Credit card concerns in Pennsylvania
In today's difficult economy, many people find themselves faced with debt they are unable to repay. Much of this debt is through credit cards and it is easy to think there is no solution. Although debt settlement and debt litigation issues are becoming more rampant in Pennsylvania, solutions are right around the corner.
April 24, 2013
Credit card concerns in PennsylvaniaArticle provided by Nahrgang & Associates PC
Visit us at http://www.mnahrgang.com
In today's difficult economy, it is no surprise that many people find themselves faced with debt they are unable to repay. Much of this debt is through credit cards and it is easy to think there is no solution. Although debt settlement and debt litigation issues are becoming more rampant in Pennsylvania, solutions are right around the corner.
Soaring lawsuits
The number of credit card debt cases in Pennsylvania has recently skyrocketed. In Lancaster county alone 1,184 cases were filed in 2011. This year there has been an average of 88.5 credit cases filed per month.
When a case is filed, the person being sued has the right under the due process clauses of the U.S. and PA. Constitutions to defend themselves. This can be done on their own, known as pro se, or with the help of a lawyer. One of the biggest problems, however, is that 85-90 percent of people being sued do not actually defend themselves. This results in a default judgment in favor of the filing party.
That is exactly what the creditors count on. Attorneys representing creditors may rush to put together a case, in hopes that the consumer they are suing does not defend.
Difficulties in court
Attorneys on behalf of creditors often file suit without accurate or complete information from their clients who are huge entities staffed by thousands of people. That is a major reason they hope the person they are suing either does not show up or does not adequately represent himself or herself.
If you are sued, you should contact an attorney right away to discuss your options. One obvious consideration is a bankruptcy, which may eliminate the debt entirely if you qualify. If you don't qualify, either because you have too much income or assets would be exposed, then the exercise of your constitutional rights is the best court of action. The common lack of evidence can be used by your counsel to defeat the creditor, or, at the least, create leverage for a possible settlement.
Selecting an experienced consumer rights attorney is an important choice when faced with burdensome debt. A consumer rights attorney or bankruptcy attorney can help a distressed borrower address their financial situation and protect their assets.