Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania
Can't pay credit cards....need advice!
My husband and I have over $36,000 in credit card bills that we cannot afford to pay. Our last payment was in June 2007. $16,000 is to Discover Card and $20,000 is a credit card at a Credit Union. We live in PA and wanted to know if anyone knows the laws in PA? What will happen to these accounts? Discover Card calls here 8 times a day...the Credit Union doesn't.....can they sue us or garnish wages? Any input would be greatly appreciated.....oh and we both work 2 jobs and still cannot afford to pay these.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Can't pay credit cards....need advice!
Go to a bankruptcy attorney.
Re: Can't pay credit cards....need advice!
You asked about credit debt that you just can't pay.
First off is regaining composure by stopping the harassing collections practices. Do some research on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. You can stop the calls by informing the collector in writing that you do not wish to receive such calls at your home. If you do any work at home at all you can also tell the collector that you are not not allowed to recieve such calls on this line. (You don't have to provide them another number.) You can also restrict the number of times and and days on which they call be informing them in a letter.
You do need to get a handle on things and that will begin with getting a handle on your finances. Create a budget and figure out what money is going where and where you can pare back.
Determine what you can and can't afford to do. Only then should you consider seeing a bankruptcy attorney. Bankruptcy is probably the way to go as your debt is pretty substantial. Bankruptcy will restructure your debts while stripping away and excessive assets. You will need to pay for a BK attorney up front so start saving cash.
As the saying goes, when you find yourself in a hole; stop digging. Look for someone who can help guide you out. And please do not fall victim to any debt or credit counselors. These counselors only forestall the inevitable and help the credit card companies get more money before a person actually files for bankruptcy protection.
There is no shame in filing for bankruptcy. It is a common tool for getting out of a bad situation.
Please call if you would like to proceed or I can refer you to a practitioner closer to you.
Regards,
Roger