You’ve Been Served

You’ve just been served papers by a creditor for not paying on your debt. Now what?

Being sued by a creditor should be taken seriously because there are implications and consequences to this action.  It can be scary to be served legal papers.  It can also be quite embarrassing if you were served at your place of work or at home in front of your neighbors.  It’s a frightening thought for those not experienced with the legal process. 

However, you do have rights when you’re being sued.  It’s important to know what a creditor can and can’t do to you.  Once you’ve been served you have a certain number of days to respond by filing an answer. 

This is where you get to explain your side of the story. 

You could respond with a general denial, where you simply deny the allegations in as little as one sentence, or it can be a specific denial where you line by line address the issues. 

If you do not file a response the person suing you can obtain a default judgement. 

It is presumed after a certain number of days with no response that you do not dispute the allegations.  It also says that the party suing you is entitled to a judgement.  Filing a response will allow for a hearing, during which you can plead your case. 

Whatever you do, make sure you know your rights.  An attorney might be necessary.