Debt Collection Lawsuits
A debt collection lawsuit is the one part of this process you can't wait out. Most of these cases aren't won because the collector has a strong case — they're won because the person being sued never responds.
These guides explain the deadline that matters, the defenses people most often miss, and what a judgment can and can't reach. They're education, not a substitute for a lawyer. Your court's self-help center, local legal aid, and consumer attorneys (many offer free consultations) can help with your specific case. See Find Help.
Start with these
How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit (Even Without a Lawyer)
Confirm the lawsuit is real with the court clerk, find the response deadline on your summons, and file a written answer with the court before it passes.
Time-Barred Debt: The Statute of Limitations and What It Means for You
A statute of limitations is a state-law deadline to sue over a debt — often around three to six years for consumer debts, longer in some states.
Wage Garnishment and Bank Levies: What a Debt Judgment Can and Can't Take
Can a debt collector garnish your wages without a judgment? Usually not. Federal garnishment limits, protected benefits like Social Security, and what to do.