Have you been sued by a creditor? If so, you may be feeling anxious about what to do next. Dealing with creditors or debt collectors can be frustrating and often seems like wasted time. So what should you do? Should you hire a lawyer if a creditor sues you? Take a look at our debt defense law tip below.
Debt Defense Law Tip: Should You Hire a Lawyer if a Creditor Sues You?
If you have been sued, it is a good idea to at least consult a lawyer before taking any action. Legal cases can be complicated, and every court has rules and procedures that must be followed. Most people generally are unfamiliar with these procedures, and taking incorrect action could have a negative impact on your case.
Do I Need a Lawyer who Specializes in Debt Defense Law?
Debt defense law, in particular, is a specialized area of law that requires knowledge of debt defense, debt collection, debt collection lawsuits, and consumer laws. At the very least, a debt defense lawyer can help you evaluate your options and help you decide the best course of action. Generally, however, we recommend having the support of debt defense lawyer on your side in order to obtain the best outcome possible.
How to Deal with a Debt Lawsuit
If you are being sued for an unpaid debt, there are a few ways you can handle the situation. You can;
- Do nothing and allow the creditor to obtain a Default Judgment against you;
- Defend the lawsuit yourself (by filing a pro se answer);
- Or hire a lawyer to represent you in the lawsuit.
Why Hire a Lawyer for a Debt-Related Lawsuit
There is a common misconception that if you owe the debt you are being sued for, that hiring a lawyer is a waste of time and money. That is actually not true in most cases. Debt defense law allows debtors options to defend themselves against the lawsuit. These debt defenses can be successful in the hands of a skilled debt defense lawyer. The most common defenses to debt-related lawsuits include:
- You do not owe the debt in question
- The statute of limitations has run out
- The creditor improperly filed the lawsuit
- The creditor cannot produce evidence that you owe the debt
- The creditor or debt collector violated your rights
A debt defense lawyer can also explore options to help you avoid a Judgment and avoid owing a substantial amount of money. These options include:
- Negotiating a settlement at a reduced total amount or payment plan
- Negotiating a settlement based on financial or other hardship
- Discussing possible options for bankruptcy
The only way to know which of these options may apply to your case is to discuss the facts of your situation with a debt defense lawyer.
Is Hiring a Lawyer Expensive?
Many people avoid seeking legal counsel because they are afraid of the cost involved. At Daic Law, we believe that cost should not prevent you from seeking legal help. That’s why we offer flexible options for payment, including lump sum payments or monthly payment plans, depending on your situation, needs, and overall debt amount.
What Happens if You Lose a Debt Lawsuit?
If you attempt to manage your debt lawsuit on your own, there is always a chance that you will not prevail. In such cases, you could find a Judgment against you for the amount of the debt, plus court costs and legal fees. If you do not meet the terms of your Judgment, the creditor may be able to garnish your bank account or cloud the title on property you own. Debt defense law is fairly strict when it comes to meeting the terms of a Judgment or Settlement.
Get Help from the Debt Defense Lawyer at Daic Law
Are you ready to speak with a debt defense lawyer about your case? If so, contact Daic Law today. With a free consultation, you can learn more about your case, your options, and how we can help. Our team is compassionate about what you are going through, and we are proud of the track record we have for successfully resolving debt matters for our clients.
To start your free consultation, call us at 1-877-893-6040, or email us at info@daiclaw.com. You can also reach out to us via our website contact form.