Expert: Chris Ebert - 1/5/2010

Question
Hello, I was wondering what if you owe a doctor 492.00 but have paid him 200.00 and now owe 292 and have sent two payments of 25.00 to still have a balance of 242.00 and have promised to pay on Jan. 25 100.00 and on Feb. 25 the remaining 142.00 will they still file a court order?  They sent me a letter stating that since I hadn't sent in a payment in months(before I sent them the two payments of 25.00) I needed to pay asap or they would file a court order.  It was hand written by the secretary and instead of the collection agency notice she scratched the word collection agency and put court order on it.  Can you help me to clarify this?  Thank you!

Answer
Jessica,

I doubt any one will sue over $292.00 considering that filing the lawsuit usually costs $60-125. I would call them again and tell them you are putting yourself on a payment plan of XX and honor that. Keep copies of the checks or money orders that you send them and get a copy of front and back of each cashed check for future reference.

Chris
http://www.henleycreditlaw.com