How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Mississippi

“I hope I get sued for debt collection today!” — said no one ever.

This article helps to make the process of responding to a debt lawsuit a little bit easier. Below, you'll find helpful topics on how to answer a summons for debt collection in the Mississippi and what to expect in this type of legal action. This list includes information specific to filing in Mississippi, like Mississippi deadlines, forms, and fees.

Table of Contents

• Deadlines
• Forms
• Steps to Respond
• Settle Debt in Mississippi
• Statute of Limitations in Mississippi
• Mississippi Debt Collection Laws
• Mississippi Debt Relief
• Stop Wage Garnishment in Mississippi
• Check Your Mississippi Case Status
• Mississippi Legal Aid Organizations
• Key Takeaways
• Guides for Other States

Mississippi Deadline for Answering a Debt Collection Summons

You have 30 days to respond to a summons for debt in Mississippi.

Your first notice of the lawsuit against you was likely receiving the Summons and Complaint. This is what starts a lawsuit.

The Summons is the notice from the Court that a lawsuit has begun (with the filing of the Complaint) and tells you the time period for your response. And “service” or “being served” refers to when you received these documents, usually in-person or via U.S. Mail. Often these documents will also have a “certificate of service” which states the date that you were notified.

The Complaint is the allegations by the plaintiff (either your creditor or a third-party collection agency that purchased the debt from your original creditor) and specifically mentions the debt amount owed plus interest and court costs. This document usually contains a numbered list of all the claims against you.

Knowing the date of service is vital to determining your deadline to respond. In Mississippi, you have 30 days to respond to a debt collection lawsuit.

This deadline is outlined in Miss. R. Civ. P. 12, which states:

"A defendant shall serve his answer within thirty days after the service of the summons and complaint upon him or within such time as is directed pursuant to Rule 4."

When it comes to responding to a Missisippi Summons, it's important to keep a few things in mind:

• These deadlines are very strict, but less-so for self-represented parties.
• The clock on your 30 days starts as soon as you are served.
• The 30 day response time may include times that the Court is not open, like weekends or federal holidays. If the 30th day falls on one of those days, the deadline would be the next business day that the Court is open.

Abiding by this deadline is the single best thing you can do for yourself in this situation. It's tempting and very common to want to ignore a lawsuit against you. And that reaction is exactly what the party bringing the lawsuit against you (or “plaintiff” in legal terms) is banking on. Because if you don't respond to the debt collection lawsuit within the allowed time period the Court will order something called a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff.

A default judgment means that they win the lawsuit simply because you didn't respond to it. In some circumstances it might be possible to ask the Court to set aside a default judgment to allow you an opportunity to respond, but this is extremely rare. Once they have a default judgment in-hand, the plaintiff can come after you in more aggressive ways to collect the money, most commonly by using the Court order to garnish your paycheck or tax returns. This results in money coming out of your paycheck before you even see it, which will put you in an even worse financial position than before. And while it might be possible to ask the Court to set aside a default judgment and give you a chance to respond, it's very rare that this happens.

Knowing this, you can see just how important it is to make sure that you do respond to the lawsuit within the allowed timeframe. First of all, it throws a wrench into the works for the plaintiff, who was hoping to just intimidate you and then sit back and collect their judgment and money. If you respond, they'll need to pay their own attorneys to handle the case and it'll take time and effort on their part. They hate that. So let's do it.

Mississippi Answer to Summons Forms

Missisippi doesn't have a statewide Answer to Summons form, but SoloSuit's Answer form is easy to fill out and is accepted by courts throughout the entire state. With just a few questions, the SoloSuit software helps translate your responses into the proper legalese and format to file an Answer in Mississippi. In addition, an attorney can review it to make sure everything is just right, and a legal support specialist will file it on your behalf so you don't need to worry about any of the details.

There are also number of forms available online for other legal actions in Mississippi. Here's a sample Answer form, although please note it is not specific to Mississippi. We will guide you through the process to draft a proper answer below, both in form and content, to use as your defense in your debt collection case.

If the lawsuit is filed in Justice Court (for civil matters concerning less than three thousand five hundred dollars) you can check out this helpful guide for representing yourself (also referred to as “pro bono.”)

Follow these steps to respond to a Mississippi Summons for debt

A lawsuit begins when the plaintiff files their Complaint against you in the Court and then serves that document along with a Summons from the Court.

