eMail from creditor...how do I respond?

[chmastal]

The letter reads as follows,

Ms. "chmastal",
I called into the law firm, and the receptionist confirmed your account is retained. That being said, she also informed me that you have not yet filed the case, and it will be a while until you can get a case number. She also informed me that you are still getting your papers together, and have not yet submitted them. Therefore, until you receive a case number, you are still responsible for your debts. In some cases it can take up to three or four months to get a case number. At which time you may have already had your account possibly charged off. At this point, possible garnishment of wages and possible liens against any property you possess may be placed. I do not wish this to happen to you or anyone else, but I must inform you of the possible legalities of defaulting on your account that far into your future. I am not sure what your attorney has advised you, but please contact me at the number listed below so that we may talk briefly on this matter. I will be in until 6:30 p.m. est for the rest of the week. Please contact me by Friday the 12th so that we can talk and make some sort of arrangement from keeping this account from being possibly charged off.

I hope to hear from you soon,
"Delinquency Account Counselor/Collections Division"

This letter was in response to my email, which was in response to email that his bank has been unable to contact me. This was my initial letter:

Mr. "Delinquency Account Counselor",
Sorry, you've been unable to contact me. I've provided this information in the past, I sorry the previous representative that took this information did not notate my account correctly. I will be filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. The following information is provided on the lawyer I have retained:

"My Lawyer"
Bankruptcy Law Firm of "xxx".
"address"
"phone"
"law firm email address"

Sincerely,
"Chmastal"

I don't plan on contacting him again because I will not be threatened, but should I notify my lawyer of this letter? Also, what kind of time frame do they have? I'm still paying the lawyer, who won't file till fully paid; I have two more payments left. Or is this collections agent just trying to scare me?

Thanks, Chmastal

[BKTango]

Of course they are going to try to scare you, they want money! Do not respond to these people and yes you should tell your lawyer, although not much can be done until you file. Number one rule....NEVER tell a creditor you are filing BK until you have filed. You have 2 payments left and then the lawyer will file your case, would that be two months or you can get the payments together in a few weeks? Either way they day your lawyer files is the day you get a case number, so if your paperwork is already together then it will be filed as soon as you make those payments. As far as them getting a garnishment or anything, they will have to summons you, go to court and receive the judgement. I highly doubt they will go through that process since they have already spoken to your attorney and know you are INDEED filing. I am not saying they wouldn't go there, I have seen creditors do worse, but it seems doubtful. The simple fact that they said they are not sure what your attorney has advised you...speaks volumes of them trying to throw one big last minute scare tactic at you.

If at all possible print that email out, and give it to your attorney (make a copy for yourself).