Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Credit

I'm a 22 year old college student and I fell behind my bills with my credit card. They only add up to about $3000 together and the collection agency wants $350/mo on just one. There's no way I can afford to pay that every month but when I told them that they said they can garnish my wages 20% so now I'm stuck, and poor and stressed.


Asked on 11/06/07, 10:02 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Greg Artim Law Office of Karen L. Myers, P.C.

Re: Credit

They cannot garnish your wages in PA for this type of debt. I cannot respond further because you did not ask a question.

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Answered on 11/06/07, 10:36 pm
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Credit

You asked about debt.

First off you need to get control of your finances. Fortunately you are only in a shallow hole. When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. Set up a budget and stick to it.

As to the current situation, the creditor is correct that they could potentially obtain a garnishment for 20% of you income. But a good defense can prevent that. Do more research on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and it will give you some guidance as to reigning in the abusive debt collector. Especially when the amount is so low it's fun to sue the debt collectors in small claims for the statutory damages, and usually win. better is the fact that you just hand this matter off to an attorney to bring to Federal Court and the creditor can get stuck for attorney fees and expenses.

Take control of the debtor and beat them up with the rules you will find in the FDCPA. In the end, you will end up paying what you owe but you should do so on your own terms and to hell with theirs.

This is one of the few cases where a legitimate (and I stress legitimate) debt counseling service can be of assistance. They can stop the interest and have negotiated discounts for debtors in their programs.

Regards,

Roger

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Answered on 11/06/07, 11:19 pm


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