The ferocity of debt collectors may surprise you. Once you miss a single payment, you will be called almost constantly until the past-due payment is satisfied. If you should let things get even further behind, you might be facing a barrage of threatening phone calls and letters. Getting behind on your bills and being contacted by your creditors is annoying, but matters are likely to get far worse before they get better. Read on to find out the quickest and most efficient way to get debt collectors to leave you alone when you are unable to pay them.

Debt Collection Woes

Debt collection techniques will eventually progress from calls and letters to far more punitive actions. In an effort to be paid, creditors can and will take debtors to court. Once a court judgment is handed down, you might be facing some increased penalties for not paying your bills. The court judgment may give your creditors the power to place liens on your property and to garnish your wages. Additionally, you may find that your original debt has doubled or tripled due to court fees, interest, and penalties.

Bankruptcy and the Automatic Stay

Once you realize that you are not going to be able to get caught up on your bills, you might need to consider a bankruptcy filing. While bankruptcy is not a move to be made impulsively, there are few other options to stop debt collections and get rid of debt. Upon a chapter 7 filing, the automatic stay is in force. This means that the bankruptcy courts have placed a stop sign in front of all debt collection activity. While you should file only when you know you are ready, doing so before you get sued is advisable.

Freeing Up Some Cash

You may want to continue to make payments on some types of debt. For example, if you want to keep your home or car through the bankruptcy, you may be able to reaffirm that debt and keep the property. Once you file for bankruptcy, you will no longer need to make those high minimum payments on your credit card debt. That money can now be used to get caught up on rent, house payments, car payments, and for life's necessities. Additionally, tax debts, student loan debt, and child support debts cannot be included in a bankruptcy, so a filing can mean more money to pay those debts.

To find out more about getting debt collection activities to cease, speak to your bankruptcy attorney.