The Law Offices of Neil Crane has been providing care, solutions and guidance on debt since 1983.  Call our office or submit a chat form today.

Collections & Lawsuits

Did you receive that dreaded debt collector call?! Don’t panic!

Our attorneys are here to defend you against debt collection lawsuits

Debt Collection Lawsuit Defense Attorney Connecticut ​Debt Collection Help

People with financial problems continue to press on and do their best to pay what they can and soldier on.  But there will come a point when it is just too overwhelming.  Things begin to break down and you can find yourself in a legal process that is stacked against you and in need of professional debt collection help.

The Debt Collection Process starts with your defaulting on a credit card debt that leads to phone calls and default letters from the Collection Department of your creditor.  Eventually, your bank or card issuer will utilize the services of a Debt Collection Agency. They will then begin to harass you by phone and through the mail.  It is their job to collect on the debt and they receive a fee from any money they collect from you. If the debt collection agency is unable to collect, they return the account to the original creditor, who then decides whether to:

  • Sue you directly through a specialized group of law firm collection mills who bring suit on behalf of the original creditor; or
  • Package the debt with many other defaulted debts and sell it to a Debt Buyer who choses from a list of local collection law firms, who then brings suit in bulk on behalf of the Debt Purchaser.

In either of these two scenarios, you end up served by a sheriff and the law firm moves the case into the local court to pursue the suit through the Connecticut collection process.  Unfortunately, the ordinary consumer usually makes the mistake of representing themselves or ignoring the lawsuit.  Both choices will likely result in a court judgment for the original creditor or the debt buyer for the full amount plus costs and attorneys’ fees.  In fact, most of those suits go undefended and become default judgments.

The creditor is then able to enforce the Court Judgment against your pay by a wage garnishment, attachment or a lien on your real estate.

Don’t let this happen to you. It’s entirely avoidable.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney If I’m Threatened with Debt Collection?

  1. Respectfully, you’re a novice, you’re not a lawyer, so you aren’t trained in how to properly defend yourself. You’re not knowledgeable in the rules of legal collections or evidence, and you’re up against specialized legal collection attorneys.
  2. The process of defending a debt is a full-time job and you don’t generally have the time in your life to learn the law and draft all the detailed documents and comply with all the detailed court rules and procedures. It is not your job, you’re unlikely to get it correct the first time, and it’s very stressful.  You’ll be held by the Court to the same standard as a lawyer.
  3. An attorney will get you a far better result that you can on your own. An attorney will save you money in the end.  They will also save you time and prevent the suit from taking over your life or becoming a judgment against your paycheck, your bank account, or your house.

It’s not too late to free yourself from debt 

If you are being sued for a debt, contact the Law Offices of Neil Crane for a free consultation.  We provide expert legal services at affordable rates with payment plans that fit your situation.  We will quickly examine your suit to develop defenses and fight for you to get your case dismissed or settled at a significant discount.

Don’t ignore credit card collections, calls, letters or lawsuits, and don’t go it on your own.  Get the answers you need for free by calling the Law Offices of Neil Crane at 203-230-2233.

If you have been contacted by a debt collector alleging debt in your name, contact our team for debt collection help, TODAY!

Legal Tools And Guidance In Collections And Lawsuits

Managing collections and lawsuits can be overwhelming for individuals and businesses dealing with unpaid debts, and legal tools offer a way to address these issues effectively. When borrowers or customers fail to meet their financial obligations, creditors often turn to the legal system to recover funds. Collections and lawsuits involve processes aimed at securing payment through court judgments and, when necessary, enforcement actions. Working with a knowledgeable legal team can help creditors pursue outstanding debts while ensuring that each step is managed professionally.

Legal Tools For Debt Collection

The collections process begins with attempts to recover debt without resorting to a lawsuit. Initial actions often include direct communication, letters, and settlement negotiations. If these efforts do not succeed, creditors may file a lawsuit to obtain a court judgment against the debtor. Once a judgment is secured, creditors have additional tools to collect the debt, such as wage garnishment, bank account levies, or placing a lien on the debtor’s property.

Wage garnishment is a common tool, where a portion of the debtor’s income is withheld by their employer and sent directly to the creditor. Bank account levies allow creditors to access funds directly from the debtor’s bank accounts, while liens can prevent a debtor from selling property until the debt is resolved. Each of these tools has specific rules, and a legal team can provide guidance to creditors on how to proceed within the framework of the law.

