How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Hawaii

If collectors are blowing up your phone with calls 24/7, or you've received a Summons and Complaint, you know that being pursued by a collection agency sucks. On a comforting note, you're not alone. According to researchers at the Urban Institute, nearly one in three Americans has at least one debt in collections. At SoloSuit, we talk to people like you every day, and we want to help. That's why we created this guide.

Getting a debt collector off your back in Hawaii can be difficult, but knowing your rights is key. The best thing you can do to stop collectors from calling if you've received a Summons and Complaint for debt is to respond to it. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to efficiently respond to a debt collection lawsuit in Hawaii.

Table of Contents

• Deadline to respond
• Hawaii Answer to Summons form
• Filing fees
• Follow these steps to respond
• Statute of limitations on debt in Hawaii
• Hawaii debt collection laws
• Respond in Hawaii small claims court
• Settle debt in Hawaii
• Hawaii legal aid
• Check the status of your Hawaii court case
• File an Answer in your local court
• Hawaii debt relief
• Stop wage garnishment in Hawaii
• Key takeaways

Hawaii deadline for answering a debt collection Summons

In the state of Hawaii, you have 20 days to file an Answer to the Summons and Complaint, according to Hawaii Civil Code Rule 12(a)(1). The rule officially states:

A defendant shall serve an answer within 20 days after being served with the Summons and Complaint, except when service is made under Rule 4(c) and a different time is prescribed in an order of court under a statute or rule of court.

You need to file an Answer with the court and the plaintiff within this time period. You may be thinking, Yikes! 20 days doesn't sound like a long time! It isn't, but we've got you covered.

Let's start with the bad news. If you don't respond to the Summons and Complaint within 20 days with a written Answer, you will automatically lose. At this point, the plaintiff will file for a default judgment which will be entered against you. This means you will be required to pay the debt amount listed on the Complaint.

With a default judgment, the plaintiff can also use other means to get their money back. For example, they can garnish your wages, put liens on your property, or even freeze your bank account. This is why it's so important to respond within the deadline.

Notably, this could cause serious problems if there is an error in the debt amount or the debt is not yours. But as long as you thoroughly review any Complaint you receive and respond to it within 20 days, you're in the clear.

Want to create an Answer quickly? Try SoloSuit. It's easier than creating an Answer on your own. Plus, we'll make sure all your bases are covered, including getting it approved by an attorney, and ensuring it is delivered to the courts and the person or company suing you.

Here is a Google review of our services from a satisfied customer:

Hawaii Answer to Summons forms

When responding to a debt collection Summons and Complaint in Hawaii, you can use SoloSuit's Answer form. It only takes 15 minutes to generate your response.

You can also use Hawaii's civil forms. A question we often receive is: does an Answer to a Summons need to be notarized? The answer is no. However, you should take some specific steps when mailing it, which we will discuss below.

Hawaii's judicial branch website has many forms for public access, but there is currently no form available for an Answer. However, you may try visiting the courthouse or calling the court clerk to see if they have them in person that you can pick up.

Hawaii does not charge a fee to file an Answer

Good news! There are no fees in the state of Hawaii to file an Answer to a Complaint against you. However, if you plan to file other types of documents into a lawsuit, there may be filing fees involved.

For example, if you plan to file a counterclaim in the District Court, there is a $65 filing fee. Click here to learn more about Hawaii's civil filing fees.

Follow these steps to respond to a debt collection case in Hawaii

When your creditor or a debt collector files a debt collection lawsuit in Hawaii small claims court, their first step is to serve you with what is known as the Summons and Complaint. The Summons notifies you of the lawsuit and the parties involved, while the Complaint contains a list of the specific allegations against you.

You should receive these documents in person or by mail. When you get them, don't delay responding. Remember that you have 20 days to file an Answer. If you don't, a default judgment can be entered and you may have to pay the creditor or debt collector for any debt they say you owe.

Now for the fun and most crucial part (don't worry—it's actually quite simple!). Follow these three steps to respond to a Hawaii debt collection case:

1. Answer each allegation listed in the Complaint.
2. Assert affirmative defenses.
3. File your Answer with the court and serve the plaintiff.

If you're worried about making a mistake, or feeling anxious, SoloSuit has your back. We can help you easily create an Answer, have it reviewed by a qualified attorney, and submit it to the Hawaii small claims court and the plaintiff on time.

If you decide to create the Answer on your own, we've provided detailed instructions for each of these three steps below. If you don't like reading, check out this video instead:

1. Answer each allegation listed in the Complaint

Your Answer is simply your response to the accusations made against you in the Complaint document. When you read the Complaint, you'll notice many numbered paragraphs, each with an allegation against you. This section can be overwhelming, and sometimes confusing. But it doesn't have to be; just follow the guidelines below.

When you draft your Answer to a debt lawsuit, the first section of the Answer should contain a list where you respond to each allegation from the Complaint. There are three ways you can respond to each claim:

1. Admit—like saying, “This is true.”
2. Deny—like saying, “Prove it.”
3. Deny due to lack of knowledge—like saying, “I don't know.”

So, which strategy should you choose? For starters, always be truthful when answering a Complaint. However, you may feel unsure about whether some of the allegations against you are true or false. This is totally normal. If you're unsure, you can either state that you lack the necessary knowledge or deny the allegation.

Whether you deny an allegation or state that you are unsure about it, the plaintiff must prove these allegations in court. In fact, most attorneys recommend denying as many allegations as possible. This gives you the strongest case possible, because when you deny a claim, it transfers the burden of proof to the plaintiff.

Keep in mind that your responses aren't cast in stone; you can always amend your Answer at a later date, even after the case begins.

SoloSuit can help you respond to a Complaint in just 15 minutes.

2. Assert affirmative defenses

Affirmative defenses are a key part of your Answer, as they offer reasons why the collection agency should lose the case. You can use various affirmative defenses, but not all of them apply to your case.

Here are some common affirmative defenses used in debt collection cases:

• The amount of the debt is incorrect: You can use this affirmative defense if the creditor made an error with regard to how much you owe. For example, if you paid part of the debt but your payment is not reflected in the Summons and Complaint, you could use this defense.
• You canceled a contract with the creditor and don't owe the debt: Use this defense if you signed a contract with the creditor, but they are charging you for debt accrued after you canceled the contract.
• Your Summons and Complaint were improperly served: Your Summons and Complaint should have been personally served to you at home. According to Hawaii Civil Code Rule 4(d)(1), the Summons and Complaint must be delivered together and in person. If you are not there, a copy can be left at your home with someone who lives with you.
• The statute of limitations has expired: The statute of limitations on debt collection in Hawaii is six years, starting from the date you made your last payment. Any debt older than this cannot be taken to court.
• Identity theft or mistaken identity: There are two identity issues you can use as affirmative defenses. The first one being if the creditor is suing you for a debt that doesn't belong to you, and the second being identity theft. You may use identity theft as an affirmative defense if the debt in question is from a credit card you never applied for, never received, or never used. This scenario includes a card that was stolen and used without your authorization.
• Lack of standing due to no debtor-creditor relationship: Use this affirmative defense if your original creditor sold off your debt to a collection agency who then filed the lawsuit. In this case, the debt collector must prove that they purchased your debt from your original creditor and provide all the documentation of the transfer.

Asserting your affirmative defenses will strengthen your case. While it may take some time to complete this part of your Answer, it will benefit you as you proceed with the case in Hawaii small claims court. You can only assert your affirmative defenses in your initial response in order to have them considered in the case, so make sure to take the opportunity while you have it.

