A little scared and I don't know my rights

[linksinachain]

Hello,

Yes, I defaulted on my loans in 2001. Yes, I entered collections. I graduated and began working at the very bottom of my chosen field, and I just didn't make enough money pay my loans AND sleep indoors.

I have been repaying (faithfully) for the past 6 years and have watched as my account was traded from Global Credit & Collections to Metropolitan Credit Adjusters. They have gone on tirades over the phone, they have all but threatened to take my first born. When my statute of limitations was up, my loans disappeared from my credit rating - I was overwhelmed! I sent them every cent I could and paid off all back interest - time to start nibbling at the principal.

Then, my first born came along, and a subsequent change in life goals accompanied him. He has an allergy to smoke, and there were no smoke-free apartments in our town. We bought a home. With the high cost of daycare, my wife would have had to work full-time just to pay for it, so perhaps it was better she stay at home.

Now the tirades have changed... Regardless of my monthly payments they are threatening to take my home or, in the very least, apply a lien on it to make my mortgage renegotiation in 4 years difficult. They want to negotiate a "payment plan" for 90 days at the end of which the balance will be due in full. They are offering a settlement (as they always have) as long as I approach a high-risk lender which will, settlement or not, wind up costing me more money without the subsequent yearly tax credits.

I am scared for my family's wellbeing and while I loathe the thought of being pushed around I perceive a real threat here.

If you can offer some advice... please... and thank you.

C