Attorneys Working to Protect You From Creditor Harassment in Indiana

We can help when debt collection agencies annoy you

If you are being harassed by a debt collection agency, you should not just assume that there is nothing you can do about it. Under Indiana law, bill collectors have the burden of proof to show a debt is valid and collectible. In many cases, they don’t have the proper documentation to do that. For over a decade, the Law Office of Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C.,, in Merrillville, Indiana has protected consumers, individuals and businesses from obnoxious debt collectors. also work with clients in the East Chicago/Chicagoland area of Illinois.

Many debts can’t be collected because the creditors lack the legal proof

It’s quite common for creditors to sell your debt to a third-party debt collection agency at a discount. The debt collection agency will then attempt to collect the debt from you. Some of the most common types of debts that are sold to collection agencies include credit card bills, personal loans, signature loans, business loans, automobile loans, medical bills and payday loans. Our mission is to protect you from unfair debt collection methods and inaccurate credit reporting and help you find the financial freedom you seek.

All documents related to the debt must be properly filed and provided before the collection agency has the right to collect the debt from you. For example, under Indiana law, the bill collector must be able to produce a signed contract between you and the creditor — and many debts are the result of identity theft or mistaken identity. This is called “debt verification.”

If the debt collector cannot produce a signed contract, they cannot collect the debt. In some cases, you can have the debt dismissed, with attorney fees awarded.

The Power of the Automatic Stay

Even if your creditors can produce valid documentation in court, you still have options. One is to file bankruptcy. The moment you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, an “automatic stay” goes into effect. The automatic stay puts an immediate halt to creditor harassment, wage garnishments, home foreclosures, repossessions and debt-related lawsuits. One outcome of Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that debts are consolidated and paid off in a monthly plan — this is an additional tool in building a brighter future.

Free, Confidential Attorney Consultation

Are your creditors constantly calling you about unpaid debts? Are you stressed and embarrassed by their constant demands? You have legal rights and options. The Law Office of Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C., attorneys serve clients in Lake and Porter counties of Indiana, including those as far away as South Bend and Lafayette. Call 219-293-8988 or send us an e-mail to discuss your debt collection problems with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. We offer flexible payment plans and can begin working on your bankruptcy case for as little as $100 down. Day, evening and Saturday appointments are available.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.