You can respond in one of two ways; either an Answer document or a Motion. An Answer document is more straightforward and usually sufficient. Motions are requests made to the Court that should really be handled by attorneys as there is a lot more specific procedure involved.

As we discussed above, if you don't respond within that 30-day period, you will automatically lose your case by default judgment. All you need to do to avoid that outcome is to complete the four steps below:

1. Create an Answer document.
2. Answer each issue of the complaint.
3. Assert your affirmative defenses.
4. File one copy of the Answer document with the court and serve the plaintiff with another copy.

It's never a bad idea to make an additional copy of the paperwork for your own records as well. We will detail each step below.

1. Create an Answer Document

Step one tom making your response to a debt collection lawsuit is creating your answer document in the proper format.

To do so, you'll need to gather the information listed on the Complaint and Summons and add it to your Answer. This includes the following:

• Your personal information: address, name, etc.
• The plaintiff's information: the attorney suing you, the company suing, their address, etc.
• The Court's information: the name of the court the case is in, which division in Mississippi, the address of the court, etc.
• The case information: the case number, cause number, index number, or civil number, the amount of the lawsuit, etc.

SoloSuit can walk you through collecting this information and then take care of all the formatting for you.

Make certain to create the caption portion (plaintiff vs. defendant etc.) in the same format as the documents you received. This is necessary to file your Answer with the Court. Once you have formatted your Answer document with the information you gathered you're ready to move on to step two.

2. Answer each issue of the Complaint

The next step is to respond to the Complaint. It's probably a lot easier than you think.

SoloSuit makes it easy to respond to every paragraph.

You'll want to read through the Complaint and consider each numbered paragraph separately, and then respond with one of the following three ways:

• Admit
• Deny
• I don't know

Choose whichever of the above responses is appropriate and list it in your Answer document. Be certain to list each response beginning with the same number as the corresponding paragraph in the Complaint, so it is clear to see which response goes with each allegation.

Keep in mind that you don't need to deny each allegation in order to win (although that can be a strategic decision, more on that below.) There's no harm to admitting facts that are true, such as your name and address. You should use the third response when you can't verify something, for example, the debt collection company suing you may state that they are incorporated in Mississippi. Chances are you have no way to independently verify that claim, so saying “I don't know” as your response is perfectly fine.

As an alternative, you could go with making a general denial, where you deny everything in the complaint and force the other side to prove everything. This is a tactic often recommended by attorneys. It puts the burden of proof on the plaintiff to prove everything.

3. Assert affirmative defenses

The third step might even be fun because this is where you get to fight back by asserting affirmative defenses. An affirmative defense is a reason you can assert to show why the plaintiff doesn't have a case. There are plenty of possible affirmative defenses under Mississippi law. You can list any and all affirmative defenses that apply to your situation.

SoloSuit can show you all of the available affirmative defenses and how to determine which apply to you.

Below are some of the more common defenses we see in Mississippi debt collection cases:

• The account listed in the Complaint is not yours. The account number might be wrong. Or perhaps you've been a victim of identity theft and someone else opened the account. If you have any documentation to support this defense (like a statement with your actual account number and/or name, or a police report you filed about the identity theft) you should reference it and include a copy in your Answer as an exhibit.


• The debt has been paid or excused. Maybe you already paid this debt. If so, they can't collect it again. Or perhaps you came to an agreement with the creditor to pay a lesser amount to satisfy the debt in full satisfaction. Again, reference and attach any supporting documentation such as bank records showing a cashed check or online payment, or any correspondence between you and the creditor regarding a lower payment.


• You disagree with the amount of the debt as stated in the Complaint. You can admit to owing a debt and still contest the amount if you feel it is excessive and would unjustly enrich the creditor. Usually, by the time an unpaid debt gets to the lawsuit stage, it has grown far larger than the original amount through interest, late fees, and penalties.


• The debt was already discharged in a bankruptcy. If you previously filed a bankruptcy case and this debt was included and successfully discharged then the plaintiff cannot try to collect it through the Court. You are no longer legally responsible for a debt that has been discharged in bankruptcy.


• The statute of limitations has expired. A statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline for legal action. We will discuss the Mississippi statute of limitations on debt collection in more detail later in this article.