Lawsuits For Unpaid Debts

When informal collection methods fail, filing a lawsuit is often the next step. The creditor files a complaint with the court, outlining the debt owed and requesting a judgment. Once served, the debtor has an opportunity to respond, either by contesting the debt or offering a defense. If the debtor fails to respond, the court may issue a default judgment in favor of the creditor, allowing them to begin enforcing the debt collection through wage garnishment or other means.

For individuals or businesses facing collections and lawsuits, legal guidance can clarify their options. An experienced attorney can help evaluate potential defenses, negotiate settlements, or respond to court actions. For instance, some debtors may have grounds to dispute the debt amount or validity, and a legal professional can help outline a course of action.

Bankruptcy As A Tool In Debt Resolution

In some cases, debtors facing collections and lawsuits may consider bankruptcy as a way to address overwhelming debt. Bankruptcy can provide a structured way to reorganize debts or, in some cases, discharge unsecured debt entirely. This legal process often halts collections and lawsuits temporarily, providing time to evaluate financial options. While bankruptcy is not suitable for every situation, it may provide debtors with a path toward managing debt more effectively.

Creditors should be aware that when a debtor files for bankruptcy, an automatic stay is usually issued, halting any ongoing collections or lawsuits temporarily. This stay remains in effect throughout the bankruptcy process. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help creditors understand how to protect their interests within the constraints of bankruptcy law.

Seeking Legal Guidance For Effective Collections

Whether you are pursuing collections and lawsuits or defending against a debt-related claim, working with a knowledgeable attorney can help guide the process. A skilled legal team can help evaluate the most effective strategies, ensuring that each step aligns with legal requirements while achieving the best possible outcome.

If you are dealing with collections and lawsuits or need advice on managing outstanding debts, The Law Offices of Neil Crane is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation and find the best approach to address your financial concerns.


Client Review

“Neil Crane was everything I needed in an attorney in my time of need. Bankruptcy is an overwhelming place to be financially and emotionally. Neil’s knowledge, professionalism, and level of communication from beginning to end were above and beyond !! I am so very grateful!! His entire staff treated me with dignity and respect throughout the entire process. I highly recommend the law offices of Neil Crane to handle all of your bankruptcy needs.”
Stephanie Schuler
Client Review

Debt Collection Defense Resources

What Are Debt Buyers?

What Are Debt Buyers?

Debt buyers are companies that purchase defaulted debt in bulk from your creditors, often for pennies on the dollar.  Also called junk debt buyers, these...

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What people are saying about us

Let's be honest. Bankruptcy and home foreclosure are unpleasant and stressful, affecting those involved very personally and deeply. However, the experience doesn't have to be defeating, and Neil Crane and his entire staff offer a very real, manageable, (and affordable), path through the entire process. ... You will not find a better law office, or a better group of people anywhere. Tighten your belt, take a deep breath, and sign on with Neil...There is life after bankruptcy, and these people will open the door to it.

Tom B.

When I first came to Attorney Neil Crane, I was scared because of the trouble I got myself into with credit card debt. That fear disappeared when I sat down with him and he explained how he was going to help me. Not only did I resolve and get discharged from my case but I also learned how important it was to be more responsible with credit cards and saving. With Neil Crane's guidance and that of his firm, you will be in GREAT hands!

Sean A.

My husband and I have had a great experience with everyone at this office. I had a good friend recommend Mr. Crane to me. He helped us save our house. I’m so greatful of that. Thank you! I have recommended a Friend and I will continue to recommend anybody that is in need. Thank you again for saving our home!)

Kimberly C.

I came to Neil Crane's office after my business closed and I was left with a mountain of debt. From day one Neil sat down with me and explained the process and what I could expect. When my case hit an unexpected snag he and his team of lawyers worked hard to make sure that I would not have to pay anything back to the bankruptcy court! Thank you! JM

Joe

I would like to thank Neil Crane and his associates for the way they handled my case. I was at the end of my ropes and didn't know which way to turn,and the way everyone at this law firm handled my case put my mind at ease. It was the best move I made hireing NEIL CRANE. Iwould like to thank everyone for being so professional and freindly. If anyone is in need of a top notch law firm this is the one to call. CHARLIE SMITH

Charlie

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