Debt lawyer: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What debt lawyer is

A debt lawyer provides information on collections, creditor disputes and options for managing debt, and may represent clients. People look for one when they are sued by a creditor, harassed by a collector or unsure which debts are valid. General information, not legal advice.

Signs you need it

  • You were served with a lawsuit by a creditor or debt buyer
  • A collector is calling often or using threats
  • You do not recognize the debt a collector says you owe
  • Your wages or bank account were frozen by a creditor
  • You want to negotiate a settlement but do not know where to start
  • You are deciding between settlement, a payment plan and other options

What the pro does

  • Review the lawsuit papers, collection letters and your account records
  • Explain, in general terms, your rights when dealing with collectors
  • Ask the collector or the court for proof that the debt is yours
  • Respond to the lawsuit by the deadline
  • Negotiate a settlement or payment arrangement
  • Represent you at a hearing and address wage or bank account actions

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether a lawsuit has been filed
  • The number of creditors and accounts
  • Whether the debt is disputed
  • Whether wages or accounts are already being taken
  • Whether the matter goes to a hearing
  • Whether other options such as bankruptcy are being discussed
  • Whether the creditor is a bank, a debt buyer or a government body

What a written quote should spell out

  • Whether the fee covers a lawsuit response, negotiation or both
  • Court costs billed separately
  • Whether the lawyer will handle collector contact
  • What happens if the creditor refuses a settlement
  • How you will be updated

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do I need to respond to this lawsuit, and by when?
  • Can the collector be required to prove I owe the debt?
  • Which of my rights apply to collection calls?
  • What happens to a wage garnishment or frozen account?
  • Is bankruptcy a topic we should discuss, or does a settlement make more sense?
  • Do you handle settlement talks directly with collectors?

Red flags

  • A company that charges up front and promises to wipe out your debt
  • Advice to ignore a lawsuit
  • A lawyer who promises a certain settlement percentage
  • Advice to hide assets

What you can do yourself

Open all letters, write down dates and amounts, and ask a collector in writing to confirm the debt. Do not ignore court papers, since a default judgment can follow. Speak with a licensed attorney if you are sued, and a nonprofit credit counselor may help with budgeting.

Licenses and permits

Debt lawyers must be licensed attorneys in good standing. Check the license with the state bar.

Debt lawyer questions

Can a lawyer make my debt disappear?

No. A lawyer can explain rights and options.

What if I ignore the lawsuit?

The court may enter a judgment. Respond by the deadline.

Can a collector call me at work?

Rules limit certain contact. A licensed attorney can explain your rights.

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