Now, let's take a look at an example.

Use the right defense in the right way with SoloSuit's help.

3. File your Answer with the court and serve the plaintiff

Once you've completed your Answer, you need to file it. Make sure you file the Answer promptly, as you could face a default judgment if your Answer does not make it to the court in time. Do you want to have peace of mind during this process? Have SoloSuit file the Answer for you.

To file your Answer correctly, you should:

• Make two copies of your Answer document.
• Mail copy #1 to the Hawaii court.
• Mail copy #2 to the plaintiff's attorney.

Before mailing your copy to the court, make sure you have the correct mailing address for the court that appears on your Summons and Complaint. Mail both copies using USPS Certified Mail and request a confirmation receipt to ensure your Answer is properly delivered.

Once you receive the receipt, make copies of everything including your Answer document. Keep a copy in your phone in case there is an issue and you need proof of receipt.

SoloSuit can help you file your Answer in Hawaii.

The statute of limitations on debt in Hawaii protects consumers

The Hawaii statute of limitations on debt collections is six years. This means that if an account is left inactive for six or more years, no one can sue you for it. An inactive account means that no payment has been made on it. If you start making payments on an old debt again, this will restart the clock on the statute of limitations. So always check the statute of limitations on a debt before agreeing to make any payments to your creditor or debt collector.

However, keep in mind that an expired statute of limitations will do nothing to keep a creditor or debt collector from suing you; they may try to take you to court and hope that you are not aware of the debt timeline. This is why you should use the statute of limitations as an affirmative defense if it applies to your case. It's the only way you can get out of a lawsuit and avoid being pressured to pay the debt.

The table below highlights Hawaii's statute of limitations on different types of debt:

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Hawaii

Debt Type	Deadline
Credit Card	6 years
Medical	6 years
Student Loan	6 years
Auto Loan	6 years
Mortgage	6 years
Personal Loan	6 years
Judgment	6 or 20 years
Source: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1, 5

Additional Hawaii debt collection laws protect consumers

Consumers in every state in the U.S. are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This is a nationwide law that forbids debt collectors to use harassing, defamatory, deceitful, threatening, or otherwise unfair tactics to collect debts.

If you live in Hawaii, you have additional protections from state-level laws. Here are some of the specific Hawaii debt collection laws that protect you:

• In order to collect debts, collectors must be registered with the state and must renew the registration by June 30 of each year.
• Collectors may not lie (including about who they are or how much debt you owe) in order to collect a debt.
• If a collection agency is shutting down, it must send a written statement to clients informing them.
• Collectors must keep permanent records of all funds collected.
• If a person or agency is not a registered debt collector, they may not send any paperwork that might make you think they are a debt collector.
• Collectors may not use threats of violence or arrest to collect a debt.
• Collectors may not attempt to damage your reputation or use profane language when attempting to collect a debt from you.

Hawaii takes consumer protection seriously. If a debt collector violates the law, they can be fined up to $5,000 for each violation.

Respond to a lawsuit in Hawaii Small Claims Court

Most debt collection cases in Hawaii can be filed in the small claims court. Hawaii Small Claims Court is a division of the District Court that has jurisdiction over certain disputes between two or more parties.

If your case involves $5,000 or less, then it was probably filed in the Small Claims Court. To respond to a Small Claims case, you can follow the same steps listed earlier in this article: respond to each allegation in the Complaint document, assert your affirmative defenses, and file your Answer document before the deadline.

Settle debt in Hawaii

If you’ve been sued for a debt, the time to spring into action is now! If you don’t act quickly, the creditor will win the lawsuit by default. This means that the court will order you to pay the amount you owe.

If you don’t, the creditor can garnish your wages and maybe even seize and sell your property to pay the debt. Inorder to settle your debt before your court date, there are three steps you need to take to settle debt in Hawaii:

1. Respond to the debt lawsuit

Hawaii gives you 20 days to respond to a lawsuit notice. The document you use to respond is called an Answer. In your Answer, you have a chance to respond to the allegations against you. For instance, if a collector is suing you for a debt that happened because your identity was stolen, you might explain that in your Answer.

Have you been sued for a debt? Send your Answer right now with SoloSuit!

In addition to sending your Answer by the deadline, you must make sure that it is formatted correctly and is sent to the right parties. SoloSuit can help you with both. We’ll guide you through drafting the document and then send it where it needs to go.

2. Start negotiating with an offer

Lots of people make the mistake of not sending the Answer letter because they intend to settle the debt. However, in order to avoid having a default judgment, you must file your Answer regardless. Once it’s been filed, you can get started on settling.

Before you do so, decide how much you can pay to settle. Settlements are almost always lump-sum payments, as most creditors don’t want to take the chance of you defaulting on a payment plan.

At SoloSuit, we usually suggest starting negotiations by offering to pay 60% of the debt. However, because settling debt usually involves a good bit of back and forth, you should start by making an offer less than the maximum you can pay.

However, when it comes to settling a debt, there are no hard and fast rules. If you have very little income or a creditor has a reason to think they might not be able to collect on a judgment, they might accept a lesser offer.

The key is to make your offer reasonable. Offering to settle a $10,000 debt for $4,500 is reasonable (although the creditor is still likely to negotiate up). Offering to settle a $10,000 debt for $200 is not.

3. Get the agreement in writing

Once you reach an agreement, you’ll probably breathe a sigh of relief. Don’t relax just yet! Before you send any money, you should always get your debt settlement agreement in writing. Some collectors may agree to settle and then turn around and try to go after you for the remainder of the original debt. Not all do, but just in case, you should have an agreement that includes the following:

• The settlement amount
• The date it will be paid
• How it will be paid (bank transfer, check, etc.)
• A stipulation that once you pay, the creditor forfeits any right to pursue the rest of the debt

If you want to be careful, it also might be a good idea to have the agreement notarized.

For more information on how to negotiate debt settlement on your own, check out these tips from a licensed attorney:

Hawaii legal aid organizations can help you

Like all the other U.S. states, Hawaii has at least one government-funded organization where you can receive free legal services, it is called The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. You can find out more about their service by contacting them using the following information:

The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii (Main Branch)
924 Bethel St.
Honolulu, HI 96813

808-536-4302 (Oahu number)
800-499-4302 (Other Islands)

Check the status of your court case in Hawaii

It’s best to avoid debt lawsuits altogether. But if you’ve been sued, there are still steps you can take to avoid a judgment. The most important step is to track your case to make sure you don’t miss a deadline.

If you do, you’ll likely have a default judgment against you. This means that the creditor wins automatically, and you’ll be ordered to pay the full amount owed. To see why tracking a case is so important, let’s look at an example.

So, how do you track your court case? It starts with learning how to check the status of your Hawaii court case. Fortunately, Hawaii makes it easy to get the court documents you need online. You can search for your case using an online portal called eCourt KōKua. You will need to enter one of the following to search:

• Your first and last name (or the first and last name of one of the other people involved)
• The name of a business (if a company is involved)
• Your case number

In some cases, you might not be able to access all the documents you need this way. If that happens, you can look up your local court and visit in person. Some courts might require you to file a formal request for documentation.

Hawaii state court locations

Sometimes the location of your court isn't clear from the Summons. So we've linked to a list of Hawaii state courts here. This information should be helpful in finding the location of the specific Hawaii small claims court your case is filed. Be wary though, sometimes the mailing address is different from the physical address. So if you want to avoid that Waikiki traffic, you can have us file for you.

