Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Missouri

Do I have to pay the collection agency the payment they want?

I have a collection agency on me for collection of some past medical bills in the amount of $1600.50. I called and promised them $100.00 per month for 16 months as that is all my budget would handle and I will pay more when I can. They told me that was not acceptable and that I will have to pay the debt within 6 months. I was under the impression that if I was attempting to pay, that they would have to take what I can pay! Please help me as time is running out before they take it from my wages.

Thank you,


Asked on 7/21/01, 5:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Do I have to pay the collection agency the payment they want?

No, you do not have to pay the collection agency on their terms.In fact, if I were you I wouldn't deal with the collection agency at all. You should write them a letter telling them not to contact you any more about this debt, and insisting that they place a copy of your letter in the file of any credit bureau they have reported the debt to. You seem to have a common misconception that they have to work with you so long as you are making partial payments. They do not.The creditor has the option of simply turning this account over to an attorney for suit at any time. By the way, the collection agency can not garnish your wages. At least not until after suit has been filed, you have been served, and a Judgment has been entered against you. Many "collectors" take advantage of a persons lack of familiarity with the law. Do not let this happen to you. If the account goes to an atorney you should be able to work out a settlement with him or her which will allow you to pay as you are able to do so. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/23/01, 11:40 pm


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