Financial stress is challenging, and being the target of a lawsuit brought by a creditor doesn’t help. If you have been sued by a creditor. or if you’re about to be sued, discuss your rights and options at once with experienced Cedar Hill debt relief attorney Richard Weaver. Depending on the details of your case, the bankruptcy process may or may not be the best way to address a creditor lawsuit. An experienced Cedar Hill bankruptcy attorney can explain how the law applies in your own case and recommend the legal response that is in your best long-term interests.
YOU MUST RESPOND IMMEDIATELY
If you are the target of a creditor lawsuit, you must respond immediately, or the court can enter a default judgment against you. Your deadline to answer depends on which court the case is in. Most consumer debt claims of $20,000 or less are heard in justice court, where the answer is due by the end of the 14th day after you were served, under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 502.5(d). In a district court or a county court at law, the answer is due at 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days have passed from service, under Rule 99(b). Read the citation you were served with to see which court your case is in. Once a lawsuit is filed, your personal property and assets may be at risk. Everyone’s case and circumstances are different, which is why the advice of a seasoned bankruptcy lawyer can be so valuable. A good bankruptcy attorney can help you make an informed decision about responding to a creditor lawsuit, and if filing for bankruptcy is your best option, experienced Cedar Hill personal bankruptcy lawyer Richard Weaver can help.
THE ADVICE YOU NEED IS HERE
Don’t just ignore a creditor lawsuit – it’s not going away. In fact, you may have defenses, and in some cases, your attorney may be able to have the lawsuit dismissed, and you’ll avoid the need for bankruptcy. Again, every case is different, so the wise move if you’re sued by a creditor is to seek legal counsel at once. If you respond to the lawsuit by filing bankruptcy, the filing itself stops the lawsuit. Under 11 U.S.C. 362(a), a bankruptcy petition operates as an automatic stay the moment it is filed. There is no approval step and no waiting period. A few categories of action are excepted under 362(b), so ask about your specific case. If you’re being sued by a creditor, get the bankruptcy information and legal help you need without further delay. Contact an experienced Cedar Hill debt relief attorney by calling Richard Weaver at (214) 463-2200 as quickly as possible.