And if you're ready to draft and file an Answer to your debt collection lawsuit in Hawaii, find your local court below to get started:

• In the District Court of the First Circuit Honolulu Division State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the First Circuit Wahiawa Division State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the Second Circuit Wailuku Division State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the Third Circuit North and South Hilo Division State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the First Circuit Koolaupoko Division State of Hawaii
• In the Small Claims Division of the District Court of the First Circuit Koolaupoko Division State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the First Circuit Ewa Division State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the Fifth Circuit Kaua'i Division State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the First Circuit Waianae Division State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the Second Circuit Lahaina Division State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the Second Circuit, Hana Division, State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the Third Circuit North/south Kona Division State of Hawaii
• In the Circuit Court of the First Circuit O'ahu First Circuit State of Hawaii
• In the District Court of the Third Circuit South Kohala Division State of Hawaii

Find debt relief in Hawaii

Whether you’ve been served with a lawsuit or not, it’s always helpful to learn about new ways to reduce your debt. Typically, debt relief programs don’t work like magic bullets, so you likely aren’t going to find one that knocks out all of your debt by itself.

However, if you’re able to find several different grants or programs to apply for, you may be able to erase more of your debt than you’d anticipated. These are some of the potentially helpful programs Hawaii has to offer:

• Department of Human Services (DHS) General Assistance: For temporarily disabled, low-income adults without children.
• Unemployment Insurance: Provides temporary relief for struggling freelancers or the recently unemployed.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: For low-income families participating in a work program.
• Med-Quest: Provides medical insurance coverage for low-income adults and families.
• American Consumer Credit Counseling: A non-profit offering credit counseling and other financial services.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Helps expand the food budget of low-income households.
• Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP): Assists families in paying for late or past-due utilities.

Bear in mind that the programs above don’t always directly pay down debt balances. However, if you’re able to get financial support for medical care, household expenses, and other costs, you can take more of your earnings and apply them to debt.

It’s also important to be on the lookout for scams. Some debt collectors use shady tactics, but so do many so-called “debt-relief services” companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that these companies will often charge a significant upfront fee. They promise that they’ll be able to negotiate with your creditors and significantly lower your debt. But in most cases, your debt balance barely budges or doesn’t change.

These businesses target people who have both significant credit card balances and low incomes. They know that if you’re strapped for cash, you likely won’t be able to come after them for fraud or false advertising. Stay away from these companies!

Of course, not everyone qualifies for relief programs. For instance, many people have incomes higher than the income limit for these programs, but they still face significant debt. Thanks to the rapidly rising cost of living, it’s entirely possible to make an average or even higher than average income and still struggle with debt. You still have other options for finding debt relief in Hawaii, such as:

Applying for debt consolidation loans

If you have fair or better credit, you might be able to qualify for a debt consolidation loan. This works a lot like a personal loan. If you apply and are granted one, the loan will be sent to your bank account. From there, you can use it to pay off all or some of your debts. That way, multiple debts are combined into a single monthly payment.

The interest rates on debt consolidation loans are typically lower than the rates on credit cards and many other kinds of debt, meaning you’ll pay less over time.

Getting a HELOC or home equity loan

A HELOC (home equity line of credit) works a lot like a credit card. However, because it’s secured by your home, it often has a low interest rate. A home equity loan is also secured by your home, but unlike a HELOC, it’s a sum disbursed to you all at once.

This option is only possible if you own your home. The low interest rate makes it attractive for consolidating higher-interest debts. However, think carefully before you take one out; if you fail to pay it off as agreed, the lender can repossess and sell your house.

Settling debt with a creditor

Generally, if you can continue to pay off debt as agreed, that’s the best thing to do. But if you’re having trouble making payments (and especially if you’ve been sued), settling is better than going through a lawsuit and getting a judgment against you! Settling a debt will have a temporary negative impact on your credit score, but that impact isn’t as significant as a judgment or bankruptcy.

Ready to be done with your debt once and for all? Get started with SoloSettle by SoloSuit.

Stop wage garnishment in Hawaii

Each state has its own wage garnishment laws, and Hawaii’s are some of the most complicated in the nation. However, in some cases, that may mean you end up paying less than the federal limit on garnishments. Thankfully, there are still ways to stop wage garnishment in Hawaii, or even stop it before it happens.

If a state has its own set of garnishment laws, the court must calculate the maximum amount you’d pay weekly according to the state laws. Then, it must calculate the maximum amount you’d pay weekly under federal laws and choose the lesser of the two.

Under federal garnishment limits, you pay the lesser of these two each week:

• 25% of your disposable income
• The amount of disposable income after subtracting 30 times the federal minimum wage ($7.25)

Hawaii garnishment laws allow creditors to garnish the following per month:

• 5% of your first $100 of disposable income
• 10% of your next $200 of disposable income
• 20% of your disposable income over $200

In any case, “disposable income” is your income minus state and federal taxes.

Once you have a wage garnishment, it’s difficult to stop. Ideally, once there is a lawsuit against you, you’ll either pay the full amount or settle. If you do this, you avoid a judgment (and therefore avoid wage garnishment).

However, if you think the garnishment order is unjust, you can request a hearing. For instance, in many cases, Social Security, unemployment, and similar kinds of income are usually exempt from garnishment unless the garnishment is for child support or spousal support.

Key takeaways

Nice work—now you know how to properly handle a Summons and Complaint in Hawaii. Here's a quick summary of what you have learned:

• There is a 20-day deadline to file your Answer
• There is no fee to file an Answer to a debt lawsuit in Hawaii.
• To submit your Answer, you should:
• Respond to each allegation in the Complaint.
• Assert affirmative defenses.
• File your Answer with the court and serve the plaintiff.
• The statute of limitations on debt in Hawaii is six years.
• Hawaii small claims courts deal with cases involving $5,000 or less.

Feeling stressed by the process? Don't sweat it. Let SoloSuit create, review, and submit your Answer electronically in just 15 minutes. Our documents are designed to cater to all the details needed in responding to a lawsuit.

You can also use our other documents to urge the creditors to settle out of court. Our Motion to Compel Arbitration asks the creditors to honor the arbitration clause in the credit agreement you signed. Learn more about arbitration in this video:

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Debt collector guides

Are you being contacted by a debt collector? We're making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

