Understanding Debt Collection with Butler & Associates, P.A.

Getting a phone call or letter from a law firm about a debt is never a pleasant surprise. For many people, the first reaction is panic. But here’s the truth—just because a firm like Butler & Associates, P.A. reaches out to you doesn’t mean you should rush to pay or ignore it entirely. The most important thing is to understand who they are, why they might be contacting you, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Who Are Butler & Associates, P.A.?

Butler & Associates, P.A. is a law firm located in Topeka, Kansas. Established in the late 1990s, they focus primarily on two areas: debt collection and insurance subrogation. They work with businesses, insurance companies, and other creditors in Kansas and Missouri to help them recover money they believe they are owed.

If they’re contacting you, it’s likely because they have been hired to collect on a debt tied to your name. That debt might come from an unpaid loan, medical bill, insurance claim, or another financial obligation. In some cases, the debt may be brand new, but in other situations, it could be years old.

First Things First—Stay Calm

Hearing from a debt collection law firm can feel intimidating, but staying calm is key. You have legal rights that protect you from unfair treatment. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) makes it illegal for debt collectors to harass you, lie to you, or use unreasonable pressure to force payment.

This means they can’t:

• Call you at unreasonable hours
• Threaten you with arrest
• Misrepresent the amount you owe
• Contact you at work if you’ve told them not to

Knowing these protections can give you confidence when handling the situation.

Confirm the Debt Before Taking Action

The first step after hearing from Butler & Associates, P.A. should always be to verify that the debt is legitimate. This process is called debt validation, and it’s one of your most important tools. You have the right to request that they send you written proof of the debt within 30 days of first contact.

That proof should clearly show:

• The original creditor’s name
• The exact amount owed
• Evidence linking the debt to you

If they cannot provide proper documentation, they cannot legally continue collection efforts.

Watch Out for Common Issues

Debt collection records aren’t perfect, and mistakes happen. Sometimes the amount is incorrect. Other times, the debt is too old to be enforced in court, depending on the statute of limitations in your state. In rare cases, you might be contacted about a debt that doesn’t belong to you at all—often the result of mistaken identity or identity theft.

This is why reviewing all documentation carefully is so important. If something doesn’t add up, you have the right to dispute the claim.

Check Your Credit Report

Debt collectors often report accounts to the major credit bureaus, which can impact your credit score. It’s a smart move to check your credit report after being contacted. You can get a free copy each year from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com.

Look for signs that the debt has been listed. If the information is inaccurate, you can file a dispute with the credit bureau to have it corrected or removed.

Deciding How to Respond

After confirming whether the debt is valid, you can choose the best path forward. For some people, paying in full is possible and ends the matter quickly. Others may prefer to negotiate for a reduced settlement or a payment plan. If you find the debt is invalid, you can dispute it and request that all collection activity stop.

Whatever you decide, get any agreement in writing before making payments. This protects you from future disputes about the terms.

What If They Sue You?

In some cases, Butler & Associates, P.A. may file a lawsuit to collect the debt. If you receive court papers, do not ignore them. Failing to respond can result in a default judgment, which may allow the creditor to garnish wages or freeze bank accounts.

Even if you believe the debt is wrong, you must formally respond to the court. An experienced attorney can help prepare your defense and ensure your rights are protected.

How Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC Can Help

Dealing with debt collection law firms can be stressful, and it’s easy to feel outmatched. That’s where Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC comes in. Our firm helps consumers handle situations involving debt collectors like Butler & Associates, P.A. We work to:

• Verify the accuracy of the debt
• Negotiate for reduced balances or better payment terms
• Defend clients in court against collection lawsuits
• File legal actions if a collector violates the FDCPA

Our team focuses on protecting your rights, reducing stress, and working toward a fair resolution.

Taking Control of the Process

The worst thing you can do when contacted by a debt collector is nothing. Ignoring the problem can lead to bigger issues, including legal action and long-term credit damage. Instead, take control by staying informed, keeping records of every interaction, and knowing when to get professional help.

With the right approach, you can manage the situation on your own terms and protect your financial future.

Bottom line: If Butler & Associates, P.A. contacts you, don’t panic—but don’t ignore them either. Verify the debt, understand your rights, and take informed action. And remember, Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC is here to help you navigate every step, whether that means disputing an invalid claim, negotiating a settlement, or defending you in court.

For a free consultation, call 877-700-5790 today.