My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: NY
I am a foreign national who is married to an American citizen. I have been unemployed since 2009 and I currently take care of my young son while my wife works full time. I have defaulted on a loan that was under my name in an Bank in my country as I could no longer afford to make the repayments earlier this year. The Bank has now transferred the loan to a US based collection agency. I have received a letter stating that I must repay the amount owing in full within 30 days. I am unable meet this demand as I am still unemployed.
Can you please tell me what my rights are?
What actions can a debt collection agency take after 30 days?
Does the collect agency have the legal right to collect this debt as it is acting on behalf of a foreign bank?
Can the collection agency legally take action against my wife even though the debt is not hers and is originating in another country?
What advice can you offer me in terms of my options?

