A “Sample Letter To A Debt Collection Attorney Dispute” is your formal disagreement. You send this letter when you believe a debt collector’s claim is wrong. Maybe you already paid. Perhaps it’s not even your debt. This letter sets the stage for resolving the issue.
Need help disputing with a debt collection attorney? You are in the right place. We have you covered with ready-to-use templates. Use these samples to craft your own dispute letter.
Our goal is to make this easy. We provide examples for various situations. You can quickly adapt these samples. Get your dispute letter written and sent today.
Sample Letter To A Debt Collection Attorney Dispute
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Debt Collection Attorney’s Name]
[Debt Collection Attorney’s Law Firm]
[Debt Collection Attorney’s Address]
[Debt Collection Attorney’s City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account Number [Account Number, if known]
Dear [Debt Collection Attorney’s Name]:
I am writing to dispute a debt that your office claims I owe. I received a letter from your firm on [Date of Letter Received] regarding account number [Account Number, if known], allegedly for [Type of Debt, e.g., credit card, medical bill] owed to [Original Creditor, if known].
I dispute this debt because [Clearly state your reason for disputing the debt. Be specific. Examples: I do not owe this debt; I already paid this debt; This is a case of mistaken identity; The amount is incorrect; The debt is beyond the statute of limitations].
To verify my claim, I am including [List any supporting documents you are including, e.g., copies of payment confirmations, bank statements, identity theft report, etc.].
I request that your office cease all collection activity until you can provide me with the following documentation:
1. Verification of the debt, including the original account number and the name of the original creditor.
2. A copy of the original contract or agreement that created the debt.
3. Documentation showing that I am legally obligated to pay this debt.
Please be advised that if your office fails to provide the documentation requested, I will consider this matter closed and will take any necessary action to protect my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
I look forward to your prompt response and resolution of this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
How to Write Sample Letter To A Debt Collection Attorney Dispute
Subject Line: Concision is Key
The subject line should be trenchant and immediately signal the letter’s purpose. Avoid ambiguity.
- Clearly state: “Dispute of Debt – Account Number [Your Account Number]”
- Do not over-elaborate; directness prevents misinterpretation.
Salutation: Professional Demeanor
Maintain a respectful, albeit firm, tone. Address the attorney formally.
- Use “Dear Mr./Ms. [Attorney’s Last Name],”
- If uncertain of gender, “Dear [Attorney’s Full Name],” is acceptable.
- Avoid overly familiar greetings; preserve professional distance.
Introduction: Laying the Groundwork
Establish your position succinctly. Do not equivocate.
- Identify yourself: “I am writing in response to your communication dated [Date of Letter] regarding account number [Account Number].”
- Declare your intent: “I am formally disputing this debt.”
- Briefly state the reason for dispute: “I believe this debt is not valid for [brief reason].”
Body Paragraph 1: Deconstructing the Allegation
Provide a detailed, reasoned refutation of the debt. Clarity is paramount.
- Articulate the specific reasons for disputing the debt. Is it a case of mistaken identity? Has the debt been previously discharged?
- Substantiate your claims with any available evidence. Include copies of pertinent documents (never originals).
- If the debt is time-barred due to the statute of limitations, explicitly state this legal impediment.
Body Paragraph 2: Requesting Validation
Demand substantiation. The burden of proof resides with the collector.
- Request validation of the debt, including:
- Original creditor’s name and address
- Account number
- Date of default
- Copies of signed contracts or agreements
- State that you are withholding payment until this validation is furnished.
Closing: Setting Expectations and Boundaries
Reiterate your position and establish clear parameters for future communication.
- Reiterate that you are disputing the debt.
- State you expect a cessation of collection activities until validation is provided.
- Mention that you are aware of your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
- Indicate your preferred method of communication (e.g., written correspondence only).
Signature: Formal Closure
End with a professional sign-off.
- Use “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,”
- Type your full name.
- Sign above your typed name.
- Include your address and phone number (optional, but recommended).
Frequently Asked Questions: Disputing a Debt with a Collection Attorney
This section provides answers to common questions about disputing a debt when contacted by a collection attorney. Understanding your rights and the proper procedures can help you navigate this process effectively.
What information should I include in my dispute letter?
Your dispute letter should include your name, address, the account number, the name of the original creditor, the date of the letter, and a clear statement that you are disputing the debt. Specify the reasons for your dispute and any supporting documentation you have.
What is the deadline for sending a debt dispute letter?
You should send your dispute letter within 30 days of receiving the initial communication from the debt collection attorney. This ensures they are legally obligated to validate the debt.
What happens after I send my dispute letter?
The debt collection attorney is required to cease collection efforts until they provide you with verification of the debt. This verification must include evidence such as a copy of the original contract or other documents proving the debt’s validity.
What if the debt collector doesn’t respond to my dispute letter?
If the debt collector fails to respond or provide verification of the debt within a reasonable timeframe, you should consult with a consumer protection attorney. Their lack of response may be a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Can a debt collection attorney still sue me after I dispute the debt?
Yes, a debt collection attorney can still pursue legal action even after you dispute the debt, particularly if they believe they have sufficient evidence to prove its validity. However, they must first provide you with the requested verification.
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