What To Do if a Debt Collector Sues You
If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you to collect a debt, it’s important to respond — either yourself or through an attorney. And remember, you have rights when it comes to dealing with debt collectors. Here are answers to some common question you might have about the process.
By responding to the lawsuit, either yourself or through an attorney, you can make sure the collector has to prove that you owe the debt, that the amount of the debt is correct, and the debt collector has the legal right to sue you to collect on it. You may even be able to resolve the debt by responding or showing up in court because some collectors would rather settle than go through extended litigation. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the lawsuit. Even if you don’t think you owe that debt. Responding to a debt collector’s lawsuit in court will likely put you in a better situation, cost you less in fees, and give you more control over how you repay the debt. Here are the main steps to take if you get sued by a debt collector:
If the court rules against you and orders you to pay the debt, the debt collector may be able to garnish — or take money from — your wages or bank account, or put a lien on property, like your home. The debt collector can also ask the court to award them additional money for collection costs, interest, and even attorney’s fees. A judgment will likely show up on your credit report and might make it harder to get credit in the future. That can affect whether you get a job, insurance, a phone, or a home. Where Can I Get Help?Going to court can feel overwhelming to do alone. But there are options to get legal help, including
If a debt collector breaks the law, you have one year from that date to sue that collector in a state or federal court. You can sue for damages that happened because the collector broke the law — expenses like lost wages or medical bills, or compensation for the effect the debt collector’s actions had on your job or your health. But even if a court finds a debt collector violated the law in trying to collect a legitimate debt, you may still owe the debt. Search Terms debt collection Topics Credit, Loans, and Debt Credit and Debt
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorJust an ordinary guy that loves to help people escape the poor credit world. ArchivesCategories |