Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Re: Stop payment on a hospital bill collection

In a short answer, no you cannot get in trouble. You can get in much more trouble if the payments or real checks bounce.

If you are having problems making ends meet then take a complete look at your budget. Look only at the necessities. Food, clothing shelter. Then add in a small savings amount every month. Even if it is only $10 per week.

Only after you have gotten there should you consider how much to pay other bills, such as credit cards, loans and yes, medical bills.

Especialy once something has gone to collections there is not much more that can be done to your credit. Collection companies are particularly good about getting blood from stones. But they often use abusive practices that expose them to liability.

Take a look at the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (also called the FDCPA). That will instruct you on how to deal with collection companies. One trick is to inform them by phone and mail that any number they have for you is a work number and they may not contact you at work.

Document every contact with every collection company. Keep copies of all letter sent and which you send. Record any call. When the collection company eventually violates the FDCPA then you can sue them in small claims court for statutory penalties of up to $1,000 plus court costs.

But really, maek certain you have your budget in order. Make certain you have all you need to take care of yourself and your family and also to set a little bit aside every month. Only then should you be paying any extra bills.

Finally, in order to stop automatic payments you must visit you bank and file a stop request regarding ACH payments. I recommend against automatic payments to anybody. There is nothing preventing an unscrupulous agent from taking out as much as your bank will allow.

Further, please go and see a credit counselor. The Consumer Credit Counselling service is the most well respected. And the offer free service to anyone who can't afford to pay their low fees.

Good luck.

Roger Traversa

email: [email protected]