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If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you to collect a debt, it’s important to respond — either yourself or through an attorney. And remember, you have rights when it comes to dealing with debt collectors. Here are answers to some common question you might have about the process.

How Should I Respond To a Debt Collection Lawsuit?

Getting sued can be stressful, and many people don’t know where to start. The most important thing is to respond. That might mean writing a response and showing up to court, by any deadline listed in the court papers, regardless of whether you think you owe the debt or not.

By responding to the lawsuit, either yourself or through an attorney, you can make sure the collector has to prove that you owe the debt, that the amount of the debt is correct, and the debt collector has the legal right to sue you to collect on it. You may even be able to resolve the debt by responding or showing up in court because some collectors would rather settle than go through extended litigation.

Whatever you do, don’t ignore the lawsuit. Even if you don’t think you owe that debt. Responding to a debt collector’s lawsuit in court will likely put you in a better situation, cost you less in fees, and give you more control over how you repay the debt.

Here are the main steps to take if you get sued by a debt collector:

  1. Answer the lawsuit, which you may have to do in writing or by showing up to court — or both. The papers that say the debt collector is suing you will tell you what to do.
  1. Look over your records about the debt and any information you may have gotten from the collector, including the validation information that debt collectors must send you.
  1. Spot any issues with the lawsuit. It’s the collector’s responsibility to prove the lawsuit claims. They must prove that you’re the person who owes the debt, the debt amount is accurate, including any interest or fees, and you owe the debt to them and not to someone else. If the debt is old, make sure the time for the collector to sue hasn’t already expired.

What Happens If I Don’t Respond?

Ignoring the legal notices and papers won’t make the lawsuit go away. And despite what you may have seen in TV shows, you can’t stop things by refusing to accept delivery or “service” of the lawsuit. In fact, the case can go ahead without you. That means the court can rule without hearing your side and the debt collector could win by “default” because you didn’t show up.

If the court rules against you and orders you to pay the debt, the debt collector may be able to garnish — or take money from — your wages or bank account, or put a lien on property, like your home. The debt collector can also ask the court to award them additional money for collection costs, interest, and even attorney’s fees. A judgment will likely show up on your credit report and might make it harder to get credit in the future. That can affect whether you get a job, insurance, a phone, or a home.

Where Can I Get Help?

Going to court can feel overwhelming to do alone. But there are options to get legal help, including

Where Do I Report a Debt Collector for Breaking the Law?

Debt collectors must follow the law when contacting you about a debt. Report any problems you have with a debt collector to

Many states have their own debt collection laws that are different from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Your attorney general’s office can help you figure out your rights under your state’s law.

If a debt collector breaks the law, you have one year from that date to sue that collector in a state or federal court. You can sue for damages that happened because the collector broke the law — expenses like lost wages or medical bills, or compensation for the effect the debt collector’s actions had on your job or your health.

But even if a court finds a debt collector violated the law in trying to collect a legitimate debt, you may still owe the debt.

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