Collection agency saying they will advise legal action for bill.

[cwhitt8784]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? VA

Okay, so my mom has a bill for 950.00 and it's in collections. She got a notice saying she would need to pay in full within 10 days or they would advise the original collector to pursue legal action. She contacted them and offered to pay monthly payments of what she could afford and they simply told her they were advised to not set up anything but if she wanted to hold the account there she could pay 150.00 a month. They said in no way was this a payment arrangement and she would not get any type of statements. If she pays and they still pursue her in court, will this help her at all? I have always got a written agreement when working with a collection agency. She knows she owes it and wants to pay it but can not afford it all at once.

 

[justalayman]

I don't know what you think a court does for situation like this but basically, she owes the bill. If she makes some payments and the creditor sues, then the judgment that will be entered against your mother will be for the original amount minus what she paid. Nothing more; nothing less.

 

[TigerD]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? VA

Okay, so my mom has a bill for 950.00 and it's in collections. She got a notice saying she would need to pay in full within 10 days or they would advise the original collector to pursue legal action. She contacted them and offered to pay monthly payments of what she could afford and they simply told her they were advised to not set up anything but if she wanted to hold the account there she could pay 150.00 a month. They said in no way was this a payment arrangement and she would not get any type of statements. If she pays and they still pursue her in court, will this help her at all? I have always got a written agreement when working with a collection agency. She knows she owes it and wants to pay it but can not afford it all at once.

That means they are done playing games. Write the check or face the lawyers. They are not entering into a payment arrangement. They are not negotiating. Pay or suffer the cost of not paying.

More agencies should do this. Call and give the debtor one opportunity to pay before dragging them into court. We are headed there.

DC