Incomes Growing Faster than Debt in US
Debt collection can be a frightening experience that is amazingly common throughout the United States. According to one estimate, one in three Americans will receive a message at least once from a debt collector concerning a delinquent payment.
Collection lawsuits are incredibly serious. Showing up unprepared or flat-out refusing to answer can result in severe fines or even jail time. It’s essential to call a lawyer who will work on your case as collection companies normally employ experienced teams of lawyers to fight for them. It’s critical to give yourself a chance to secure your financial future by acquiring legal representation.
Personal Debt in the United States
The average American household is about $130,000 in debt. Total private debt in the nation is more than $13 trillion. That amount includes payment requirements for mortgages, student loans, and credit card purchases. What this means is that debt may far outweigh the earnings of a household, with pay increases and tax cuts simply not filling the financial gap.
Americans in every age group face debt, although the problem is particularly severe among those in their 20s and 30s who have to deal with mortgages and car payments in addition to outstanding student loans. Those who may be able to handle the average debt load may be overwhelmed by an unexpected event, such as an accident, a severe illness, or a family problem.
What Happens If You Miss a Court Date
Anyone in a severe debt situation is familiar with the endless letters and telephone messages demanding payment or, even worse, initiating a collections lawsuit. Anyone who has been served with a summons to appear in court should refrain from any thoughts of procrastination.
Failure to appear at a debt hearing will result in a default judgment, which could lead to wage garnishment or the bank taking away personal property. However, the situation could be legally satisfied if the defendant has a good excuse for missing the hearing, like an extreme illness, a family problem, or a work-related issue. Courts are usually open to valid reasons, allowing the defendant to escape a default judgment.
Seeking Legal Assistance
A lawyer can help a defendant decide what to do next based on their previous experiences with similar cases. Legal professionals can assess your situation and work out a payment arrangement on your behalf.
Financial hardships are stressful enough, and a lawsuit only adds to that stress. It’s better for you to call in a professional who can assist you throughout this situation. Trying to represent yourself in a court full of financial mouthpieces, or ignoring a summons entirely, will only create further problems.
Heather Benveniste with Benveniste Law Offices can analyze the facts of your case and help settle your legal issues on the most favorable terms. Contact us today at 1-800-497-5358 for a free case evaluation.
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