Credit card debt is a concern for most Americans. Are being sued by a credit card debt? So, what do you do? To avoid receiving a judgment, or legal obligation to pay back a debt, you need to be aware of the following:

1. Do Not Ignore a Summons & Complaint

If a lawsuit has been filed against you for a debt, you need to respond. This is a serious matter and if you do nothing, you run the risk of wage garnishment, property seizure, or liens placed against your property or you. In California, you must respond within thirty days of receiving the summons and complaint. However, the response time will vary based on the state in which you live.

So, once served, act quickly. When you do not show up for the court proceeding, the judge will rule against you and order you to pay the full amount owed. Since credit card debt is unsecured (no collateral tied to it), the lender will file a lawsuit quickly if there is no response from you.

2. Get a Copy of Your Credit Report

You will want to make sure that there are no mistakes on your credit report. You will want to make sure that no accounts were opened in your name or unauthorized purchases were made without your knowledge.

3. Find out the Statute of Limitations

All civil lawsuits need to be filed within a set timeframe that varies from state-to-state. Most fall within a 4 to 6 year range. The time starts on the date of your last payment. The lawsuit should be dismissed when a Complaint is issued after the statute of limitations has ended.

4. Try to Negotiate 

Once you know the statute of limitations on the debt to validate the debt, you may be able to negotiate a settlement. Your best bet is to find out the statute of limitations and exactly how much is owed. You can then figure out what you can afford to pay and call to negotiate a payment plan. You may even be able to get a letter of deletion.

5. Call a Lawyer 

Because the legal process can be complicated, we recommend speaking with a qualified bankruptcy attorney. While the thought of consulting a lawyer can be intimidating, you should know that most lawyers offer free consultations. It is in your best interest to speak with someone that knows the law and can help you understand your best options. Your lawyer will also be able to determine if the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act has been violated.

Ready to Hear the Options That Will Work Best For You?

Before you take any action, be sure that you are informed. At the Law Office of Daniela Romero, we believe in relationships that are based on trust. Before we work together, we would like you to get to know us. This is to make sure you are the right fit for us and that we are the perfect fit for you, so that you can be completely comfortable sharing even the most intimate and difficult details of your case with us so we can offer you representation to the fullest extent of the law. Call us for a free consultation to find out the options that will work best for you.