How to Deal With an Attorney to Pay Debts

Treat an attorney calling about a debt the same as any other debt collector. Like all other debt collectors, the attorney is bound by the terms of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a federal law. That means he cannot threaten or intimidate you, call you at odd hours of the day or night -- or even call at all if you ask him in writing not to do so. However, attention from an attorney should be taken seriously. The assignment of your debt to an attorney could be the final step before the filing of a lawsuit.

Instructions

1

Write a letter asking the attorney to verify that he is legally authorized to collect the debt. This can be accomplished by asking the lawyer to send you a copy of your last statement from the original creditor or a copy of the contract or promissory note that you signed.

2

Offer to settle the debt after you have assurances that the lawyer is authorized to collect from you. The SmartMoney website reports that debt collectors will often settle old accounts for 20 to 75 percent of the balance.

3

Negotiate with the attorney until you have a deal. Several telephone calls or correspondence by letter may be necessary for you to negotiate a settlement offer that you can afford. Be sure to get all terms of the agreement in writing, including the amount that you have agreed to pay, the date and details on how the account will be updated on your credit report. Generally, accounts are updated to indicate that that they were "settled for less than the full balance," according to Black Enterprise magazine.