Technically speaking, debt collectors can only deal with you
and, if married, your spouse. If you have an attorney, then bill collectors and
collection agencies must deal with your attorney if you so indicate.
However, if you are unable to mentally or physically handle the
stress of dealing with debt collection agents and bill collectors then you can
designate someone else to deal with debt collectors on your behalf.
Section 805(b) -- Consumer's consent to third party
contact.
Your consent to third party contact does not have to be
writing. For example, if third parties volunteer that you have authorized them
to pay on your account, then the debt collector may normally presume your
consent, and accept the payment and provide a receipt to the party that makes
the payment. However, consent may not be inferred only from your inaction when
the debt collector requests such consent.
It's best to do this in writing! Send a short letter
that simply says you have designated so and so to handle your affairs
concerning the specific debt in question.
With that said, be careful here! Designating someone to handle
your affairs means they can also obligate you by promising things on your
behalf. Be sure you and whomever you designate clearly understand your goals,
intentions, and boundries.