Know your rights and learn what you can do to help yourself
There are 6 resources
General Information
Debt Collection
What can I do if I don't have enough money to pay all I owe? What can the creditor do if I cannot pay? What if my bill is turned over to a debt collector? Answers to these questions and more are in this document.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Fair Debt Collection Practices
If you use credit cards, owe money on a personal loan or are paying on a home mortgage, you are a "debtor." If you fall behind in making payments, a "debt collector" may call or write to you. Federal law says debt collectors must treat you fairly. This document explains how you are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Dealing with Debt Collection Harrassment
(Separate Website)
If you are being harrassed by debt collectors, you should consider taking one or more of the eight steps in this brochure.
(You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open this page of their website. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Get Acrobat Reader icon to download.)
By: National Consumer Law Center
Related Information
Repossessions, Garnishments and Executions
If you owe money to a person or business and cannot pay, they will try to collect. If you bought something on credit, the creditor may have the right to repossess it. If the creditor sues you and gets a court judgment, the creditor may have the right to garnish your wages or execute against your property. This document explains when a creditor can do these things and what you can do to protect your property.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Dangers of Co-Signing a Loan
Should I co-sign a loan? What happens when I co-sign? If I decide to co-sign despite the risks, what should I do? This document answers these questions.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Save Those Papers!
In order to protect your rights, you may need to use papers others have given you. This fact sheet tells you what papers you should save.
By: Legal Services Alabama
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AlabamaLegalHelp offers legal information, not legal advice.We try hard to make sure this website accurately explains your rights and options.However, the site does not apply the law to your personal facts.For this sort of legal advice, you should call a lawyer.To apply for free legal services in Alabama, call the Legal Services Alabama office that is closest to where you live OR call toll-free 1-866-456-4995.
AlabamaLegalHelp.org is a project of Legal Services Alabama and the Legal Services Corporation. It is produced in cooperation with Pro Bono Net and legal services organizations, community organizations and government agencies throughout Alabama and the United States.
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