• You can't confirm that the plaintiff holds the debt. Chances are high that the party suing you is not the original holder of your debt. As a general practice, creditors sell off uncollected debt to third-party debt collection companies after a period of time (minimum of 90 days) has passed, for pennies on the dollar. If the company suing you is not the original debt holder you can absolutely demand that they prove, through a paper trail, that they legally purchased and hold your exact debt.

The above are just a few of the many affirmative defenses. Please note, however, that inability to pay the debt is not normally a legal defense to the debt.

You also have the opportunity here to assert counterclaims, which refers to any wrong-doing by the party suing you under Mississippi debt collection laws. This can get pretty complicated, so it's best to have legal assistance when doing so. Keep in mind that it will be up to you to prove your counterclaims at trial, so be thoughtful about any counterclaims you list. Attach any documents or evidence that supports your counterclaim. If you believe that you can prove your counterclaim(s) you will also need to fill out a “statement of damages” form stating how much money you believe is appropriate for your damages.

4. File the answer with the court and serve the plaintiff

SoloSuit can handle this step for you so you don't need to leave the comfort of your own home

The final step is missed much more often than you'd think. Don't let all the work you've put in so far go to waste! Make sure to file your Answer with the Court and service the suing party.

Here's what you need to do to file your answer.

• Print at least two copies of your Answer.
• Mail one copy to the court.
• Mail the other copy to the plaintiff's attorney.

As mentioned above it's a good idea to keep a copy of your Answer and any supporting documents for your own records. If you don't have access to a printer at home or at work you can try your local branch of Mississippi's public library system or an office supply store for reasonable printing rates. You'll be able to find the addresses you need for both the court and the plaintiff's counsel in the Summons and Complaint you received in the mail.

Settle debt in Mississippi

Want to finally be free of your debt? Take steps to settle your debt for less than you currently owe. Follow these steps to resolve your debt once and for all.

Don’t ignore a debt collection lawsuit

Respond quickly to a summons for a debt collection lawsuit. Filing an Answer with the local court will communicate that you’re prepared to contest the lawsuit. Act quickly. If you fail to file an Answer promptly, you could end up losing your case due to a default judgment.

Submit an initial offer to start negotiating

Start negotiating with your creditors/debt collectors by submitting an initial offer. Your first offer should be to pay 60% of your current balance. Don’t be surprised if your first offer is rejected.

Your debt collector may respond with a counteroffer that you can accept or decline. The goal is simply to negotiate until you reach a mutually acceptable settlement.

SoloSettle can take the hassle out of negotiating. This online tool serves as a “middleman” between you and the debt collector, allowing you to negotiate without having to communicate with them directly. SoloSettle will also handle payment arrangements after you reach a settlement agreement.

Use SoloSettle today to start negotiating.

Document the completed settlement agreement

Be sure to get the final settlement agreement in writing. Having the settlement agreement in writing will protect you from future legal challenges, and it will also prevent the debt collector from seeking a default judgment once negotiations are through.

Use the tips and tricks in the video below, which are from a licensed attorney, to prepare yourself to negotiate debt settlement with creditors and debt collectors.

The statute of limitations on debt in Mississippi prevents legal action over old debts

Debt collectors have a limited window in which they can take legal action against you for unpaid debt. This is known as the statute of limitations. When this time period expires, your debt will remain, but you can no longer be sued. In Mississippi, the statute of limitations is three years for most forms of consumer debt.

So, in other words, Mississippi debt collectors do not have legal grounds to sue over a debt if three years has passed since the last action on an account. This statute of limitations applies to debt related to credit card, medical, and most loans.

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Mississippi

Debt Type	Deadline
Credit card	3 years
Medical	3 years
Student loan	3 years
Auto loan	3 years
Personal loan	3 years
Mortgage	3 years
Judgment	7 years
Source: Miss. Code § 15-1-43 and § 15-1-49

If you’ve been contacted by a debt collector, make sure to validate the debt to ensure that it’s accurate and that it falls within the statute of limitations. If not, you’ll still owe the debt, but your debt collector will be unable to use the legal system to enforce the debt.

When does the statute of limitations begin?

It’s important to know that the statute of limitations begins from the date of your last payment — not the date of the original loan or credit card purchase.

If a debt collector asks you to make a “good faith” payment on your debt, you could restart the clock on your statute of limitations. This gives debt collectors the entire 3-year period to slap you with a lawsuit.

