Got Debt? The Consequences of Ignoring your Debts

I recently read a newspaper advice column written by a Certified Financial Planner who suggested that, as a practical matter, there is no difference between ignoring your credit card debt and filing bankruptcy. Well, let’s look at the “practical effects” of ignoring your credit card debt:

First, ignoring credit card obligations will cause a persistent series of harassing telephone calls and letters from credit card companies, collection agencies, and finally law firms. Phone calls are systematically made to the debtor’s home and work, and sometimes to third parties including neighbors, extended family, and your employer. The agencies that collect credit card debt are experts at telephone harassment – it is one of their most important weapons.

Bankruptcy, on the other hand, stops all collection calls.

Second, your credit score will be ruined on a continuing basis. For each month that a credit card goes unpaid, the creditor will report negatively to the credit reporting bureau. Additionally, collection agencies will often further harm your credit score by “resetting” the date of last activity when the account is transferred to a new collector.

Bankruptcy stops all negative reporting. Discharged debts should be identified as “Discharged in Bankruptcy” with a zero balance. The debtor’s credit report and score can begin to recover from the date of the bankruptcy discharge.

Third, you can (and will) be sued. The typical consumer will undoubtedly lose a lawsuit over a legitimate debt. The resulting judgment may include substantial penalties, interest, court fees, and attorney fees. A judgment creditor can collect from your wages, your property, and your bank account. While there are some people who are judgment proof, they are the exception and not the norm. Most people have assets that a judgment creditor can attack.

Bankruptcy prevents all lawsuits and even stops collection actions from judgment creditors.

Many consumer advocates have likened credit card debt to an illness. Like any illness, the cure is not found in ignoring the problem, which will only make things worse. If you are sick from credit cards and are unable to pay your debts, consult with a bankruptcy attorney and find the cure! At the Law Office of Erich M. Niederlehner, PA we encourge you to take control of your financial future, ignoring your problems will not make them go away. So if you have mounting credit card debt - Go Green! Cut up the plastic.

The Law Office of Erich M. Niederlehner, PA has 4 convenient locations in Mobile, Pensacola, Fairhope and Fort Walton Beach. Please call toll free 877-607-2228 to schedule a free consultation. Congress has designated us a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Main office is in Pensacola, Florida. No attorney client relationship is established by using this website.