Debt collector harassing you? Looking to collect on a debt?
A collections lawyer can represent you if you’re a consumer or a creditor. If you’re a consumer, the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from abusive, overly-aggressive, and deceptive debt collectors. Many types of conduct can qualify as illegal harassment, like if a debt collector:

• repeatedly calls you, multiple times a day for many days in a row or at unusual times
• uses obscene, profane, or abusive language
• make threats to use violence against you
• threatens you with arrest, or tells you that you’ll face criminal prosecution if you don’t pay, or
• contacts you at work after you’ve told the debt collector not to call you there.

Some states have their own debt collection laws that provide additional protections. If a collector violates federal or state law, an attorney can use that violation as leverage to settle your debt or as the basis for a lawsuit against the collector. By talking with a lawyer, you can get answers to your questions, figure out the best way to exercise your legal rights, and stop the harassment.

A collections attorney can also help if you’re a creditor looking to collect on a debt. Whether you’re owed money in a personal or professional capacity, a lawyer can provide collections representation. Consider talking to an attorney who can analyze your individual case and tell you about your rights and options under the law.

Looking for a Lawyer?
At Lawyers.com, you’ll find a user-friendly search tool that allows you to tailor results by area of law and geography. You can also search for attorneys by name. Attorney profiles prominently display contact information, list topics of expertise, and show ratings—by both clients and other legal professionals.

Ready to Meet With a Lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer or law firm, make sure to speak directly—preferably in person—to the attorney who will be primarily responsible for handling your case. Consider bringing to the conversation a list of questions and any documentation related to your case. Remember that you don’t need to hire the first lawyer you consult and that, first and foremost, you want a lawyer you trust.

What to Ask a Lawyer
When gathering your thoughts and documents, think about what you’ll want to ask the lawyer. Consider including on your list questions about:

• the lawyer’s experience with situations like yours
• options, strategies, and likely outcomes
• who else will work on your case
• how the lawyer will keep you informed about what’s happening in your case
• attorneys’ fees and other expenses related to the case (including how the cost might increase as the case moves to different stages, like a lawsuit), and the lawyer’s initial impressions of your case and options.