It’s generally best to avoid making payments until you have a game plan for managing your debt.

Other Mississippi debt collection laws protect you

Mississippi consumers are protected from aggressive debt collection practices at both the national and state levels. Here are some of the most relevant Mississippi debt collection laws.

Federal law protects against deception and harassment

Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collection agencies are prohibited from engaging in harassing or deceptive practices. Specifically, the FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from:

• Calling prior to 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Contacting you multiple times per day
• Threatening you with arrest for not paying your debt
• Impersonating law enforcement or a legal representative
• Failing to identify themselves as a debt collector
• Refusing to validate your debt

Violators can face severe fines. If you believe your rights have been violated, document the incident and report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Consumers are further protected by the Mississippi Consumer Protection Act (MCPA)

At the state level, consumers are granted protection under the Mississippi Consumer Protection Act (MCPA). This act roughly mirrors the prohibitions of the FDCPA, protecting consumers from unfair or harassing practices at the hands of debt collectors.

However, the MCPA also grants consumers the right to seek damages and attorney’s fees if their rights have been violated.

Debt collectors must be licensed and bonded

Mississippi also requires that third-party debt collectors be licensed and bonded. If you are contacted by a debt collector, they are required to provide you with their licensing information, and this same information should also appear on any official documents.

Find debt relief in Mississippi

Where do you turn if you’re struggling with massive debt? Mississippi debt relief options can help you manage your debt as well as your finances. Here’s an overview of your available choices.

Create a debt management plan

In some cases, you can manage debt on your own by creating a debt management plan. You’ll create a budget, setting aside money to allocate toward your debt. Some consumers tackle their debt from smallest to largest (the “snowball” method), while others start with their biggest debt and work their way down (the “avalanche” method).

Credit counseling agencies can provide advice. Mississippi maintains a list of approved credit counseling agencies that you can choose from, connecting you to reliable support and helping you avoid scams.

Most of the time, a debt management plan will require you to avoid new debt until your old debts are repaid. Make sure you can live without those credit cards for roughly three to five years or until your debt is paid off.

Consolidate debt with a loan or balance transfer card

When you consolidate your debt, you’ll replace multiple monthly bills with a single loan. This can help you by lowering your total interest rate and saving money over the loan term or extending your loan term to shrink your monthly payments.

On the one hand, you may not be eligible for lower interest rates without strong credit. On the other hand, making timely payments on a debt consolidation loan can help you improve your credit as long as you meet your deadlines.

Some credit card issuers offer something called a “balance transfer card.” You can transfer your other credit card balances to this card and then pay one monthly bill. Many issuers offer promotional rates as low as 0% APR for the first year.

As long as you can pay your debt in this time, you can escape your debt without paying a dime of additional interest. But if you miss a payment, your card issuer can revoke the promotional rate and enforce penalty fees.

Settle your debt by negotiating with your creditors

It may sound surprising, but many creditors would be willing to accept a lower payment as long as you pay them right away. Negotiating with creditors can help you eliminate debt for less than you currently owe.

Debt relief companies make big promises to eliminate debt within five years or less. You’ll do this by making payments to a dedicated account. Once this account reaches a certain threshold, your debt relief company will negotiate with your creditor.

The problem is that your credit can still be damaged during this waiting period, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll secure a low enough settlement to justify the fees charged by your debt relief agency.

Instead, SoloSettle provides you with the tool to be your own advocate. Simply use this online platform to submit an offer and negotiate with debt collectors. SoloSettle can even handle payment once an agreement has been reached.

Learn more about how to settle debt in Mississippi in the following video.

File bankruptcy as a last resort

Think of bankruptcy as your “emergency chute.” You only want to take this option if you’ve exhausted all other avenues for resolving and managing debt.

Under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your assets may be seized to repay your debts. And not all types of debt can be discharged by declaring bankruptcy. Student loans, alimony, and child support will all remain even after filing bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy can also have long-reaching consequences. A bankruptcy filing will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, which can jeopardize your eligibility for future loans and credit applications.

Take advantage of Mississippi relief programs

As a Mississippi resident, you have access to multiple state-level programs to aid in your financial health. These include:

• County-Specific Low-Income Programs: Search programs by county.
• Mississippi Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Benefits and support services for families with dependent children under age 18.
• Mississippi Lifeline: Financial assistance for phone service ($10 to $20 per month).

