Understanding Debt Collection. Learn about debt collection laws, how to handle debt collectors, and explore options for resolving debt.
Skip tracing—the strategic practice of locating individuals who have intentionally gone off-grid—remains legal and widely practiced due to its compliance with federal, state, and international privacy laws. When executed ethically and lawfully, it serves essential roles in due process, debt collection, asset recovery, and public safety. Legal Purpose and Justification Skip tracing is lawful when…
Skip tracing is the strategic and often complex process of locating individuals who have intentionally gone off-grid or become difficult to contact. Whether used in debt recovery, civil litigation, process serving, or investigative journalism, skip tracing plays a vital role in the legal, financial, and enforcement ecosystems. What is Skip Tracing? Skip tracing (from the…
California is radically reshaping how debt can be collected across the state. With the introduction of Senate Bill 1286 (SB 1286) and overlapping regulations like the Debt Collection Licensing Act (DCLA), the state now offers sweeping protections for consumers and small businesses alike. These updates, effective beginning January 1 and July 1, 2025, represent a…
No, your debt doesn’t magically disappear after 7 years in California. But legal protections and credit-reporting limits do change drastically. Many Californians mistakenly believe that if they can “wait out” a debt, it’ll vanish. In reality, there are two different timelines to consider: Understanding these timelines—and how debt collectors manipulate them—can protect you from paying…
California’s debt collection landscape is evolving rapidly. With new legislative developments like Senate Bill 1286 and aggressive debt recovery tactics by collectors, understanding your rights and obligations is more crucial than ever. This 2025 guide combines robust legal protections, statute of limitations (SOL) rules, and strategic responses into a single survival manual for California consumers…
Receiving a court summons can be intimidating—especially if you’re not represented by an attorney. But whether you’re sued over unpaid debts, contract disputes, or other civil matters, responding properly can protect you from default judgment, wage garnishment, and property liens. This guide breaks down how to answer a summons without a lawyer, whether in general…
Facing a debt collection lawsuit in California? You have a maximum of 30 days (or 40 in some cases) to respond—or risk a default judgment that enables wage garnishment, bank levies, and long-term credit damage. This definitive 2025 guide provides a step-by-step legal playbook to protect your rights, contest inaccurate claims, and strategically respond using…
If you’ve been served with a debt collection summons, your response could determine whether you face wage garnishment, a court judgment, or complete dismissal. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to respond effectively, assert your rights, and avoid default—no lawyer required. What Is a Summons for Debt Collection? A summons is a legal notice that…