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• LVNV
• LVNV Funding
• Malen & Associates
• Mandarich Law Group
• Marcam Associates
• Mariner Finance
• MARS Inc. Collections
• MBA Law
• MCA Management Company
• McCarthy Burgess & Wolff
• Meade & Associates
• Medical Data Systems
• Mercantile Adjustment Bureau
• Merchants Credit Association
• Merchants' Credit Guide
• MGM
• Michael J Adams PC
• Midland Funding
• Midland Funding LLC
• Mid-South Adjustment
• MiraMed Revenue Group
• Monarch Recovery
• Monterey Financial
• Moore Law Group
• Moss Law Firm
• Mountain Land Collections
• Moxley and Associates
• MRS Associates
• MRS BPO
• MSCB Inc.
• MSW Capital LLC
• Mullooly Jeffrey Rooney & Flynn
• Nathan and Nathan PC
• National Credit Adjusters
• National Credit Systems
• National Collegiate Trust
• National Enterprise Systems
• National Recovery Agency
• National Recovery Solutions
• Nations Recovery Center
• National Service Bureau Collections
• Nationwide Credit
• Nationwide Recovery Services
• Nationwide Recovery Systems
• Northland Group
• Northstar Location Services
• Navient
• Navy Federal
• NCB Management Services
• NCEP LLC
• NCO Financial Systems Incorporated
• Nelson and Kennard
• North American Recovery
• Northstar Capital Acquisition
• NPAS Solutions
• Online Information Services
• OneMain Financial
• Old Navy Credit Card Debt
• Oliphant Financial LLC
• Oportun
• P&B Capital Group
• Palisades Collection LLC
• Pallida LLC
• Paragon Contracting Services
• Paragon Revenue Group
• Paragon Revenue Group
• Paramount Recovery
• PayPal Synchrony Card
• Payliance Collections
• PCB Collections Agency
• Pendrick Capital Partners
• Penn Credit
• Perdue Brandon
• Persolve LLC
• Pharia LLC
• Phillips & Cohen Associates
• Phoenix Financial Services
• Pinnacle Collections Agency
• Pioneer Credit Recovery
• PlusFour Collections
• Portfolio Recovery
• Portfolio Recovery Associates
• Portfolio Recovery Associates
• PRA Group Inc.
• Prestige Services Inc.
• Prince Parker and Associates
• ProCollect
• Professional Credit Service
• Professional Debt Mediation
• Professional Finance Company
• Progressive Management Systems
• Puget Sound Collections
• ProVest LLC
• PYOD LLC
• RAB Collection Agency
• Radius Global SOL
• Radius Global Solutions
• Rash Curtis and Associates
• RAS LaVrar
• Rausch Sturm
• The Rawlings Company
• Razor Capital
• Real Time Resolutions
• Receivables Management Services
• Receivables Performance Management
• Receivable Solutions
• Recovery Solutions
• Regional Finance
• Reliant Capital Solutions
• Rent Recovery Solutions
• Resurgent Capital Services
• Resurgent Capital Services
• Retailers National Bank
• Reunion Student Loan Finance Corporation (ZuntaFi)
• Revco Solutions
• Revenue Enterprises LLC
• RFGI
• RGS Financial Inc.
• RMP LLC
• RMP Services
• Rock Creek Capital
• RS Clark and Associates
• RSIEH
• RSI Enterprises
• RTR Financial Services
• Rubin & Rothman
• Salander Enterprises LLC
• SCA Collections
• Scott and Associates
• Second Round Collections
• Second Round Sub LLC
• Security Credit Services
• Selip & Stylianou LLP
• Sentry Credit
• Sequium Asset Solutions
• Sessoms and Rogers
• SIMM Associates
• Source Receivables Management
• South District Group
• Southern Management Systems
• Southwest Credit Systems
• Southwest Recovery Services
• Spire Recovery Solutions
• Summit Account Resolution
• Stark Collection Agency
• State Collection Service
• Stenger and Stenger PC
• Stephen Einstein
• Stillman Law Office
• Summit Account Resolution
• Sunrise Credit Services
• Superlative RM
• Suttell and Hammer
• Swift Funds Financial
• Synchrony Bank
• Synchrony Walmart Card
• Synergetic Communication
• Synerprise Consulting
• SYNCB
• Target National Bank
• Tek-Collect Inc
• Transworld Systems Inc
• Trellis Company
• Trident Asset Management
• Troy Capital
• TRS Recovery Services
• TrueAccord
• UCB Collection
• UCB Collection
• UCHealth
• UHG 1 LLC
• Unifin
• Unifin
• Unifund
• United Collection Bureau
• United Recovery Systems
• Universal Credit Services
• USAA Collections
• US Bank Collections
• USCB America
• Valentine and Kebartas
• Valley Servicing
• Vance & Huffman LLC
• Velocity Investments LCC
• Velo Law Office
• Viking Client Services
• Virtuoso Sourcing Group
• Wakefield and Associates
• Waypoint Resource Group
• WebBank
• Weinberg and Associates
• Wells Fargo
• Wells Fargo Bank
• Westlake Financial
• Weltman Weinberg & Reis
• West Central Texas Collection Bureau
• Westlake Portfolio Management
• Westwood Funding
• WFDS
• Wilber and Associates
• Williams and Fudge
• Wilshire Consumer Credit
• Works and Lentz
• Worldwide Asset Purchasing
• Zarzaur & Schwartz
• Zwicker & Associates

Arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you're not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

• How Arbitration Works
• How Credit Card Arbitration Works
• How to Find an Arbitration Clause in Your Credit Agreement
• How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration
• How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration in Florida
• How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration Without an Attorney
• Motion to Compel Arbitration in California
• Sample Motion to Compel Arbitration
• What Happens in Arbitration?

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a great way to legally resolve debt, but it's usually best to consider it as a last resort. Here are some bankruptcy guides to help you decide which debt resolution option is best for you.

• Can You Sue Someone Who Has Filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
• How to File Bankruptcy for Free Without an Attorney
• How to File Chapter 13 Without an Attorney
• Pros and Cons of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
• Should I File Bankruptcy Before or After a Judgment?
• The Pros and Cons of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
• Will Bankruptcy Stop a Judgment?

Check your case status

Don't have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We've created state guides on how to check the status of your case throughout the US, complete with online search tools and court directories.

• Alabama Court Case Search—Find Your Lawsuit
• Arizona Court Case Search - Find Your Lawsuit
• Arkansas Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• California Court Case Search- Find Your Lawsuit
• Colorado Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Connecticut Case Lookup — Find Your Court Case
• Delaware Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Florida Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Georgia Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Illinois Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Indiana Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Illinois Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Indiana Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Kansas Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Kentucky Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Louisiana Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Maryland Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Massachusetts Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Michigan Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Mississippi Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Missouri Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Nebraska Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Negotiate Debt With Crown Asset Management
• Nevada Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• New Hampshire Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• New Jersey Court Case Search—Find Your Lawsuit
• New York Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• North Carolina Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Ohio Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Oklahoma Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Oregon Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Pennsylvania Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• South Carolina Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Tennessee Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Texas Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Utah Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Vermont Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Virginia Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Washington Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• West Virginia Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Wisconsin Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit

Credit

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt, along with other credit-related resources.

• 3 Crazy Credit Card Debt Stories
• Beware of Credit Repair Advance Fees
• Can a Credit Card Company Sue Me?
• Can I Pay My Original Creditor Instead of a Debt Collection Agency?
• Can You Go to Jail for Credit Card Debt?
• Credit Card Debt Forgiveness Because of Disability
• Credit Card Debt Statistics
• Credit Repair Scam
• How I Won My Credit Card Debt Lawsuit (Interview)
• How Long Do Creditors Have to Collect a Debt from an Estate?
• How Often Do Credit Card Companies Sue for Non-Payment?
• How Often Does Merrick Bank Increase Your Credit Limit?
• How to Liquidate Credit Cards Into Cash
• How to Raise My Credit Score 40 Points Fast
• How to Remove Avantus From Your Credit Report
• How to Remove CBCInnovis From Your Credit Report
• How to Remove Fox Collection Center From Your Credit Report
• How to Walk Away from Credit Card Debt
• Is Credit Karma Accurate?
• Respond to a Summons for Credit Card Debt
• Should I Use Credit Journey?
• Stop Paying Credit Card Debt and Stop Worrying About It
• Summary of the Equifax Data Breach Settlement
• Tips for Leaving the Country With Unpaid Credit Card Debt
• Understanding myFICO: Your Gateway to Better Credit
• What Bank Is Behind Best Buy's Credit Card?
• What Bank is Milestone Credit Card With?
• What Bank Issues Kohl's Credit Card?
• What Bank Owns Old Navy Credit Card?
• What Credit Bureau does Aqua Finance Use?
• What Credit Bureau Does Truliant Use?
• What Does Credit Glory Do?
• What Does "DLA" Mean on a Credit Report?
• What is a Credit Inquiry Factual Data?
• What Is a Creditor Legally Required to Do if You Dispute a Debt?
• What Is A Good Credit Score For Businesses?
• What Is Assetcare on My Credit Report?
• What is CBNA on my credit report?
• What Is COAF On My Credit Report? How to Settle Debt
• What is CreditFresh?
• What is Factual Data On My Credit Report?
• Which Bank Does Macy's Credit Card Use?
• Why is THD/CBNA on my credit report?

