Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Illinois

Rights and Where to go for help

I am a single mother of 2 living on a very tight budget my question to an attorney is What are my rights as far as collection agencies are considered? I am trying to pay off all past due and delinquent debts and I am having a hard time. I am getting slammed by one collection agency after another all threatening to sue me. What are my rights? Do they have to give me time to pay? Can they sue if I am sending them money or trying to get on a repayment plan? What do I do and where can I go for help with this matter? Thank you.


Asked on 6/29/04, 1:07 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Re: Rights and Where to go for help

Take a look at the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA):

http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpa/fdcpact.htm

No, they don't have to give you any more time than that allowed in your payment agreement with the original creditor (which is probably to pay on demand). Yes, they can sue you if you don't pay as required by your payment agreement with the original creditor. They are restricted by the FDCPA. You might qualify for legal assistance programs in your area. Prairie State Legal Services apparently serves most northern Illinois counties:

http://www.pslegal.org/

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Answered on 6/30/04, 8:59 am


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