While these programs are not aimed at debt specifically, they nonetheless help individuals navigate their financial situation for better overall health.

Stop wage garnishment in Mississippi

Unfortunately, if you lose a debt settlement case, the courts can grant your debt collector the right to garnish a portion of your wages to repay your debt. Here’s how to understand your rights and minimize (or prevent) wage garnishment in Mississippi.

Wage garnishment demands a court order

Debt collectors cannot garnish your wages without a court order. This is important in the event that a debt collector starts threatening to garnish your wages in an attempt to coerce you into making a payment.

Wage garnishment can only take so much

Mississippi sets limits on the amount that a debt collector can garnish from your wages. According to Miss. Code § 85-3-4, creditors can only take the lesser of:

• 25% of your disposable earnings
• The amount by which your disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr)

Disposable earnings refer to the portion of your paycheck that remains after mandatory withholdings (e.g., federal and state income taxes).

Ways to limit wage garnishment in Mississippi

In Mississippi, you have 30 days to respond to a notice of wage garnishment, which allows you to negotiate an alternative garnishing structure. In addition, certain types of property are exempt from garnishment, including income from disability insurance or worker’s compensation benefits. Residents can also claim exemption based on financial hardship.

Prevent wage garnishment by avoiding a default judgment

Remember: creditors can only garnish your wages if you lose the court case. So don’t lose the case by default judgment. Respond quickly by filing an Answer to the lawsuit, which will give you the chance to tackle your debt before it becomes a legal issue.

SoloSuit makes it easy. Just use the online platform to answer some questions to draft your Answer. Then you can print your Answer and file it with the court — or ask SoloSuit to do so on your behalf.

Draft and file an Answer to avoid a default judgment.

Find the status of your court case in Mississippi

Have you been named in a debt collection lawsuit? Staying on top of your court case will help you understand your next steps. Follow these steps to check the status of your court case in Mississippi.

Find the appropriate court

Mississippi courts are divided into five distinct levels:

• Supreme Court
• Court of Appeals
• Circuit Court
• County Court
• Justice Court

Most debt collection cases are heard in the Justice Court (for cases of $3,500 or less) or County Court (for cases up to $250,000). Knowing which type of court is hearing your case will be helpful in locating your records.

Find your case number

Each court case is assigned a unique case number. You can find your case number on your official court correspondence. Otherwise, you can request your case number from the court clerk. Here is a Mississippi court directory that will help you find the exact location where your case is being heard.

Access your records online

You can access case records online using Mississippi Electronic Courts, or MEC. You’ll need to register for an account, which comes with a $10 registration fee. You also will be charged $0.20 per page for any pages that result in the search.

You can search by case number, the date of the case, the type/location of the case, or the names of the parties involved.

Access your records in person

You can also access your case records in person by calling or visiting the courthouse in which your case is being heard. You can make a request through the court clerk, though there may be a fee to print copies of any court records.

Use these Mississippi legal aid organizations

All states have at least one government-funded organization that provides free legal services to people. In Mississippi, there are a number of legal aid organizations that help residents with legal services when they can't otherwise afford to hire an attorney.

MSLegalServices.org

Mississippi Center for Legal Services
414 South State Street, 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 951
Jackson, MS 39205
Toll-Free 1-800-498-1804

Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project
P.O. Box 1503
Jackson, MS 39215
E-mail: mvlp@mvlp.org
Phone: 601-960-9577

Mission First Legal Aid Office
275 Roseneath Street
Jackson, MS 39203
E-mail: info@missionfirst.org
Phone: 601.608.0050

Mississippi Center for Justice
5 Old River Place, Suite 203 (39202)
P.O. Box 1023 Jackson, MS 39215-1023
Phone: (601) 352-2269
Fax: (601) 352-4769

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services
Toll-Free: 1-800-498-1804

Mississippi Pro Bono Resources

Key Takeaways

So, in short, here's the review on how to answer a summons for debt collection in Mississippi.

• Remember your response deadline is 30 days.
• Draft an Answer in the proper format for Mississippi courts, or use SoloSuit's Answer form to automate the process.

To respond to a Mississippi Summons for debt, follow these three steps:

1. Create an Answer document.
2. Answer each issue in the complaint.
3. Assert your affirmative defenses.
4. File and serve the Answer.

