MBNA says "call us or we're going to the 'next step'"--what does *that* mean?

[mothersvox]

In the middle of October 04 I stopped paying most of our minimum balances. At that point it was clear that my husband would have to close his business and I decided that since we'd probably have to file Ch. 7, we needed to conserve cash. I guess this makes us slightly more than 90 days past due now.

Of course the credit card company recorded messages started calling shortly thereafter saying please call us, etc. I have not responded to any of those calls, since there's not much to say but "gosh I wish we could pay you."

This morning I got a message from an actual human voice saying "Call us today, we have a special program for you. If we don't hear from you today, we'll have to go to the next step." What *is* the next step? Do they sell the debt to a collection agency? Do I have to hurry up and file before they do that?

I suppose it's time for us to call a lawyer and start the process. (I think I've been sort of in shock, or hoping for a miracle.) But I have one card that I have used (and paid) for online use over the holidays so my kid could have a Christmas. So we didn't stop everything at the same time. Did I screw up this process?

Thanks for any advice you can provide about how the timing of all of this works . . .

[HHM]

Yeah, next step is typically they send it to a collection agency.

[robivi3]

I went six months not paying with MBNA ($17,000.00 unsecured). They filed no objections, did not show at my creditors meeting and despite threats, pleas and offers of reduction were the first to write me off and properly report my BK to the CRA's.

Call your lawyer and get started.