goes into effect automatically (hence the name).

This is just one of the many legal terms to understand before determining if bankruptcy is the right option for you. An experienced attorney can discuss this and other terms and help you decide the best way to get back on your feet.

Households around the country owe an average of $15,654 to credit card companies. Paying down this debt while saving for retirement can be a challenge for Mississippi individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet, and borrowing from 401(k) retirement accounts to reduce revolving balances may seem like a good idea. Credit card interest rates are generally far higher than those imposed by retirement plans, but there are a number of important factors to consider before taking out a 401(k) loan.

Borrowing from money earmarked for retirement may not be a wise decision if it does not address the fundamental problem. When credit card balances are high due to excessive spending, paying the debt off with 401(k) funds will merely provide a temporary respite if spending habits do not change. However, this kind of borrowing may be prudent when revolving debt balances were caused by events, such as medical emergencies, that are unlikely to be repeated.

A 401(k) loan may not be a good idea for individuals who may change jobs in the near future. Employers usually expect workers who leave to repay these loans within 90 days, and failing to do this could lead to a tax bill and penalty fees. Those mulling this option should also consider the impact that borrowing from a 401(k) account will have on their retirement plans. This is especially important for individuals with 401(k) plans that do not allow new contributions to be made until outstanding loans are repaid in full.

Attorneys with debt relief experience may suggest filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy to those with unmanageable financial situations who wish to safeguard their retirement savings. Funds in 401(k) plans have protection under bankruptcy law, and individuals who take this option may be able to enjoy the benefits of a fresh financial start without jeopardizing their future.

Bankruptcy is touted as a fresh financial start, but those who have done some research likely know it will have a negative impact on one’s credit score. Although this is true, there are many reasons bankruptcy may still be the best option. Three common examples to take into consideration before ruling out bankruptcy include:

• Unmanageable debt. Failing to pay off debt will continue to chip away at one’s credit score. Depending on the type of debt, a successful bankruptcy petition can resolve this problem. Bankruptcy can lead to the discharge of debt, meaning the applicant is no longer liable for the debt. This can essentially wipe the debt off your record.
• Alternative methods are not an option. In some cases, consumer credit counseling services can offer an alternative to bankruptcy. Others may consider paying off debts with installments. If alternatives like those noted above are not an option, bankruptcy may be the best bet.
• Credit score is fluid. The credit score for each individual is always changing. It is not a static number. After the bankruptcy is complete, active steps are available that can help rebuild one’s credit score. Paying bills on time and using a credit card properly are two ways to take control of your financial future and start building that score.

Attempting to regain control of your finances is a frustrating process. A skilled lawyer with experience in alternatives to bankruptcy and the various forms of bankruptcy that are available can help guide you through this process and alleviate some of that frustration.