{"id":357986,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/debtor-creditor-dispute-questionnaire.html"},"modified":"2026-01-15T14:28:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T19:28:00","slug":"debtor-creditor-dispute-questionnaire","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/debtor-creditor-dispute-questionnaire.html","title":{"rendered":"Can an Attorney Help Dispute a Debt?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can an Attorney Help Dispute a Debt?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Debt disputes can arise when collectors pursue the wrong amount, chase an old or invalid debt, or attempt to collect on accounts tied to fraud or identity theft. If you challenge a debt, you may need to provide detailed information so an attorney can verify the claim, contact the collector, and protect your rights under consumer protection laws.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you’re in debt, the incessant calls and reminders from debt collectors and collection agencies can be all-consuming. If you’re fortunate, the creditor will\u00a0accept a small payment plan<\/a> or agree to settle for less than the total amount you owe.<\/p>\n

But it’s not always that simple or straightforward. A bill collector may try to collect more than you owe. Or, they may sell your debt to another collection agency. This can cause the balance to double or even triple and make it harder to track who actually owns the account. You might even start receiving calls about debts you\u2019ve already paid or debts that don\u2019t belong to you at all.<\/p>\n

In some cases, the creditor may file a debt collection lawsuit<\/a>\u00a0and demand you pay attorney fees.<\/p>\n

Whether you’ve racked up credit card debt, are the victim of identity theft, or are facing collection efforts for any reason, you must know how to dispute a debt. This article discusses issues you may encounter when disputing a debt. It will also prep you with the information you’ll need when meeting with a debt collection lawyer.<\/p>\n

Depending on your situation and the extent of your debt, an attorney’s help can be crucial. They can review your situation, explain your options, and help stop improper collection efforts. This can save you time, money, and a significant hit to your credit.<\/p>\n

Can’t I Just Tell the Debt Collector To Stop?<\/h2>\n

When a debt collector contacts you<\/a>, you can tell them the debt isn’t valid. But that rarely stops the collection activity. You usually must take extra steps to resolve the issue.<\/p>\n

If you don’t report the fraudulent debt, the\u00a0credit reporting agencies<\/a> will continue to negatively impact your credit report. This means your credit score will continue to plummet, affecting your ability to get a loan, buy a home or car, or even get a job.<\/p>\n

Why You May Need a Consumer Law Attorney To Help<\/h2>\n

If a bill collector is contacting you about a debt that you don’t believe you owe, there are specific steps you must take. While the law allows you to dispute a debt on your own, it may be beneficial to seek legal advice from a debt collection attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Before your lawyer can help you, they must know your situation and why you’re disputing the debt. There are many reasons you may do this, including:<\/p>\n