Peter Stanton Grain's Answers

I received a phone call from a collector for a NICOR gas bill not paid from 1996 or prior. Is there a statute of limitations?

Since this debt is over 10 years old, it would appear the statute has run unless you made payments within 10 years. A good attorney would ask for a copy of the written agreement, detail all contact from the debt collector to make sure no Federal or State laws have been broken. Best Regards, Pete This is not legal advice, should not be relied on and no attorney-client relationship has been established.

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What is the minimum amount owed that is allowed to be sent to collection?

Unlikely that a $10.00 claim will be placed for collection. However, some agencies must take any amount pursuant to agreement with their client/creditor. I would make sure to report the debt as Disputed with your creditor in writing. List the reasons for the Dispute. Any credt reporting agency will have to list the debt as Disputed. One Disputed item on your credit report for $10.00 should not effect your credit score very much.

When served with paper to appear in court are they supposed to serve you or can they drop it off to anyone in the household?

The minimum age for abode service is 13 years old.

When served with paper to appear in court are they supposed to serve you or can they drop it off to anyone in the household?

Third party service on your landlord not complete. In IL service is accomplished by the process server handing you or any immediate family member living in your home that is 18 years of age or older the summons and complaint. The former is called personal service the later abode service. Best Regards, Peter S Grain Esq E-mail iccgrain@aol.com Tel 847-843-2920 This is not legal advice, should not be relied on and no attorney-client relationship has been estalished.

I was talking to a debt reduction firm, sounded good, gave them my info,only thing left to do is a compliance call,can Iback out

As a consumer in IL, you have three days to cancel. Suggest you phone, fax, e-mail and write letter certified mail that you cancel. Suggest you open new bank account to protect funds. If you have problem with debt reduction firm, suggest you contact an attorney. Best Regards, Pete Asset Protection, Debt Settlement and Bankruptcy Attorney- IL License This is not legal advice, should not be relied on and no attorney-client relationship has been established.

Can this debt be discharged in a bankruptcy?

Although the debt is not dischargable in Bankruptcy that does not mean you cannot make an offer to settle for less than the full amount. If a third party debt buyer purchased the debt, they may be willing to accept much less if you make a lump sum offer. Free Consult and competitve quote. Best Regards, Peter S Grain Esq Tel 847-843-2920 Fax 847-843-3626 E-mail iccgrain@aol.com Website http://internationalcreditcorp.homestead.com PO Box 3617 Barrington, IL 60011-3517 Asset...