Know your rights and learn what you can do to help yourself
There are 10 resources
General Information
Debt Collection
What can I do if I don't have enough money to pay all I owe? What can the creditor do if I cannot pay? What if my bill is turned over to a debt collector? Answers to these questions and more are in this document.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Fair Debt Collection Practices
If you use credit cards, owe money on a personal loan or are paying on a home mortgage, you are a "debtor." If you fall behind in making payments, a "debt collector" may call or write to you. Federal law says debt collectors must treat you fairly. This document explains how you are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Dealing with Debt Collection Harrassment
(Separate Website)
If you are being harrassed by debt collectors, you should consider taking one or more of the eight steps in this brochure. Read this in: Español
(You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open this page of their website. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Get Acrobat Reader icon to download.)
By: National Consumer Law Center
Repossessions
If you bought something on credit or put up something you own as collateral, the creditor may have the right to repossess it. Cars are often repossessed. We use a car as an example for repossessions and answer questions about what you can do.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Wage Garnishments
This fact sheet explains when someone can garnish your paycheck. It also explains what you can do to stop the garnishment.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Executions
If you owe money to a person or business and cannot pay, they will try to collect. If a creditor sues you and gets a court judgment, the creditor may have the right to execute against your property. This document explains how a creditor does this and what you can do to protect your property.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Dangers of Co-Signing a Loan
Should I co-sign a loan? What happens when I co-sign? If I decide to co-sign despite the risks, what should I do? This document answers these questions.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Co-signing a Loan - Facts for Consumers
(Separate Website)
What would you do if a friend or relative asked you to cosign a loan? Before you answer, make sure you understand what cosigning involves. Under federal law, creditors are required to give you a notice that explains your obligations. This site includes that notice and other information.
By: U.S. Federal Trade Commission
Don't Miss Out!!! Take Advantage of All the Benefits Available to You
Should you be getting child support? Do you qualify for food stamps? Can your children get free or low-cost health insurance? Can you get a lower telephone bill? Do you need help filing your income taxes? Read this for information about 10 often-overlooked benefits available to many low-income people.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Save Those Papers!
In order to protect your rights, you may need to use papers others have given you. This fact sheet tells you what papers you should save.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)
AlabamaLegalHelp offers legal information, not legal advice. We try hard to make sure this website accurately explains your rights and options. However, the site does not apply the law to your personal facts. For this sort of legal advice, you should call a lawyer. To apply for free legal services in Alabama, call the Legal Services Alabama office that is closest to where you live OR call toll-free 1-866-456-4995.
AlabamaLegalHelp.org is a project of Legal Services Alabama and the Legal Services Corporation. It is produced in cooperation with Pro Bono Net and legal services organizations, bar associations, community organizations and government agencies throughout Alabama and the United States.
(Separate Website)
