You’re probably already aware that filing bankruptcy will immediately halt all of your creditors’ collection attempts, including phone calls. But you can also make them stop just by retaining an attorney.
Once I’m retained, I tell my clients to say: “I’ve retained an attorney to assist me in filing for bankruptcy, please contact him,” and to give them my name and phone number. At that point, they must stop contacting my client. And if they don’t, we can sue them for violating consumer protection laws. It won’t stop them from filing a collection lawsuit, but it will stop the harassment and give you time to save up enough money and get your documentation together for either a settlement or bankruptcy.
I ask for only part of my fee up front as a retainer, so if you’re waiting to gather documentation or save money, don’t let the calls get out of control.
