Understanding Debt Collection. Learn about debt collection laws, how to handle debt collectors, and explore options for resolving debt.
Missing a court date for a debt collection lawsuit is a serious misstep—one that can trigger immediate financial and legal consequences. From automatic default judgments to frozen bank accounts, wage garnishment, and credit destruction, the fallout is swift and long-lasting. But here’s the good news: you still have options. In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn…
Getting served with debt papers in Texas can feel overwhelming. But you’re not powerless. If you’ve received a Citation and Petition, it means a creditor is suing you. You now have a short window—14 or 20 days—to respond, or risk losing by default judgment. This guide breaks down everything you need to know: from deadlines…
In Texas, debt doesn’t last forever. The law gives consumers a powerful shield—the four-year statute of limitations (SOL)—to protect against indefinite debt collection efforts. If you’re being chased for old debt, understanding this time limit can be the difference between peace of mind and costly legal mistakes. This guide combines the legal foundations, common pitfalls,…
Negotiating with a debt collection lawyer—not just a collection agency—demands a different, more structured approach. Lawyers can file lawsuits, garnish wages, or seize assets. However, with the right tools, legal knowledge, and negotiation leverage, you can reduce your debt by 30–80% and avoid court judgments. This 2025 guide integrates legal insights, case studies, and government…
RMS (Receivables Management Services) is a legitimate debt collection agency that purchases delinquent accounts for pennies on the dollar and reports to credit bureaus. While not a top-tier agency itself, RMS exemplifies an industry where success hinges on compliance, technology, and specialization. Below, we profile RMS alongside 2025’s highest-performing agencies across key sectors. RMS (Receivables…
Skip tracing is the strategic, data-driven process of locating individuals who have “skipped” contact—often debtors who evade financial obligations by changing addresses or concealing their whereabouts. In the debt collection industry, it is an indispensable tool that transforms undeliverable mail and dead phone numbers into verified contact, enabling asset recovery and due process. Why Skip…
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…