Just managing debt, for the most part, is never easy, and fighting to get out of debt is even worse when debtors get sued by creditors and debt collectors. Over recent years, debt collection legal cases are multiplying and people have to engage in legal battles if a debt collector tries to sue them over a debt they owe or if debt collectors harass you. In Fort Lauderdale, a Fort Lauderdale debt defense lawyer can offer valuable assistance and cues that you need to put up a defense for yourself and your finances.
Unraveling Debt Defense Attorneys
A debt defense lawyer is an attorney that primarily defends people against contractual, given or other forms of debts usually from the creditors, collection agencies or financial institutions. Regardless of the nature of the debt you incurred (credit card, medical, personal loans, etc.) the primary role of a debt defense lawyer is to fight for your rights and do the best to reduce the damages.
Common Issues Handled by Debt Defense Lawyers:
- Judgments from creditors or a collection agency
- Coercive and abusive practices of debt collection
- Non-support petitions and tax levies
- Debt validation issues
- Settlements and negotiations
Debt defense lawyers are especially well-equipped to look at aspects of your case in order to fully make sure that creditors are not fully using the proper legal means and processes not to intrude on your rights. They can and defend legal cases and, in some circumstances, shield one from paying significant monies in unlawful and uncollectible debts.
Should I hire a Fort Lauderdale Debt Defense Lawyer?
If you have a debt related lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale, you have to get help from a debt defense lawyer even if the results change dramatically.
Here are several ways a lawyer can help:
1. Assessing the Lawsuit
The first act a debt defense lawyer will take includes assessing the lawsuit in a bid to determine the validity of the lawsuit. Some of the debtor’s management strategies include acting in large groups such as filing for lawsuits; they lack evidence to support the debt. Your lawyer will go through the claim and review every paper that the creditor presents and ensure compliancy with the set procedures.
2. Cross Examining the Creditor’s Position
Such professional groups are regulated through laws that are still in existence, and include; Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). A debt defense lawyer will look at whether or not the creditor or the collection agency has violated these laws. Some common violations include:
- Harassment or abusive tactics
- The third main cause of a non–judgment credit card lawsuit is failure to validate the debt.
Any of these violations if found mean that your lawyer may be able to have the case dismissed or seek damages on your behalf.
3. Negotiating Settlements
Debt lawsuits rarely actually go to trial. You may be eligible for a deal with your creditor where you will pay less of the amount owed or create a better payment plan, and a Fort Lauderdale debt defense lawyer can work out that deal for you.
Such talks may lead to sizable discounts and prevent you from having your wages grabbed or your property seized.
4. Filing Counterclaims
Your lawyer can guide you on how to file a counterclaim if a creditor or debt collector has infringed on your rights. This legal action can give the tables back to the creditor, including possibility to receive compensation for damages incurred by unlawful actions of the creditor.
5. Offering Legal Services
In case your case proceeds to trial, having a qualified debt defense attorney on your side can be rather helpful. They will speak for you, defend you, and strive to do everything possible to ensure that charges are dropped, or other agreements are made in court.
It’s important that you do not neglect a debt lawsuit since below are some of the impacts you will face:
Not submitting a response to a lawsuit that deals with any debt can be lethal. At times, the creditor is able to get a default judgment in the case for lack of appearance by the defendant or the debtor. A default judgment can lead to:
Wage Garnishment:
For instance, creditors are legally allowed to take a part of your paycheck.
Asset Seizure:
They may also freeze your accounts, or take other property that belongs to you to recover the debt.
Damage to Your Credit:
Being convicted means your credit score is viewed by credit reference agencies for many years and this makes it difficult to secure a credit.
With the help of a debt defense lawyer you can prevent such severe outcomes and start acting in your own defense.
Legal Consultancy – Guaranteeing Your Tomorrow
Creditors’ lawsuits are not easy to solve, and it is not safe to handle their cases individually with the judicial system. In Fort Lauderdale, a debt defense attorney can sit down with the defendant and explain their legal choices and how to protect oneself against the lawsuit.
Conclusion
Debt collection lawsuits can be very embarrassing and challenging but it doesn’t have to be a one man fight. There is no substitute for a legal attorney who can help you fight the accusations and protect your rights – a Fort Lauderdale debt defense lawyer is the expert you need. Dealing with debt may also entail having been issued a lawsuit or served with legal papers or getting harassed by debt collectors – and so consulting a lawyer right away is a good way to regain some measure of control of the situation and get the proper outcome.