When you are in debt, it can be incredibly overwhelming. However, when this culminates in a lawsuit against you, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. As such, when you are served with yet another document, you may be unsure what to do or what your options are. If you have been served with an information subpoena, understanding what this entails and how to respond is critical. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog and a California debt collection defense lawyer can assist you through these challenging times.
What Is an Information Subpoena?
When you are sued over a debt, the judge responsible for overseeing the case will issue a judgment. This essentially means that they will decide on the outcome of the case. If they agree with your argument or the creditor failed to prove that you ow a debt, the judge can dismiss your case.
However, in the event that the creditor wins the suit, the court will issue a judgment. This is essentially a legal order that allows the creditor the right to the funds owed. It’s imperative to understand that even if you fail to respond to a lawsuit, the court can issue a default judgment. This helps ensure that even if the defendant does not appear in court, the plaintiff can receive relief.
After a judgment is issued, regardless of whether or not it is a default judgment, you may be served with an information subpoena. Essentially, this is a formal request for information, typically regarding your bank accounts, assets, and income, so the creditor has a better understanding of your finances and how to recover the money they are entitled to.
How Should I Respond When Served?
In the event you are served with an information subpoena, it’s important to understand your next steps. Generally, the first thing you should do is read over the document carefully. This will inform you of what information you must provide and when you must submit the response by.
Next, you’ll want to connect with an experienced consumer defense attorney. This is true regardless of whether or not the judge issued a judgment or a default judgment. If this subpoena comes as the result of a default judgment that you didn’t know existed, working with an attorney is critical during these difficult times. They can assist you in learning more and fighting the default judgment, especially if you were never served. However, if you were served and navigated the process, an attorney can still assist you in filing a response.
As you can see, receiving an information subpoena is not something that should be taken lightly. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with Loker Law, APC. Our team understands how complicated these matters can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to make this process as easy as possible. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you.
