What to do when you receive Debt Suit | Weatherford Lawyer | James Foley, PLLC
If you’ve been served a notice that a creditor is suing you, take it seriously.
Whether the creditor is from a credit card, a vehicle loan, or a home loan, if you’re ordered to court and decide not to appear, your innocence will likely be forfeited. The state of Texas takes cases seriously, and whether you’re located in Weatherford, Aledo, Mineral Wells, or elsewhere, so should you.
I’m James Foley, PLLC, and I am a licensed attorney. Call me and I can discuss the following with you, phone me at 817-738-1633. Depending on the following scenarios, the following may sound familiar:
1. You have to answer the suit.
Many summons will only give you 14 days to reply in Texas, so make sure you act quickly, and don’t let yourself fear or dismiss the suit.
Default of your suit can be irreparable, even if you determine that it’s not accurate!
If you believe your summons is inaccurate, or is the result of identity theft, contact me and I can advise you or represent you when you argue this in court.
In addition to a court appearance, you’ll need to handle the theft. 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.
Check for fraud for free at www.annualcreditreport.com.
2. For a debt suit, determine your ability to pay off the remaining balance. Generally speaking, you have 3 options: Fight, Settle, or file Bankruptcy. If you plan on negotiating the balance, I can be a great help.
I can serve discovery, see their documents, and evaluate their case. I know most of the local judges and I know how they tend to rule. I also have a rapport with most of the collection attorneys. I have negotiated many debt suits, so I have a long list of possible terms that these creditors might accept. If you invite me to work with you, I’ll do my best to negotiate terms that are best for your financial situation.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off the balance, there are a few things that may happen at that point.
A. We’ll negotiate a more lenient payoff calendar.
B. We’ll settle the debt outside of court.
C. We’ll discuss bankruptcy options.
3. “Bankruptcy” isn’t a bad word! Although, it can be a complicated decision, and that’s where I can be the most help to you.
Bankruptcy is a help to consumers who can’t access the resources that big companies enjoy. When a big company runs out of money, they get a bailout. Meanwhile, the average consumer is lucky to even get a check for $1,200.
Bankruptcy can be helpful in many ways, and while it’s not the first line of defense in a debt suit, it certainly makes sense in other scenarios.
I’ve guided multiple clients from Arlington, Grand Prairie, Haltom City, White Settlement, Weatherford, Granbury, Aledo, and Azle through this process. As long as you’re considering bankruptcy in Texas, I’m in your corner.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy will likely apply to most consumers earning under a certain salary threshold. Chapter 7 allows you to retain assets, including your home, and will allow you to offload most types of debt, including those you’ve likely been sued for.
The Finish Line in Sight
I hope that whatever your situation may be, this list has given you a plan for your future. Whether you would like to discuss my advice for you or need a legal representative, call me and we’ll make sure you’re set up for success, with me at your side.
Weatherford, Aledo, Fort Worth, and others, call me today at 817-738-1633, and let’s take action today.