If you are behind on your bills, some creditors may turn your account over to a debt collector. Some suggestions for stopping debt collectors can be found on this page. If a lawsuit has been started already, Resolve Legal may be able to help.

• You may have defenses to the claim against you. For example, the claim could be reduced if there is a warranty, if the creditor did not apply the terms set out in the loan documents, if there were violations of TILA, the Truth in Lending Act, or if payments you made were misapplied.
• Hiring a lawyer might stop the collection agency from filing the lawsuit. Many times, the debt collectors count on fear and intimidation to stop people from defending their rights. Once you hire a lawyer, and they know you intend to assert your legal rights, they may simply stop further legal action.
• If you receive papers starting a lawsuit, called a Summons and Complaint, whether in person or by mail, it is very important that you respond by the deadlines given. If a default judgment is entered, it is usually more difficult to deal with the underlying debt. At Resolve Legal, we help you decide how you should respond to a lawsuit and whether you should hire us to handle it for you.
• Even if a judgment is filed, bankruptcy may still be a solution to your debt problems. Often, filing bankruptcy can prevent the debt collectors from executing on their judgment. Garnishments must be stopped, in most cases, once a bankruptcy is filed. At Resolve Legal, experienced Washington bankruptcy lawyers can help you decide if bankruptcy is right for you.

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