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 …

Read more

Debt Collection Lawsuit: When It Helps to Fight

Quick Answer: Machol & Johannes is a debt collection law firm suing for an HSBC credit card debt from 2006, which likely exceeds Colorado’s 6-year statute of limitations. The defendant should file an answer in court raising the statute of limitations as an affirmative defense and consider consulting with a consumer attorney.I was served by …

Read more

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 …

Read more

Sued by a Debt Buyer: How to Fight Back

Quick Answer: When sued by debt buyers, consumers can fight back by showing up to court and defending themselves, as most lose simply by default when they fail to appear. The most critical step is avoiding the temptation to ignore the lawsuit, since debt buyers often have weaker documentation than original creditors.I’d love to take …

Read more

Creditor Lawsuit: What to Do When You’re Sued

Quick Answer: When sued by a creditor, defendants must not ignore the lawsuit as it will only become more expensive, similar to ignoring a traffic ticket. The most critical rule is to respond appropriately rather than let the case proceed to default judgment, which could result in wage garnishment or bank account seizure.PART I: WHERE …

Read more

Apartment Lawsuit: What It Means and What to Do

Quick Answer: When apartments turn debts to collections, they typically haven’t filed a lawsuit yet – collections is usually the step before legal action. The tenant should verify the debt’s validity, dispute it with the collection agency if incorrect, and prepare documentation for potential small claims court proceedings.I have an amount turned over to collections …

Read more

Debt Relief Company Review: I Got Sued Instead

Quick Answer: A debt settlement company failed to deliver promised results after one year, causing the client’s credit score to drop 200 points (from 730 to 550) and resulting in a lawsuit. The client now considers Chapter 7 bankruptcy as their only remaining option after the settlement process produced no successful negotiations.“Dear Michael,had 730 credit …

Read more

Capital One Judgment: Can’t Afford Their Terms?

Quick Answer: When facing a Capital One judgment for $7,071, the debtor can still negotiate a settlement, potentially set aside the judgment if proper notice wasn’t given, or may be “judgment proof” due to unemployment and lack of assets. Even post-judgment, creditors often accept reduced settlements rather than pursue lengthy collection efforts.“Dear Jeremy,I received a …

Read more