Debt collection FAQs

Find answers to some of our the most commonly-asked questions about debt collection below.

• Am I Responsible for My Husband's Debts If We Divorce?
• Am I Responsible for My Parent's Debt if I Have Power of Attorney?
• Can a Collection Agency Add Fees on the Debt?
• Can a Collection Agency Charge Interest on a Debt?
• Can a Debt Collector Freeze Your Bank Account?
• Can a Debt Collector Leave a Voicemail?
• Can a Debt Collector Take My Car in California?
• Can Debt Collectors Call From Local Numbers?
• Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work in Texas?
• Can Debt Collectors Call Your Family?
• Can Debt Collectors Leave Voicemails?
• Can Debt Collectors Lie to You?
• Can I Pay a Debt Before the Court Date?
• Can I Rent an Apartment if I Have Debt in Collection?
• Can You Appeal a Default Judgement?
• Can You Get Unemployment if You Quit?
• Can You Go to Jail for a Payday Loan?
• Can You Record a Call with a Debt Collector in Your State?
• Can You Serve Someone with a Collections Lawsuit at Their Work?
• Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up?
• Does a Living Trust Protect Your Assets from Lawsuits?
• Does Chase Sue for Credit Card Debt?
• Does Debt Consolidation Have Risks?
• Does Midland Funding Show Up to Court?
• Do I Need a Debt Collection Defense Attorney?
• Do I Need a Debt Negotiator?
• Do Student Loans Go Away After 7 Years?
• How Does a Flex Loan Work?
• How Does Debt Assignment Work?
• How Does Finwise Bank Work?
• How does Navy Credit debt forgiveness work?
• How Does Payments.tsico Work?
• How Do I Find Out If I Have Any Judgments Against Me?
• How Do I Get Rid of a Judgment Lien on My Property?
• How Do You Demonstrate Financial Hardship?
• How long do debt collectors take to respond to debt validation letters?
• How Long Does a Judgment Last?
• How Long Does a Judgment Last in Florida?
• How Long Does a Judgment Last in NY?
• How Long Does a Judgment Stay Last in Texas?
• How Long Does a Judgment Stay on Your Credit Report?
• How Long Does a Levy Stay on a Bank Account?
• How Long Does A RentGrow Dispute Take?
• How Long is a Judgment Good For in California?
• How Many Calls from a Debt Collector is Considered Harassment?
• How Many Times Can a Judgment Be Renewed in North Carolina?
• How Many Times Can a Judgment be Renewed in Oklahoma?
• How Much Do Collection Agencies Pay for Debt?
• How Should You Respond to the Theft of Your Identity?
• Is it Legal for Debt Collectors to Call Family Members?
• Is it Smart to Consolidate Debt?
• Is My Case in the Right Venue?
• Is Severance Pay Taxable?
• Is SoloSuit Worth It?
• Is Someone with Power of Attorney Responsible for Debt After Death?
• Is the NTB Credit Card Safe?
• Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge?
• Should I Hire a Civil Litigation Attorney?
• Should I Hire a Litigation Attorney?
• Should I Marry Someone With Debt?
• Should I Pay Off an Old Apartment Debt?
• Should I Send a Demand Letter Before a Lawsuit?
• Should You Communicate with a Debt Collector in Writing or by Telephone?
• SoloSuit FAQ
• What Does a Debt Collector Have to Prove in Court?
• What Does Payment Deferred Mean?
• What Happens After a Motion for Default Is Filed?
• What Happens After I File an Answer to My Debt Lawsuit?
• What Happens If Someone Sues You and You Have No Money?
• What Happens If You Ignore a Debt Collector?
• What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors?
• What Happens When a Debt Is Sold to a Collection Agency
• What Happens When You Get Served Papers for Debt?
• What Is a Rule 3.740 Collections Defense in California?
• What Is Debt Protection?
• What Is the Minimum Amount That a Collection Agency Will Sue For?
• What states require a professional licensing number for debt collectors?
• What Is T-Mobile's Phone Number for Debt Collection?
• When an LLC Fails What Happens to Its Debts?

Debt collection documents and templates

If you're dealing with debt, these documents and templates will help you respond, protect your rights, negotiate, and resolve your debts.

• Debt Validation Letter Template
• Do 609 Letters Really Work?
• Here's a Sample Letter to Collection Agencies to Settle Debt
• How to Make a 609 Letter That Really Works
• How to Make a Debt Validation Letter - The Ultimate Guide
• How to Make a Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Demand Letter
• How to Make a Motion to Dismiss
• How to Make a Motion to Lift Stay
• How to Make a Motion to Vacate Judgment
• How to Make Motion to Set Aside — Ultimate Guide
• How to send Santander a settlement letter
• How to Write a Hardship Letter
• How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter
• Sample Answer to Summons for Credit Card Debt Lawsuit
• Sample Cease and Desist Letter Against Debt Collectors
• Sample credit report dispute letter
• Sample Letter to Remove a Charge-Off from Your Credit Report
• Template Cease and Desist Letters to Debt Collectors
• Use this Sample Answer to Summons for Credit Card Debt
• When to Send a Judgment Proof Letter

Debt relief

We've created a specialized guide on how to find debt relief in all 50 states, complete with steps to take to find relief, state-specific resources, and more.

• Debt Relief Programs
• How to Access Free Debt Relief
• How to Get Credit Card Debt Relief
• How to Get Debt Relief in Alabama
• How to Get Debt Relief in Arizona
• How to Get Debt Relief in Kentucky
• How to Get Debt Relief in North Carolina
• How to Get Debt Relief in North Dakota
• How to Get Debt Relief in Ohio
• How to Get Debt Relief in Oklahoma
• How to Get Debt Relief in Oregon
• How to Get Debt Relief in Rhode Island
• How to Get Debt Relief in Texas
• How to Get Debt Relief (Ultimate 50 State Guide)
• How to Get Relief From a Gambling Debt
• If You Are Using a Debt Relief Agency Can You Settle Yourself with the Creditor?
• Obama Credit Card Debt Relief Program – How to Use It
• What Is Discover's 60/60 plan?
• What is Synchrony Bank's Hardship Program?
• Who is Over the Loan Forgiveness Program at KHESLC?

