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 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Debt Collection Defense Resources
Wage Garnishments, Bank Executions And Liens
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What Are Debt Buyers?
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What Should I Do If Creditors Are Calling Me?
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Hidden Cost of Debt Collection: Interest, Fees and Costs
People facing a court judgement for debt often ask themselves “how did my bill get so big?” The answer to this question is that your debt grew due to...