What to do with a Debt Suit | Aledo Attorney | James Foley, PLLC
If you’ve been delivered a creditor lawsuit, whether it’s from a car company, a loan company, or a credit card company, take it seriously.
In America, we believe you are innocent until guilty, and the fastest way to end up “guilty” is by not showing up for a court date, even if the lawsuit is illegitimate. The state of Texas takes lawsuits very seriously, and so should you, whether you live in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Azle, Fort Worth, or Lake Worth.
You’re going to need to face the lawsuit one way or the other, which is why you may need help from an experienced attorney in doing so.
I’m James Foley, PLLC. Call me and I can discuss the below options with you, or you can read through yourself and then phone me at 817-738-1633.
Your next steps will look like this:
1. You must answer the lawsuit. Call me to help you in disputing the lawsuit.
A 14 day reply time limit may be placed on your citation, which gives you very little time to maintain your innocence if you deem the suit to be the result of a stolen identity, or some other method of fraud.
I can represent you when you argue the illegitimacy of the suit in court. Either way, you’ll need to find the security gap allowing your identity to be stolen, and do your part in plugging the hole.
If your identity has been stolen, you’ll need to obtain a police report in addition to an FTC affidavit. After those steps have been taken, you’ll freeze your credit with the three major agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to further protect yourself.
I’ll go to court and represent you as you put forth the case for innocence. Such an approach will be the best method in clearing your name when a creditor has failed to validate identity.
Check for fraud for free at www.annualcreditreport.com.
2. Now, assuming the lawsuit is legitimate, you’ll need to act in the way that best matches your ability to handle the debt and the quality of their case. You still have options, no matter what you have read on the subject, and that advice is where I can best assist.
Generally speaking there are 3 alternatives, you fight the lawsuit, you settle it, or you file bankruptcy. Based on your financial situation, a creditor may let you choose from a slew of repayment or lump sum options. A lot of the would rather get some money than none at all.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off the full balance, your options will look something like this:
A. Can you pay off a more lenient schedule with more time and/or lower payments?
B. Can you settle the debt with a lump payment at the current moment?
C. Would paying off the debt put you in an irreparable financial situation?
3. “Bankruptcy” isn’t a bad word! Although, it can be a complicated decision, and that’s where you will likely need me more than anywhere else, and where I can be the most help to you.
If you find yourself in option “C” above, and don’t think you can reasonably pay off the debt in question, your answer could be chapter 7 bankruptcy. While big companies get bailouts in times of financial decline, you may not be so fortunate, but you do have access to bankruptcy as a rescue.
While chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy shouldn’t be the first line of defense in debt suit litigation, it’s also something that can be incredibly helpful to consumers, and I try to make sure my clients are aware that it is an option.
I’ve guided multiple clients from White Settlement, Arlington, Aledo, Granbury, Grand Prairie, Haltom City, Weatherford, and Azle through this process. As long as you’re considering bankruptcy in Fort Worth, I’ll be your best partner for success moving forward.
Remember that chapter 7 Bankruptcy will likely allow you to retain certain assets and things you may hold dear, such as a home. However, there are many debts that cannot be immediately offloaded in a Bankruptcy, so if you find that student loan or tax debts and the like make up your tally, then your situation might be different. No matter what your situation may be though, I have seen it all, and I’m here to serve you.
The Finish Line in Sight
Whether you’d like to discuss over the phone, have me negotiate on your behalf, or even take you to court and fight in your corner, I’m here to do all of the above. You will forever remember landing on this website as the beginning of the end to your worries!
Weatherford, Aledo, Fort Worth, and others, call me today at 817-738-1633, and let’s take action today.