Debt settlement

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We've created state guides on debt settlement. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

• 5 Signs of a Debt Settlement Scam
• Accredited Debt Relief Debt Settlement Reviews
• Best Debt Settlement Companies
• Brite Solutions Debt Settlement Reviews
• Can I Settle a Debt After Being Served?
• Can I Settle a Debt with the Original Creditor?
• Can I Still Settle a Debt After Being Served?
• Can You Settle a Warrant in Debt Before Court?
• Can You Settle Student Loan Debt?
• Century Debt Settlement Reviews
• CuraDebt Debt Settlement Review
• Debt Collectors Want to Settle Outside Court
• Debt Settlement Explained by a Lawyer
• Debt Settlement Pros and Cons
• Do I Need to Hire a Debt Settlement Lawyer?
• Do You Need a Debt Settlement Attorney in Houston Texas?
• Global Holdings Debt Settlement Reviews
• How Can I Settle My Credit Card Debt Before Going to Court?
• How Long Does It Take to Improve My Credit Score After Debt Settlement?
• How Much Do Settlement Companies Charge?
• How to File a Motion to Enforce Settlement Agreement
• How to Legally Settle Debt in 5 Steps
• How to Make a Cypress Financial Recoveries Settlement Offer
• How to Make a Debt Settlement Agreement
• How to Negotiate a Debt Settlement with a Law Firm
• How to Negotiate Credit Card Debt Settlement Yourself
• How to Negotiate Debt Settlement on Your Own
• How to Settle a Debt in Arizona
• How to Settle a Debt in Arkansas
• How to Settle a Debt in Colorado
• How to Settle a Debt in Delaware
• How to Settle a Debt in Florida
• How to Settle a Debt in Hawaii
• How to Settle a Debt in Idaho
• How to Settle a Debt in Illinois
• How to Settle a Debt in Kansas
• How to Settle a Debt in Kentucky
• How to Settle a Debt in Michigan
• How to Settle a Debt in Minnesota
• How to Settle a Debt in Mississippi
• How to Settle a Debt in Missouri
• How to Settle a Debt in Montana
• How to Settle a Debt in Nebraska
• How to Settle a Debt in Nevada
• How to Settle a Debt in New Hampshire
• How to Settle a Debt in New Jersey
• How to Settle a Debt in North Carolina
• How to Settle a Debt in Ohio
• How to Settle a Debt in Oklahoma
• How to Settle a Debt in Pennsylvania
• How to Settle a Debt in South Dakota
• How to Settle a Debt in Tennessee
• How to Settle a Debt in Texas
• How to Settle a Debt in Utah
• How to Settle a Debt in Wyoming
• How to Settle Debt for Pennies on the Dollar
• How to Settle Debt in 3 Steps
• If I Settle with a Collection Agency Will It Hurt My Credit?
• Infinite Law Group Debt Settlement Reviews
• Is Freedom Debt Relief a Scam?
• JG Wentworth Debt Settlement Reviews
• Largest Debt Settlement Companies
• National Debt Relief Debt Settlement Reviews
• New Era Debt Settlement Reviews
• Palisade Legal Group Debt Settlement Reviews
• Should I Settle a Collection or Pay in Full?
• TurboDebt Debt Settlement Reviews
• Turnbull Law Group Debt Settlement Reviews
• What Happens if I Reject a Settlement Offer?
• What Happens if You Don't Pay a Debt Settlement?
• What Happens When You Settle a Debt?
• What Is A Debt Settlement Agreement?
• What Percentage of a Debt is Typically Accepted in a Settlement?
• What Percentage Should I Offer to Settle Debt?
• What to Ask for in a Settlement Agreement

Eviction

Facing an eviction? The following guides will help you navigate your situation with confidence.

• How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record?
• How to Drag Out an Eviction
• How to Fight an Eviction
• How to Make an Eviction Appeal
• Can an Eviction Be Reversed?
• Oregon Eviction Laws - What They Say
• Read This if You're Being Evicted With Children
• Received a 3-Day Eviction Notice? Here's What To Do
• What Happens if a Tenant Wins an Eviction Lawsuit?
• What to Say When You're in Court for Eviction
• When Is My Rent Due Legally?

Federal debt collection laws

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we've compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

• 15 USC 1692 Explained
• Credit Card Debt Forgiveness Act Explained
• FDCPA Violations List
• How to File an FDCPA Complaint Against Your Debt Collector (Ultimate Guide)
• Sequium Class Action Lawsuit for FDCPA Violations Dismissed
• USC 15 Section 1662(b) Explained
• What Are My Debt Collection Rights?
• What Debt Collectors Cannot Do — FDCPA Explained
• What Does Account Information Disputed by Consumer Meets FCRA Requirements Mean?
• What does FCRA stand for?

Legal aid

Helping people find access to justice is at the heart of Solo's misison. If you're dealing with a legal debt issue, the following guides will help you through it.

• 5 Legal Aid Organizations That Are Crushing It
• Acceleration Clause — Definition
• Bar Associations for All 50 States
• Certificate of Debt: A Definition
• Community Legal Services Provides Legal Aid to Florida Residents
• Countersuing a Company: A Step-By-Step Guide
• Defendant - Definition and Everything You Need to Know
• Difference Between a Trial and a Hearing
• Hearing Vs. Trial
• Fruit of the Poisonous Tree
• How to Find the Attorney That is Suing You (Secret)
• How to Dispute a False Positive Drug Test
• How to Fight a Motion for Relief From Automatic Stay
• How to File a Civil Answer in Kings County Supreme Court
• How to File a Civil Answer With the Duval Clerk of Courts - Florida
• How to File a Motion to Extend Time
• How to File a Motion to Set Aside Judgment
• How to File in Bergen County Superior Court
• How to File in Deschutes County Circuit Court
• How to File in Oregon Small Claims Court
• How To Fill Out the PLD-C-001
• How to get a case dismissed without prejudice on statute of limitations
• How to Hire a Mediator
• Can a Process Server Leave a Summons Taped to My Door?
• How to Satisfy a Judgment
• How to Use the Doctrine of Unclean Hands
• Irrevocable Agreement — Defined
• Lawsuit Deadline Calculator (The best one!)
• Legal Support Services for Debt Collection
• Mastriani Law Firm Review
• Mediation - Definition
• Motion for Default Judgment - Everything You Need to Know
• Motion for Summary Judgment — Definition
• Plaintiff vs Defendant — What's the difference
• Probable Cause Hearing — Definition
• Restitution – Definition
• Summons—Definition
• What Happens at a Motion for Summary Judgment Hearing?
• What Happens During Discovery?
• What Happens If a Defendant Does Not Pay a Judgment?
• What Happens If a Process Server Can't Serve You?
• What Happens If You Avoid Getting Served Court Papers?
• What If an Order for Default Was Entered?
• What If a Summons Was Served to the Wrong Person?
• What If the Wrong Defendant Is Named in a Lawsuit?
• What Is a Case Number?
• What is a Certificate of Judgment in Ohio?
• What Is a Certificate of Service?
• What Is a Civil Chapter 61 Warrant?
• What Is a Consent Judgment?
• What is a default judgment?— What do I do?
• What is a Lien Release on a Car?
• What Is a Motion to Strike?
• What Is a Motion to Suppress?
• What is an Affirmative Defense?
• What Is an Assignment of Debt?
• What Is an Attorney Malpractice Lawsuit?
• What Is a Nonsuit Without Prejudice?
• What Is a Preliminary Hearing?
• What Is a Request for Dismissal?
• What is a Stipulated Judgment?
• What Is a Warrant in Debt?
• What is it Called When You Represent Yourself in Court?
• What is Moral Turpitude?
• What is sewer service?
• What Is Summary Judgment?
• What is the Deadline for a Defendant's Answer to Avoid a Default Judgment?
• What is the Status of My Case?
• What Personal Property Can Be Seized in a Judgment?
• What to Consider Before Signing a Stipulated Judgment The Ultimate Guide
• What to do when you get a fake court summons or phone call
• Why Being Judgment Proof Is Not a Defense to a Lawsuit
• Why Do Lawyers Charge So Much?
• Why Is the Sheriff Looking for Me?
• Why Would a Sheriff Come to My House with Papers?

Medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing with medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

• Am I Responsible for My Spouse's Medical Debt?
• Can Medical Debt Collectors Sue?
• Do I Need a Lawyer for Medical Bills?
• How Much Do Collection Agencies Pay for Medical Debt?
• How to Find Medical Debt Forgiveness Programs
• Is There a Statute of Limitations on Medical Bills?
• Medical Debt Statute of Limitations by State
• Medicredit — How to Settle Your Debt
• New Maine Medical Debt Collection Laws
• New York Changes Medical Debt Collection Laws
• Optimum Outcomes Violates Medical Debt Collection Laws
• Summoned to Court for Medical Bills — What Do I Do?
• Summoned to Court for Medical Bills? What to Do Next

Personal finance

Learn how to manage your finances and overcome crushing debt. Check out our personal finance guides below.

• 5 Expenses You Can Cut to Save Money and Pay Off Debt
• 7 Things to Consider When Taking a Student Loan
• 3 Things to Know About Bright Lending
• Americor Debt Consolidation Review: Will It Work For You?
• ACE Cash Express Personal Loan Review
• Cambridge Debt Consolidation Review
• Advance America Loan Review
• BMG Money Loan Review
• BMO Harris Bank Review: Pros and Cons
• CashNetUSA Review
• Click N Loan Reviews
• Debt Eraser Review
• Golden 1 Credit Union Personal Loan Review
• How to Find My Bridgecrest Login
• How to Generate Passive Income
• How to Get Out of a Bridgecrest Loan
• How to get out of a RISE loan
• How to Get Out of Debt Before Retirement
• How to Get Out of Paying HOA Dues
• How to Handle a Nationstar Foreclosure
• How to liquidate your assets to pay off debt
• How to Pay off Your Destiny Credit Card
• How to Recover from a Negative Bank Balance
• How to Travel Without Falling into Debt: Embracing the "Workcation"
• iLending Reviews
• LoanMart Reviews
• Luxury on a Budget: 10 Ways to Have Luxury Experiences While Managing Debt
• Milestone ® Mastercard ® Review
• Mission Lane Credit Card Reviews
• ModoLoan Review
• My Bank Account is Negative $1 000 — Fix it
• OppLoans Review
• Overcoming College Debt Challenges: Top Strategies for Financial Freedom
• Priority Plus Financial Reviews
• Speedy Cash Loans Review
• Tripoint Lending Reviews
• What Does "Apple Pay Transaction Under Review" Mean?
• What Happens if I Don't Pay Acima?
• What Happens If You Don't Pay Speedy Cash?
• What if I default on an Avant payment
• What Is a Debt-to-Sales Ratio?
• What is Bank of America CashPro?
• What is Bitty Advance?
• What Is Celtic Bank?
• What is Oportun?

State debt collection laws

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state's debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

• Debt Collection Laws in Alabama
• Debt Collection Laws in Alaska
• Debt Collection Laws in Arizona
• Debt Collection Laws in Arkansas
• Debt Collection Laws in Colorado
• Debt Collection Laws in Connecticut
• Debt Collection Laws in Delaware
• Debt Collection Laws in Florida
• Debt Collection Laws in Georgia
• Debt Collection Laws in Hawaii
• Debt Collection Laws in Idaho
• Debt Collection Laws in Illinois
• Debt Collection Laws in Indiana
• Debt Collection Laws in Iowa
• Debt Collection Laws in Kansas
• Debt Collection Laws in Kentucky
• Debt Collection Laws in Louisiana
• Debt Collection Laws in Maryland
• Debt Collection Laws in Michigan
• Debt Collection Laws in Mississippi
• Debt Collection Laws in Missouri
• Debt Collection Laws in Montana
• Debt Collection Laws in Nebraska
• Debt Collection Laws in Nevada
• Debt Collection Laws in New Hampshire
• Debt Collection Laws in New Jersey
• Debt Collection Laws in New Mexico
• Debt Collection Laws in New York
• Debt Collection Laws in North Carolina
• Debt Collection Laws in North Dakota
• Debt Collection Laws in Ohio
• Debt Collection Laws in Oklahoma
• Debt Collection Laws in Oregon
• Debt Collection Laws in Pennsylvania
• Debt Collection Laws in Rhode Island
• Debt Collection Laws in South Carolina
• Debt Collection Laws in South Dakota
• Debt Collection Laws in Tennessee
• Debt Collection Laws in Vermont
• Debt Collection Laws in Virginia
• Debt Collection Laws in Washington
• Debt Collection Laws in West Virginia
• Debt Collection Laws in Wisconsin
• Debt Collection Laws in Wyoming
• Kentucky Debt Collection Laws — What You Need to Know
• Massachusetts Debt Collection Laws – What They Say
• Texas Debt Collection Laws Protect You
• Utah Debt Collection Laws
• California's Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Explained

Statute of limitations on debt

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote guides on each state's statutes and more.

• Statute of Limitations—Definition and Everything You Need to Know
• Alaska Statute of Limitations on Debt
• Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Debt
• Colorado Debt Collection Statute of Limitations (Complete Guide 2026)
• Can the Statute of Limitations be Extended?
• Delaware Statute of Limitations on Debt
• Illinois Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection
• Indiana Statute of Limitations on Debt
• Kansas Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection
• Louisiana Statute of Limitations on Debt
• Maine statute of limitations on debt
• Michigan Statute of Limitations on Debt
• Mississippi Statute of Limitations on Debt
• Missouri Statute of Limitations on Debt
• New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt
• North Carolina Statute of Limitations on Debt
• North Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt
• Rhode Island Statute of Limitations on Debt
• South Carolina Statute of Limitations on Debt
• South Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection
• Statute of Limitations in Oklahoma (Complete Guide 2026)
• Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection by State (Best Guide)
• Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection in Alabama
• Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection in Montana
• Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection in Nebraska
• Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection in New Mexico
• Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection in Texas
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Arizona
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in California (2026)
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Connecticut
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Georgia
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Hawaii
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Iowa
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Maryland
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Minnesota
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Nevada
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in New Jersey
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in New York
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Oregon
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Oregon (Complete Guide)
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Pennsylvania
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Tennessee
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Utah
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Virginia
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Wisconsin
• Statute of Limitations on Florida Debt
• West Virginia Statute of Limitations on Debt
• What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington?
• Wyoming Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

Stop collection calls

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it's a debt collector on the other line? If you've been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we'll tell you how to stop them.

• 206-922-0880
• 210-520-0146
• 502-267-7522
• 800-289-8004
• 8009556600
• 800-955-6600
• 805-637-7243
• (855) 267-7451
• 855-419-7365
• 877-366-0169
• 888-899-4332
• 888-222-4227
• 888-899-6650
• Collection Agencies Phone Numbers

Wage garnishment

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in your state, plus other wage garnishment resources.

