Nobody likes being indebted, much less to a third-party debt collector. Now they’ve added insult to injury and sued you for nonpayment. If this has happened to you, please read on, then contact an experienced California debt collection defense lawyer to learn what you should know when you’ve been sued by a debt collector.
A debt collector has filed suit | What now?
If you get a summons notifying you that a debt collector has filed suit against you, do not ignore it. If you do, the collector may be able to get a default judgment against you. Unless you respond with a defense, the court will enter judgment in the collector’s favor. As a result, the agency can collect the amount you allegedly owe by garnishing your wages, placing a lien against your property and freezing or garnishing the funds in your bank account. It cannot be stressed enough that you should never assume that the debt collection agency is, or ever has been, working in good faith. It is well documented that they engage in a range of unethical actions such as so-called “sewer service,” wherein they claim to have served you when really they dumped your summons in the gutter. In this way, debt collection agencies abuse California’s default judgment system. Don’t let them abuse you.
How do you beat a debt collection lawsuit filed against you?
At no point should you act impulsively, accept liability, give access to your bank account or contact a third-party debt settlement service. First and foremost, you should immediately reach out to an Arroyo Grande consumer lawyer who can help you craft your response. After your initial response, you can take the following steps:
- Challenge the collection agency’s right to sue you
- File a countersuit
- Attempt to settle the debt
- File for bankruptcy
Don’t go it alone. Let a qualified legal representative fight for you and your future.
Contact a California Consumer Lawyer
If you are facing any sort of consumer-related issue, such as one involving identity theft, a credit report dispute, or you need a debt collection defense attorney to fight for you, our firm is ready to help. Contact Loker Law, APC today to schedule your initial consultation with our experienced legal team.
