You can send in payments, it won't stop them from bothering you though, that is what the payment plan might be able to do for you.
The simple answer is yes. You are creating then more paperwork, more opportunities for the payment to get lost, and less of a guarantee that the debt collector will adjust your credit bureau information. It is best to just send payments to the collector.
There are a number of ways to fix your debt problems. You could consolidate all of your payments into just one payment. You could get a second job, or even sell things to pay off your debt.
Everyone has had or will have the misfortune of dealing with a debt collector during their lifetime. It happens to everyone whether it is due to simply a forgotten payment, a reduction in work hours or the loss of a job altogether, everyone is likely to deal with the debt cycle at some point. It is important that a consumer know their rights when faced with this situation. Each state may have its own laws mandating what a debt collector can or cannot do. First and foremost, letting the debt collector know that are one is aware of their rights will likely help keep the debt collector in line. Even if a person is behind in payments, they still have rights. There are a few things to try to maintain when dealing with a debt collector. First and foremost on this list is to never give out too much information. Debt collectors will make every attempt they possibly can to get a person to commit to an immediate payment. It is best to first get the payment agreement in writing before making any payment. Keeping one's cool and staying calm while speaking with a debt collector is next on the list. When a consumer becomes emotional or frustrated, they are likely to simply give in to the debt collector just to make them go away. Debt collectors are aware of this. Negotiate with debt collectors near the end of the month. Debt collectors primarily work on commission. Therefore, their performance during the month dictates how much they will get paid personally. The payment cycle usually is from the beginning of the month to the end of the month, therefore a consumer is likely to get a better payment arrangement or settlement near the end of the month. It is most important to maintain accurate records of any contact with a debt collector. If possible, recording phone calls creates an accurate and indisputable record of any conversation. Some states allow telephone calls to be secretly recorded while others require that the other party be notified of the recording. Keeping a written record of who called with the date and time recorded as well as a summary of the conversation is also important.
Yes they can, just because the debt isn't reporting doesn't mean they won't stop their collection efforts. Send them a C&D letter, that way they can't communicate with you regarding the debt.
No. Garnishments are not deductible. They are just collection of some type of debt.
As long as they are actively pursuing it, they can chase it until the debt is paid. There's no way to simply keep avoiding the debt, it won't just 'go away'.
No, if you fail to make a payment you are in default and immediately liable for the whole amount. However, if you can make payments it is possible to negotiate....Seek debt advice....I know it is hard but but there are people who will help you sort this out for free. You just need to find them and ask for help.
If you were to ask a debt counselor about the best route to eliminate your debt, it is very likely that he will tell you to seek out a debt consolidator. Debt consolidation is an excellent, smooth way to eliminate your debt. If your goal is to consolidate your debt, you have several options. You could, for instance, utilize a company that specializes in debt counseling. A company like the one just mentioned will try to negotiate lower interest rates and payments with your creditors. All of your debts will be consolidated into one payment to them, which they will use to pay off your different creditors.
Technically the collector should have sent you some form of documentation regarding your debt. Although with lawyers and the court system today nothing is definite. Perhaps it got lost in the mail? I would not bank on the fact that just because you were not sent a document does not mean you can't be sued. If you have talked with the debt collector on the phone this can be used as a form of communication in a law suit. I would recommend keeping track every time you were contacted by a debt collector. Here is a good article on debt collection and your rights that might help also. http://hubpages.com/hub/Debt-Collection
Tell the debt collector you would prefer to communicate with them in writing therefore stopping phone calls. Another way is to send the debt collector a cease and desist letter this way they have to stop communication with you but this does not release you from the debt you owe just stops collectors from bothering you.
Just make a payment. The missed payments will show on your credit report but that's not really bad if you don't miss any future payments.
If your financial situation allows, I would advise filing bankruptcy, then you won't have to pay anything and the law firm will have to eat its money from the card company. If you made an agreement that you would pay the regular (minimum) payment plus something on the arrears, I would argue they are in violation of your state debt collection laws. If you just resumed making payments, with no payment of the arrears and late fees, etc., they can indeed go after a judgment.