• Can Credit Card Companies Garnish Your Wages?
• Can Credit Cards Garnish Wages?
• Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?
• Bank Account Garnishment and Liens in Texas
• Can My Wife's Bank Account Be Garnished for My Debt?
• Can Payday Loans Garnish Your Wages?
• Can pensions be garnished?
• Can Private Disability Payments be Garnished?
• Can Private Disability Payments Be Garnished?
• Can Social Security Disability Be Garnished?
• Can You Stop a Garnishment Once It Starts?
• Does Wage Garnishment Affect Credit?
• Guide to Garnishment Limits by State
• How Can I Stop Wage Garnishments Immediately?
• How Long Before a Creditor Can Garnish Wages?
• How Long Does It Take to Get Garnished Wages Back?
• How to Stop a Garnishment
• How to Fight a Wage Garnishment
• How to Stop Student Loan Wage Garnishment
• How to Stop Wage Garnishment — Everything You Need to Know
• Ohio Garnishment Laws — What They Say
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Alabama
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Arizona
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Arkansas
• Stop Wage Garnishment in California
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Connecticut
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Delaware
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Florida
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Idaho
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Indiana
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Iowa
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Kansas
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Kentucky
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Louisiana
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Maine
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Massachusetts
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Minnesota
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Mississippi
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Missouri
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Montana
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Nevada
• Stop Wage Garnishment in New Jersey
• Stop Wage Garnishment in New Mexico
• Stop Wage Garnishment in New York
• Stop Wage Garnishment in North Dakota
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Ohio
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Oklahoma
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Oregon
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Rhode Island
• Stop Wage Garnishment in South Carolina
• Stop Wage Garnishment in South Dakota
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Tennessee
• Stop Wage Garnishment In Texas
• Stop Wage Garnishment In Utah
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Virginia
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Washington
• Stop Wage Garnishment in West Virginia
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Wisconsin
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Wyoming

The Debt Hotline

Hosted by Team Solo, The Debt Hotline breaks down debt and personal finance topics with help from attorneys, financial experts, and industry pros. We respond to real questions to help you navigate debt with knowledge and courage.

• $20,000 in Debt—Will I Go to Jail? | 7-Step Guide To Settling Credit Card Debt
• 5 Tips to Grow Wealth While Managing Debt: Expert Advice from FinTech Innovator
• Can You Negotiate Debt After a Judgment? Expert Attorney Tips
• Can You Negotiate with the IRS? 3 Ways to Resolve Tax Debt
• Debt Relief Consolidation or Settlement | Live Q&A with DebtMD CEO James Lambridis
• How Bankruptcy Affects Your Credit Score (and How to Bounce Back)
• How Bankruptcy Helped Me Start Over After $60,000 of Debt
• How Does the Statute of Limitations on Debt Work? Expert Attorney Explains
• How Much Debt Do I Need to File Bankruptcy With Upsolve Co-Founder Ben Jackson
• How to Avoid Going to Court When Sued for Debt: Attorney Tips for Settlement
• How to Build Family Wealth After Debt: Live Q&A with Tandem CEO Michelle Winterfield
• How to Buy a Home While You're In Debt: Q&A With Mortgage Broker Scott Griffin
• How to Choose the Right Path Out of Debt | Live Q&A with Relief Strategies CEO James Farias
• How to Get a Debt Lawsuit Dismissed: Expert Legal Tips
• How to Legally Settle Debt After Wage Garnishment | Q&A With Greg Anjewierden at Debtbrief
• How to Negotiate with Debt Collectors in 2025: Expert Tips from a Former Collection Attorney
• How to Pay Off Debt in 3-7 Years | Expert Tips From Shred Method's Adam Carroll
• How to Protect Yourself from Predatory Lending
• How to Settle a Debt Collection Lawsuit - Attorney Q&A With John Skiba
• How to Respond to a Debt Collection Letter
• How to Settle a Judgment Debt in 2025: Expert Insights
• I Got Sued for $15k After Borrowing Money to Invest in Crypto
• Is Debt Settlement Right for You? Expert Q&A with TurboDebt's Sheldon Banker
• Medical Debt 101: How to Protect Your Finances and Credit
• Rebuild Your Credit While Paying Off Debt | Q&A with Fintech Pioneer Gwyneth Borden
• What Happens After I File an Answer to My Debt Lawsuit?
• What Stays on My Credit Report After I Settle a Debt? | Q&A With Credit Expert Melinda Carrera
• What To Do When Being Sued for Debt: How to Prevent Default Judgment

Other debt resources

• 3 Reasons Banks Can Freeze Your Account
• Cómo negociar una deuda en colección
• Cómo responder a una demanda civil por deuda
• Debt Collection Agency List (2026)
• Debt Collection Litigation Industry Report 2023
• Debt Collectors are Using AI
• Defending Yourself in Court Against a Debt Collector
• Biggest Debt Collection Agencies
• Guide to Elderly Debt Collection Laws
• Get Help Responding to a Lawsuit
• Help! A Debt Collector Is Calling My Work
• Help! I'm Being Sued by My Debt Collector
• How Not to Pay a Judgment
• How to Appear in Court by Phone
• How to Answer a Lawsuit for Debt Collection
• How to Answer a Summons Without an Attorney
• How to Apply For Unemployment Benefits in Florida
• How to Avoid Getting Served
• How to Beat a Debt Collector in Court
• How to Beat Junk Debt Buyers in Court
• How to Beat Payday Loan Debt Collectors
• How to Cancel a Merrick Bank Credit Card
• How to Cancel an American Eagle Credit Card: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Cancel JCPenney Credit Card
• How to cancel service with National Credit Care
• How to Defend Yourself in Court
• How to Discharge a Debt with UCC
• How to Dispute a Debt and Win
• How to Dispute a Debt Collector in 4 Steps
• How to dispute a rental collection
• How to Find Out If You're Being Sued
• How to Find Out What Collection Agency Owns Your Debt
• How to Get a Debt Lawsuit Dismissed in 5 Steps
• How to identify fake and abusive debt collectors
• How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts
• How to Negotiate with Creditors
• How to Negotiate with Debt Collectors
• How to Negotiate a Lien on a House
• How to Respond to a Debt Collection Letter
• How to Respond to a Lawsuit From a Debt Collector
• How to Respond to a Sheriff's Note On Your Door
• How to Respond to Plaintiff's Counsel
• How to Perform Voluntary Repossession
• How To Respond to Request for Admission
• How to Settle Debt with a Reduced Lump Sum Payment
• Can a Judgment Creditor Take my Car?
• How to Settle Credit Card Debt When a Lawsuit Has Been Filed
• I am being sued because my identity was stolen - What do I do?
• If a Car is Repossessed Do I Still Owe the Debt?
• I Got Sued Because of Credit Card Fraud—How I Beat American Express in Court
• I'm in Debt With No Job and No Money – What to Do
• Liquidated Debt vs. Unliquidated Debt
• Lloyd & McDaniel acquires Cooling & Winter
• National Debt Relief Screwed Me — What to Do Next
• Nicholas Financial sued for violating debt collection laws
• Nonsuit vs Dismissal in a Debt Collection Lawsuit
• Resolve Your Debt With A Summons Response: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Secrets of a Debt Collector—Interview With A Former Collector
• SoloSuit Sweet Sixteen: Honoring 16 Champions of Consumer Empowerment
• States Where You Can Go to Jail for Debt
• Sued By Credit Card Company? Here's What To Do
• Sued by Debt Collector? How to Resolve Your Debt
• Tax Debt Compromise Program Scam
• The Truth: Should You Never Pay a Debt Collection Agency?
• Tips From a Former Debt Collector
• Top 7 Debt Collector Scare Tactics
• TransUnion Is Sued for Sharing Consumer Data with Fake Debt Collector
• Use This 11 Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors
• What are the biggest debt collector companies in the US?
• What are the different types of debt?
• What to Do After Filing an Answer in a Debt Collection Lawsuit
• What to Do If a Debt Collector Is Attempting to Collect a Discharged Debt
• What to Do If a Debt Collector Sues You
• What to Do if You're Delinquent on Debt
• What to Expect If Your Debt Case Goes to Court
• When Does Exeter Finance Repo Cars?
• Why Do Debt Collectors Block Their Phone Numbers?
• You're Drowning in Debt — Here's How to Swim