Customer FAQ

Disclaimer:  We can give you legal information, but not legal advice.  Before doing anything, consult an attorney.

You basically have 3 options:

1.  Fight.  In order to fight, you must Represent yourself.  This requires lots of training, study, and hard work.  You have to answer the complaint, formulate your discovery strategy, respond to the barrage of paperwork from the plaintiff, and finally - get ready for trial.  You will need to understand when and how to use objections and how to properly "move" the court.  That's the beginning, but it's not that complicated once you see the "big picture" of how the whole process really works.  Having an unbiased attorney "oversee" your work is highly recommended.  This usually requires up-front money.  Most attorneys are going to insist you settle, so you're paying them to do something you can do yourself.  If you can find an attorney who will challenge the defendant on "subject matter jurisdiction," "fraud upon the court," and hammer the plaintiff with request for documents, then you're lucky.

2.  Settle.  Most law firms won't settle until you're in court because that's where they usually have the "upper hand."  It's a more intimidating environment, and the judge usually favors the debt collector.

3.  Don't appear in court.  You will have a default judgment against you, so be prepared for the attorney to try and collect on it (don't work a W-2 job, close your bank account, don't own anything, etc.) and don't expect to make any major purchases on credit for 7 to 10 years.  If you're married, your spouse might want to protect their property from garnishment, lien or levy as well.

For more information on how others in your situation have dealt with a court summons please visit: http://www.CreditSecretsBibleForum.com