Few events have the power to ruin your whole week like learning that another
party is suing you over a debt. Depending on the nature of the claim,
you may want consider a number of responses, as well as remedies to the
debt as a whole.
First, it is important to establish the validity of the claim. If, for
instance, you do not actually owe the debt that the other party wishes
to collect, then you face the task of demonstrating that the claim itself
is invalid. However, if the debt is valid, you may still have more options
than you expect.
In broad strokes, the other party cares more about getting some payment
toward the debt than forcing you to suffer any particular burden. You
may have an opportunity to offer “pennies on the dollar” terms
to settle your debt when you respond to the complaint.
This is certainly one of the areas where is it is very useful to have the
guidance of an experienced legal professional, especially one who understands
the law surrounding discharging debt and has experience with negotiations.
Depending on the nature of the debt and the point in the process where
you are, you may have more ways to discharge debt or put a stop to collections
actions than you realize. In some cases, you may even be able to discharge
the debt through a bankruptcy procedure.
Such procedures are often fairly complicated and require careful attention
and professional guidance to make the most of the benefits they offer.
Be sure to obtain the legal counsel you need to
address your creditor’s claims and protect your future.