Question:
Dear Steve,
I’m on disability and being sued for $4,000; I have no other source of income.
Will I be arrested if I don’t show up in court?
I own a home, but it’s in my husband’s name. I do own an old Jeep. I have 216.00$ in my savings account. And bill money in my checking from SSDI.
I don’t know what to do.
Will I be arrested?
Susan
Answer:
Dear Susan,
It is a very frightening experience to be sued over an old debt when you have little to your name.
You will not be arrested.
However, if you don’t respond to the lawsuit, you will lose by default.
But that would not be the end of the world. It sounds as if you have little for the creditors to go after and no assets to speak of.
I would strongly suggest that you immediately contact the good people at the non-profit law firm HELPS. They can provide you with support, guidance, and advice if the creditor attempts to collect on the judgment they will get after losing the case.
An alternative is to consider filing bankruptcy, but from what you’ve shared, while that would potentially give you some peace of mind that the debt was legally extinguished, it may be too big of a hammer for this situation.
You are not alone. I'm here to help. There is no need to suffer in silence. We can get through this. Tomorrow can be better than today. Don't give up.
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in other words, she being indigent on SS has no assets able for seizure. otherwise known as a judgement free person. no worries, be happy!
Well she will still get a judgment when she loses, and they will attempt to collect on it, and the stress of keeping them at bay can be more than people want to deal with, but there is a way to do it.
Question asked.
Don’t worry. This will turn out fine.