Posted on October 13, 2008 at 11:18 pm I am new here and hope I am posting this in the right place. Here is my question. We recently moved and I had a outstanding gas bill from my old house (about $700) My plan was to pay a little each month, but i wanted to get it paid off fast casue we filed a ch 7 bankruptcy about 6 months ago and are trying to rebuild our credit to buy the house we are renting. My dad died 2 months ago and left us some money and I want to put it to good use, paying my debt. I contacted the debt collector (Alliance One) about negotiating the amount and sent it certified on Sept 15th. I have yet to hear from them (it will be o month tomorrow) How long does this usually take? Do they have to respond in a certain time? Are there any hints or help with negotiating with creditors?

Posted on October 23, 2008 at 7:47 pm I am also waiting to here back from a CA for a debt of $450ish. It has been over seven months since I sent them a debt validation letter.No response.  I wouldn't hold your breath. Honestly, $700 is a small amount to most CAs. They have much bigger fish to fry.

Posted on March 17, 2009 at 8:48 am If you want to get the debt cleared, I would contact them by telephone.  If they agree on a settlement, ask them to send you a copy of the agreement so you have records of this.  I would then send payment back to them and request a receipt be sent to you.