I am behind on my bills due to a temporary financial crisis but continue to pay as I'm able - about one to two months behind on a few debts. I am unemployed but working as a temp pending a court decision about whether I can leave Minnesota with my son (his father contests the move - we are divorced). Once I move, I have career employment and will be able to pay off all of my debt. House is for sale, and equity of home would also permit me to pay off all my debt. I've repeated this to every creditor about a thousand times. Even if I've just made a payment, because they want more, they call daily. I've asked them to stop calling and to deal with me in writing because I cannot tell them anything new. The repeatedly ask me to confirm my address, etc.

I have now started to hang up if there is any delay at all in the call connecting when I pick up, or if it is a voice I do not recognize to avoid these people. What else can I do?

I don't want to declare bankruptcy.

Get caller ID and do not answer their call or any call that says "caller unknown". They may get a judgement for a lien on your property sale but you were planning to pay them anyway.

Contact a non-profit credit counselling service if there is one in your area, in Canada if you send a registered letter to the collection agency asking them to only send letters they have to comply or face fines from the consumer protection agency (run by the govt) although these laws may be different in other countries.

Edit: If the above is not available make a payment plan with them, something you can afford and don't miss payments, then when they call you tell them my next agreed payment is on (blank) why are you calling, they will really try and force you to make a higher payment then you suggest is possible so really stick to what you can afford, maybe if you can afford 50 a month (or whatever) offer them 40 a month and let them talk you up to 50 so they feel like they won!

Send a letter to all your creditors saying that they should only contact you by mail in the future. Explain to them that you have every intention of paying your bills as soon as you are able. Also explain that you will keep them informed, by mail, of any change in address and situation.

Change your phone number if you can. These people don't listen to reason half the time.

Once a collection agency is told not to call you again, legally they are not permitted to call again. Next time one of them calls ask for the person's name, name of company and address. Type a form letter on your computer. Fill in their name etc. and send them written confirmation that you have told them on such and such a date that they are not permitted to call again. Also state that you are giving them written notice not to call again. Keep a copy of the letter and send the mailing via "Certificate of Mailing". This will cost you 90 cents at the post office. It would be great to send it registered, but too expensive.

Thanks to everyone who responded. I greatly appreciate it. I will use several of these suggestions. Is there any recourse if they call after I tell them they may not do so in writing?