Ontario Lawsuits & Judgments Lawyer
If you are behind on credit card payments or other bills, you could be sued by the creditor and forced to pay up. This refers to a lawsuit and judgment. A debt lawsuit is a legal action that a creditor will take toward you to collect on an unpaid debt. If you’ve fallen behind on your payments, the creditor may sue you and get a judgment against you. A judgment is an official result of a lawsuit in court. This judgment can result in wage garnishments, bank account levies, and even the seizure of your assets.
If you are being sued by a debt collector, you’ll need to know what you should and what you should not do. What you can do is contact an Ontario lawsuits & judgments lawyer from Wadhwani & Shanfeld to guide you through the process.
What to Do/What Not to Do
If you have been sued by a creditor, here are some tips:
- Do not ignore the lawsuit. Do make sure you respond to the lawsuit as quickly as possible. In California, you are given 30 days to do so. If you ignore it, the court will enter a default judgment against you, meaning that the creditor will automatically win the case. Your bank account then may be levied or your wages may be garnished.
- Do not admit to anything. Admitting that you are guilty of the debt will only give the creditor more leverage in a lawsuit. This will make it difficult for you to negotiate a favorable settlement. Instead, just stick to the facts and avoid making any confessions.
- Request validity of the debt. When a debt collector calls you, you may feel pressured to make impulsive decisions. Sometimes callers sound legit but are actually scammers. Ask for proof of the debt, such as a letter or statements. The company should have documentation to support their claims.
- Look for signs of a scam. Be wary of debtors who contact you using a generic email address. Don’t believe claims that you will be arrested. Creditors asking you to pay in gift cards or cashiers checks are typically not legit.
- Try to settle before going to court. Your best course of action is to settle the debt before your court date. Once you go to court, you’ll have to pay additional fees on top of everything else. If you and the creditor can agree on a settlement, it will be advantageous to you, as you will be able to pay less than what you owe.
Contact Wadhwani & Shanfeld Today
It can be hard to stay on top of debts, especially if you are experiencing job loss, unexpected bills, and other financial struggles. With the right legal help, you can settle your debt and move forward.
At Wadhwani & Shanfeld, we understand how frustrating debt can be. Our Ontario lawsuits & judgments lawyers can help you understand your legal options. Schedule a consultation by calling our office at (800) 996-9932.
