Consumer Lawyer

You have 20 days (or 30 days if served out-of-state or via substitute service) to respond to a debt collection summons in Alaska. Use Form CIV-481 to file an Answer with defenses. File it with the court, send a copy to the plaintiff’s attorney via certified mail, and assert any valid defenses like statute of…

You have 14 days (Small Claims/District Court) or 30 days (Circuit Court) to respond to a debt collection summons in Alabama from the date you were served. Use an official Answer form (SM-3, PS-19, or local equivalent), deny all allegations, assert affirmative defenses like statute of limitations or mistaken identity, and file your response in…

Receiving a debt collection summons in California can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to mean defeat. With new 2025 protections and the right legal strategy, you can delay, dispute, or dismiss the case without spending thousands on an attorney. This guide combines everything you need to know—from deadlines to defense forms—into one powerful response plan….

Getting served a Summons and Complaint for debt collection in Washington can feel overwhelming—but acting quickly and correctly can protect your income, assets, and credit. Washington law gives you specific rights and defenses, but you only have a short window to respond. This guide walks you through everything—from the legal deadlines to filing strategies, defenses,…

Debt collectors may legally visit your home only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)—unless you explicitly consent otherwise. Visits outside this window, or visits that involve harassment, deception, or trespass, violate federal law and may entitle you to compensation. Permitted Hours for Contact: Federal &…

Yes, debt collectors can legally visit your home without prior notice in most U.S. states—but they must follow strict federal and state regulations. Understanding your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and state laws is key to protecting yourself from harassment, privacy violations, and intimidation tactics. Here’s what you need to know….

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,…