Law Offices of Michael C. Norton: How to Handle a Debt Lawsuit and Spot Unfair Debt Collection Fees
If the Law Offices of Michael C. Norton contacted you about a debt, take immediate steps to protect your rights and financial future. Below, we cover two crucial topics to help you navigate the situation effectively.
⚖️ How to Handle a Debt Lawsuit Effectively
Debt lawsuits require quick action. Follow these steps to avoid serious financial consequences:
📌 Respond to the Lawsuit Immediately – Ignoring a lawsuit allows the creditor to obtain a default judgment, which can lead to wage garnishment or frozen bank accounts. Learn what to do if you missed a court summons.
📑 File an Answer in Court – Submit an official response within the deadline to dispute the claim or request proof of the debt.
🔎 Demand Debt Validation – The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) requires debt collectors to provide clear documentation proving the debt’s validity. See how to verify a debt.
⚠️ Check the Statute of Limitations – Some debts fall outside the legal timeframe for collection. Use this as a defense if the statute of limitations expired. Find out how long collectors can pursue you.
🔹 Negotiate a Settlement – If you owe the debt, work with the collector to settle for a reduced amount instead of risking a court judgment.
💰 Spot and Fight Unfair Debt Collection Fees
Debt collectors often add illegal fees to inflate what you owe. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
✅ Review Your Loan Agreement – Check the original terms to confirm whether the debt collector can charge additional fees.
⚠️ Challenge Unauthorized Attorney Fees – Some firms attempt to inflate the balance by adding legal fees without a court order.
💡 Request a Breakdown of the Debt – Demand a detailed statement showing how the balance increased. Debt collectors must justify every charge.
⚖️ Report Violations Immediately – File a complaint and take legal action under the FDCPA if a debt collector adds illegal fees.
📍 Contact Information for Law Offices of Michael C. Norton
📍 Address: 7565 Mission Gorge Rd., Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92120
📞 Phone: (619) 624-4700
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📢 Take Action Now to Protect Your Rights
If you’re facing a debt lawsuit or dealing with unfair fees, Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC can help. Call 877-700-5790 or contact us online for a free consultation today.