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Hi Everyone! I was hoping to ask you all for some advice. I lived in an apartment complex in Arizona about 3 years ago. I had to break my lease and was charged $2,300. The debt was turned over to IQ Data International ( a very rude collection agency) . They are currently charging me $2,900 stating that the additional $600 is for interest that they are 'legally allowed to charge'. I have disputed this with the big 3 back in October 2015 for fraud ( because I thought the argument can be made that these charges are fradulent) but apparently the company verified my debt. I now live in Chicago and do not know if this changes the interest they can charge me? Also I called the original creditor ( my apartment complex) and as the company managing has changed, they were unable to provide me with a copy of the lease. I also asked the collection agency for a copy of my lease which I was told they currently do not have but will request and send me. When I asked if there would be any terms that in the original lease, agreeing to pay interest the person at the collection agency said 'probably not but it is state law to allow it'. Here are my questions: 1) If I did not agree to pay interest to this company, can it still be charged if it is not in the lease? 2) Does living in Chicago change the laws that affect me now or does this not apply since the contract was signed in Arizona? 3) Can this company sue me? If so what does this actually mean? 4) I got Lexington Law to send a debt validation to these people to which they said they will not respond as it is 'frivilous'. Is this true? Can they ignore these letters? Thank you for your help in advance !!!

Im in a pretty unique situation and have planned to either fight or look into BK. So let me keep this short and sweet as I can to make it easier for all of the super awesome folks here First off I am divorced, no kids. Ex wanted to be debt free, thats why she left, so I settled for taking debt and a lump sum Spousal Support paid over 9 months of $20K (last payment in March) I work 100% commission and last year was unique and I made $135K. (Worst time since I got divorced and she saw the money signs ) Typically I make around $85K. But my job can be gone in an instant... So here is my story- Owned a retail store for 7 years. Went under after I couldnt service debt. Stopped servicing all debt 4 years ago (Jan of 2009) . Was just sued this weekend by a JDB for Chase- Might fight, All debt is in my name (not incorporated), but unless noted it was for business use. here is what I am up against: (Debt is approxiamate) 1) Bof A Card- $20K- Chargeoff- last payment no later than 1/20/09 (possibly earlier) 2)Chase $20K- Chargeoff JDB- last payment no later than 1/04/09 (possibly earlier). Sued me on 1/23/13 3)US Bank Credit Line- $20K- Chargeoff- last payment no later than 1/20/09 (possibly earlier) but had an account for another month. 4) Patelco Credit Union- $8K- Personal- This one is weird...IMMEDIATE after 45 days late-charge off, no JDB...never heard a thing 5)Student Loan(Not Federal) Key Bank- $85K- Personal-Not sure if this was charged off- last Payment was probably closer to Aug 2008. School took the money and I only used about $15K when I asked the bank for help they said tough luck...so I really dont care if they see a dime. 6) Dell Computer- $3K- This was overlooked at the time last payment was more recent 2010- Probably should settle 7)So Cal Edison- Crazy story...really is. Disputed with Equifax and Experian- $1200 The rest are not on my credit report 6) Supplier for my business- $125K (I think they would settle for $15K, and I would do that for them)- But if they knew I was going BK they probably would ask for full amount plus interest 7) Loan from my dads old business to try to keep me afloat- $50K (retired now) 8) Previous Landlord- $8K I Rent so these are my only assets (my wife cleaned me out before she left last March): Truck- $4K Motorcycle $3K ( I ride every week...dont want to lose it) Car- $26K (Loan of $26K on it got it to build credit) Misc $3500 Bank Account -$10K (most of this will end up with my ex as spousal support) Heres the tricky part.... I invested in a company to hide money from my EX when things were going south and I knew she would make a money grab. I have about $100K in Stock certificates in my name and my fathers (as collateral for the money owed from his business). The company is exploding and these could be worth 2 to 10 times more in next year...Its not worth it to give them up in a BK so this is why I hesitate exploring BK. Technically I invested $100K but its up over $200K in value.bankruptcy So my question is, Do I have a case? Ive gotten my credit score back up to 600 and eventually want to get a house. Do I make too much? should I just fight my current lawsuit and settle the rest when I can? Ideas...thanks in advance!!