Originally Posted by
ttam2
I owe $5500 to a credit card company. It is now with a collection agency. They said I could make payments of $500 month--there's no way I can do that--I offered $50 a month-what are my chances? Also, can they seize property only in my Husband's name? I live in Florida. Thanks so much.
I live in Florida & am going through this. The law varies from State to State. If you had the credit card in only your name (and applied for it by YOU only) they will only go after your assets (especially if you obtained these before marriage). Most collection co.'s here in Fla. Are con artists. Don't talk to any more again (that's how they GET you-you just acknowleged the debt). Only use correspondence and type your name (do not use signature). Have a bank acct in your name only. Make sure your correspondence, etc. is only in regards to YOU (not your husband). If it was a joint card, yes, they can go after him too. Most judges here in Fla, for that amt of money will (if they really do obtain a judgement-most say that to scare you into paying) just put a lien against your house. This will only cause problems if you sell. Florida is so swamped with house foreclosures, etc. & being that Fla. Is so transient with so many people obtaining C.C.'s , etc. then leaving the state we are in a different situation than most other states. The courts are so swamped & backlogged. Document your time/date/person of whom you tried to settle with too. The collection agencies working here are basically like telemarketers. Yes, this is serious but don't let them scare you. You should here the horrible things they said to my dying father. But, as I say, this is Florida, and they pretty much don't care about anything but their commission. If one "agent" can't get a better offer from you they will get a "hardballer" who will really harass & scare you all to hell & back. How can they do this? Because Florida does nothing to these people although they break the law (they may even call your boss, call you at 6 am, etc. ) Florida legislature gets so much campaign money from them they don't care about you. I know. My uncle owns one here. They always use fake names, forget getting a last name (that's fake too by the way). I heard his "employees" harass the very sick & elderly, and start their calls as soon as a hurricane tears someone's house apart & the phone is finally turned back on. They don't care about anything except putting in another new pool in their mini-mansion. Do your research & deal with only the legal facts by FLORIDA law. Use it in your correspondence & make copies. Fight fire with fire.
