Sued for Credit Card Debt While Disabled: What to Do

Quick Answer: When sued for credit card debt while disabled, both SSDI and private disability income are generally protected from garnishment in most states. Federal banking regulations automatically protect twice the monthly Social Security amount deposited electronically, so keeping bank balances below that threshold provides additional protection from creditor garnishment.Question:Dear Steve,I am being sued over …

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Ex-Spouse Won’t Pay Debt: Myth vs Reality

Quick Answer: While an ex-spouse using credit cards without permission constitutes identity theft, recovering the $7,000 paid requires civil action since the debt wasn’t reported to police. The victim can sue in small claims court or hire an attorney, but winning a judgment doesn’t guarantee collection of the money owed.Question:Dear Steve,In 2015, my ex-husband used …

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National Collegiate Trust Lawsuit: Myth vs Reality

Quick Answer: National Collegiate Trust lawsuits are legitimate legal actions, but the company often lacks proper documentation to prove borrowers actually owe the debt. Defendants should not ignore the lawsuit but instead challenge NCT to validate the $6,345 debt through competent legal representation.Question:Dear Steve,I’m being sued by National Collegiate Trust for $6345 and I don’t …

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Sued Over Old Debt: What It Means and What to Do

Quick Answer: When sued over old debt, one should immediately consult a local consumer attorney rather than handling the case alone or ignoring court papers. Defaulting by not appearing in court is a common mistake, as lawsuits often present opportunities to negotiate better outcomes or challenge the debt’s validity. Question: Dear Steve, Being taken to …

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Creditor Lawsuits: When to Fight and When to Settle

Quick Answer: When facing creditor lawsuits, debtors should file a formal answer denying the claim to create a legal controversy, then use the discovery process to force collectors to prove the debt amount and validity. Fighting rather than ignoring collection lawsuits allows defendants to challenge questionable interest rates, fees, and documentation through the court system.“Dear …

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Private Student Loan Lawsuits: When They Help

Quick Answer: Private student loan lawsuits can actually help borrowers by forcing creditors to prove debt ownership and potentially triggering statute of limitations defenses. This borrower with $2,500+ monthly payments from 2006 should consult a Florida attorney immediately, as the lawsuit may provide better resolution options than years of collection harassment.“Dear Steve,I graduated college in …

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Why Debt Collectors Dismiss Lawsuits Often

Quick Answer: Debt collectors often dismiss lawsuits because they cannot locate defendants for proper service, making profit objectives difficult to achieve despite paying high California court filing fees. A dismissal “without prejudice” means the case can potentially be refiled later, so the matter is not permanently resolved.“Dear Michael,While searching for information about myself online, I …

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Sued for Old Credit Card Debt: What It Means

Quick Answer: When sued for old credit card debt, the creditor has likely sold the account to a debt collector who now owns it. The debtor should appear in court on the scheduled date and can request payment arrangements, but cannot force the original creditor to take back a sold account.“Dear Steve,About 3 or 4 …

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