Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Not generally, but I would suggest it is a good idea to do so. With all of the issues being raised in the mortgage arena regarding assignments of debts, debt collection rights, etc (not that this is a mortgage, but the defenses raised there tend to "dribble" into other types of debt collection)... you would be well served to send a letter indicating that you demand payment and that absent payment or other satisfactory arrangements for repayment being made, the debt will be turned over to a debt collection agency. Also be sure to include the FDCPA disclaimers whether or not they apply to you - it is just good practice to include it on any correspondence attempting to collect a debt. In terms of how long to give them - since the letter is not required, there is no limit on time. You can provide them with a week, two weeks or a month - whatever you believe is reasonable. I would suggest, however, that 14 days is probably the minimum reasonable timeframe in which to expect that they would contact you to resolve the debt.

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