Understanding Texas Debt Collection Laws: A Guide for Debtors
Dealing with debt collection can be overwhelming, especially if you’re facing aggressive tactics from collection agencies. If you’re being hounded by credit agencies for past-due bills and think the company might be overstepping its legal bounds, it’s crucial to understand your rights under Texas debt collection laws. As someone who has represented debtors for over 25 years, helping over 4,000 clients navigate consumer bankruptcies, I can offer insight into how to protect yourself and ensure you’re treated fairly during this stressful process.
Texas Debt Collection Laws: Know Your Rights
Creditors and debt collectors often rely on the fact that debtors might not be familiar with the limits of what they can legally do to collect on debts. While many agencies follow the law and act professionally, some resort to underhanded tactics. Knowing your rights is key, as it empowers you to stand up for yourself and avoid being taken advantage of.
Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- No Threats of Illegal Actions: Debt collectors cannot make threats about actions they are not legally allowed to take. For example, they cannot threaten to garnish your wages or seize your home in Texas unless they’ve gone through proper legal channels. They also cannot threaten to sue you without a legitimate reason or without actually filing a lawsuit.
- Stopping Harassment: If you’re being contacted constantly, you have the right to request that they cease communication. To do so, you must send a written request. Once they receive this, they are legally obligated to stop calling you. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t erase the debt — it just stops the calls.
- Disputing Debt: If you’re being contacted about a debt that you believe isn’t yours, the law gives you the right to ask for proof of the debt. Debt collectors must provide verification before they can continue pursuing the debt. If they fail to do this, they are breaking the law, and you can use this to dispute the debt.
- Seeking Legal Help: For individuals dealing with incorrect debt claims or aggressive tactics, it’s crucial to seek legal advice. As a seasoned debtor’s attorney, I specialize in protecting clients from illegal collection practices, helping them understand their rights and guiding them through the process of dispute resolution or bankruptcy if needed.
How a Bankruptcy Attorney Can Help
When dealing with debt collection, one of the best options for many people is to file for bankruptcy. With over 25 years of experience filing consumer bankruptcies (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13), I understand how to use the bankruptcy process to help clients find relief from overwhelming debt. Filing for bankruptcy can stop collection calls, end wage garnishments, and discharge certain types of debt, allowing you to get a fresh start.
However, if bankruptcy isn’t the right option for you, I can still assist you in understanding your debt, exploring repayment options, and making sure you’re protected from unfair practices.
Get the Help You Need
Dealing with debt collectors can be daunting, but it’s important to know that you don’t have to face it alone. As an experienced attorney focused on helping debtors, I can help you navigate your legal options. Whether you need advice on debt collection laws, need assistance in disputing a debt, or want to explore bankruptcy options, I am here to provide you with the guidance you need.
If you’re ready to take action and protect your rights, feel free to contact my office to schedule a consultation. Together, we can work toward a solution that puts you in control of your financial future.
