Does retaining an attorney speed up the collection process

[CSAS]

If I retain an attorney to field the collection calls, until I file in March 09, will that speed up the process of the collection law suits?

A little info.
I own an llc, all debts are considered personal, but are for the business. I do not collect a paycheck. I am running the business as usual, come January I am liquidating the store and plan on letting the business become dormant. If I can take it past March, I would like to.

I would like to be able to close the store and file without any suits.

I ask, because I am getting too many calls. I am starting to get an attitude with them, when I really don't want to. I had Citizens (Charter One) call me three times today. The first time I told them I could not pay today and hung up, the second time, I told them I already spoke with them and told them that nothing has changed from this morning, I still could not pay. He said, it showed they did not talk to anyone. The third time, I did not answer.

Thanks in advance

[AngelinaCatHub]

It is difficult to give you this kind of advice as it would depend on each creditor as well as what is going on in your part of the Country. If you are really being bugged, get your lawyer and refer all to him. If you can stall for your own convenience, I think you will have to suck it up, and bite that bullet, but by all means be polite to each one. ‘Hub

[HHM]

Well, I have not seen any evidence that retaining an attorney speeds up the process. What you are really asking is, will they sue you more quickly. Frankly, I have not seen any evidence of that and it would ultimately be counter-productive for the creditor to do so.

[ansky0007]

I can tell you from my experience that I only have accounts 60 days past due and they are already in collections. I think having a lawyer definately speeded things up for me. I guess as soon as they know you are going bankrupt they will sell you to a collection company to limit themselves from getting nothing. They are already offering my lawyer settlements for 30 cents on the dollar. Lawyer said they will take less but I am bankrupt and have no funds to settle so we are going CH7 on them.

[CSAS]

Thank You

Thanks for all replies. I think I will continue to answer the phone and be my tongue biting polite self. I know it's not their fault my business is rolling down hill at top speed. It's the economy. And to be honest, I don't see any improvement in the near future.

Thanks again. The phones ringing, gotta go!!!