Photo: Kelly Sikkema / UnsplashBefore and during a lawsuit
- Debt and bankruptcy
Debt Validation Letter: How to Send One and What Collectors Must Prove
How to demand validation of a debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: the 30-day window, what to include in your letter, what collectors must provide, what happens next and mistakes that restart the clock.
3 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit Summons Step by Step
Step-by-step instructions for responding to a debt collection summons: deadlines, filing an answer, common defenses, validating the plaintiff, avoiding default judgment, settlement and what to bring to court.
3 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Sued for Credit Card Debt? What to Do Step by Step
How to respond to a debt collection lawsuit, the deadline to answer and the defenses and options that may be available.
5 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Debt Collector Rights: What Collectors Can and Cannot Do
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act limits how third-party collectors may contact you. Learn your rights and how to dispute a debt.
5 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Old Debts and Time-Barred Debt: Can You Still Be Sued?
How a state time limit on debt lawsuits works, why a small payment can matter and what to do if a collector contacts you about an old debt.
5 min read - Courts and claims
What Is a Statute of Limitations? Why Deadlines Matter
A statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. Learn how it works and why missing it can end a claim.
4 min read
After a judgment
- Courts and claims
Default Judgments: What They Are and How to Undo One
How a default judgment happens, its consequences and how to ask a court to set it aside.
2 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Wage Garnishment: Limits, Exemptions and How to Stop It
How wage garnishment works, the federal limit on how much can be taken and what you can do if your paycheck is garnished.
5 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Bank Account Levy: Protected Funds, Social Security Deposits and Exempt Money
What happens when a creditor freezes your bank account after a judgment, which funds are protected such as Social Security and VA benefits, how to claim exemptions, deadlines, and how to avoid mixing funds.
3 min read - Courts and claims
How to Collect a Court Judgment
Winning is not the same as getting paid. Learn the tools for collecting a money judgment and their limits.
4 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Bankruptcy Exemptions: What Property Can You Keep?
How state and federal exemptions protect your home, car, retirement accounts and personal belongings in bankruptcy.
2 min read
Ways out
- Debt and bankruptcy
Debt Settlement: How It Works and What Can Go Wrong
How negotiating a debt for less than you owe works, tax and credit effects, and warning signs of debt settlement scams.
3 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Bankruptcy vs Debt Settlement vs Credit Counseling: Which Is Right for You?
A fair comparison of bankruptcy, debt settlement and nonprofit credit counseling, including costs, credit impact, timelines, risks and who each option fits.
4 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
How Bankruptcy Works: A Step-by-Step Guide From Filing to Discharge
A plain-English walkthrough of the bankruptcy process: credit counseling, filing, the automatic stay, the creditors meeting, discharge and what happens afterward.
4 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Legal Aid for Debt, Collections and Consumer Problems: Where to Get Free Help
How to find free legal help with debt collection lawsuits, wage garnishment, repossession, bankruptcy questions and consumer scams.
4 min read
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I ignore a debt lawsuit?
The court can enter a default judgment against you.
How long do I have to respond?
Often 20 to 30 days, so check your summons.
Can old debts be sued on?
Not after the statute of limitations expires, but you must raise it.
Can my Social Security be garnished?
Generally not by most creditors, with exceptions.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not required, but legal aid or a consultation is wise.