Good Luck!

>>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.

• 11 Charter Communications
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• Blitt & Gaines
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• Bonneville Collections
• Brock and Scott PLLC
• Brown and Joseph
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• The Bureaus Inc.
• Cach LLC
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• Capio Partners
• Capital Accounts
• Capital Collections
• Capital Management Services
• Capital One
• Capital One
• CardWorks
• Carter Young Collections
• Cascade Receivables Management
• Cavalry SPV I LLC
• CCB Credit Services
• CCB Springfield IL
• CBCS Collections
• CBE Group
• CBM Services
• CBV Collections
• CCS Collections
• CCS Offices
• Central Mediation Services
• Central Portfolio Control
• Chase
• Choice Recovery
• Citibank
• Citibank
• CKS Financial
• CKMS
• Client Services
• CMRE Financial Services
• Coast Professional
• Consumer Collection Management
• Consumer Portfolio Services
• Comenity Bank Debt Collection
• Commercial Acceptance Company
• Commonwealth Financial
• Commonwealth Financial Systems
• ConServe Debt Collection
• Contract Callers Inc
• Collection Bureau of Hudson Valley
• Colinfobur
• Couch Lambert
• CRDT First
• Credence Resource Management
• Credence Resource Management
• Credco
• Credit Bureau Systems
• Credit Control Corporation
• Credit Management Company
• Credit Management LP
• Credit One Bank
• Credit Systems International
• Crown Asset Management
• CSIEZPay
• C Tech
• CVCS
• D&A Services
• Daniels Norelli Cecere & Tavel P.C.
• DCM Services
• Delta Outsource Group
• Department Stores National Bank
• Designed Receivable Solutions
• Discover
• Discover
• Discover Collections
• Direct Recovery Associates
• Diversified Adjustment
• Diversified Consultants
• Diversified Recovery Bureau
• DNF Associates LLC
• Dodeka LLC
• DRS Credit
• Dynamic Collectors
• Eagle Accounts Group Inc.
• Eagle Loan of Ohio
• Eastern Revenue Settlement
• Eastern Account System
• EduCap
• Encore Capital Group
• EOS CCA
• Equable Ascent Financial
• Equinox Collections
• ER Solutions
• Estate Information Services
• Everest Business Funding
• Evergreen Professional
• Express Recovery
• Faber and Brand
• FBCS
• FCO Collections and Outsourcing
• FIA Card Services
• Financial Recovery Services
• First Financial Bank
• First Federal Credit Credit Control
• First Financial Asset Management
• FirstPoint Collection Resources
• FirstPoint Coll Resources Inc.
• First Portfolio Ventures LLC
• Firstsource Advantage
• First Progress
• FNB Omaha
• FMA Alliance
• Forster & Garbus
• Franklin Collection Services
• Freedom Plus
• Frontline Asset
• Frost Arnett
• Galaxy International Purchasing LLC
• GC Debt Collection
• GC Services
• General Revenue Corporation
• Glass Mountain Capital
• Glasser and Glasser
• Global Credit Collection Corp
• Global Lending Services
• Global Payments Check Services
• Global Trust Management
• GLA Collections
• GMAC Financing
• Golden 1 Credit Union
• Grant and Weber
• Grant Mercantile Agency
• Gulf Coast Collection Bureau
• Gurstel Law Firm
• H&R Accounts
• Halsted Financial Services
• Harris and Harris
• Harvard Collection
• Harvest Credit Management
• Helvey and Associates
• Hollis Cobb
• Holloway Credit Solutions
• Howard Lee Schiff
• HRRG Collections
• Hudson & Keyse LLC
• Hunt and Henriques
• Hunter Warfield
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• Impact Receivables Management
• Innovative Recovery
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• Johnson Mark LLC
• JPMCB Card
• JP Receivables Management Partners
• Kenneth Eisen and Associates
• KeyBank Student Loan
• Kinum
• Kirschenbaum Phillips & Levy PC
• KLS Financial Services
• Knight Adjustment Bureau
• Kramer & Frank
• Lakeside Collection
• Law Office of Michael J Scott
• Lending Club Charge Off
• Lincoln and Morgan Kabbage
• Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP
• LJ Ross Associates
• Lockhart Collection Agency
• Lockhart Morrand Montgomery
• Love Beal and Nixon
• LTD Collections
• 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