Dealing with debt can be difficult enough as it is, but when debt collectors come calling, you might start to feel hopeless. What’s your next step? Where do you go from here? At Glacier Bay Law, we help you find your next steps and make the choices that will have you back on firm financial footing.

Consumer Litigation

Millions of Americans are dealing with old debts that they just can’t pay. When you get behind on your bills, your creditors can sell those bills to a third-party debt collector or litigate. These collection efforts can cause serious stress, but they can also lead to judgments against you. Your wages can be garnished to pay off your debt, leaving you even worse off than you were. In fact, as many as 10 percent of Americans between 35 and 44 are currently having their wages garnished.

Household debt is increasing, with many Americans struggling to pay their mortgages, student loans, auto loans, credit cards and medical bills. Thanks to rising interest rates and late fees, those debts will just continue growing with time.

Responding to a Legal Summons

If your creditors have turned to litigation, you need to respond. Failing to respond can lead to an automatic judgment against you, which can cost you your wages, your savings and even your home. A summons is a legal document that outlines how you must respond to the lawsuit. Glacier Bay Law’s team members can help you understand your options and craft the most effective response to protect your rights.

Defending Against Consumer Litigation

Many people feel hopeless when their cases go to court, but there are several ways to defend yourself against creditor lawsuits. Common defenses include:

• Statute of limitations, which come into effect when a creditor or debt buyer files a suit after the statute of limitations is up
• Improper service, which means that the creditor has served the complaint or summons improperly
• Lack of standing, which means that the creditor lacks the documentation proving that you owe the debt
• Failure to credit payment, which means that the creditor did not credit your account appropriately

If you have no defense, the judge might issue a summary judgment indicating that you owe the debt. We can work with you and your creditors to settle the debt, negotiating terms that are as favorable as possible.

Glacier Bay Law

Creditors and debt collectors can file lawsuits over credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, car notes and virtually any other type of debt. At Glacier Bay Law, we can help you respond to the summons, find the most effective defense or settle your debts affordably. You deserve a fresh start, and we can help you make it. Call our attorneys today for a free case evaluation!