Get Debt Relief Help from a Credit Card Debt Lawyer in Lancaster, PA

When faced with a credit card debt lawsuit, it's natural to feel a range of emotions: guilt, shame, panic, helplessness, and distress. However, the worst mistake you can make is to do nothing. About 70% of credit card debt lawsuits culminate in a default judgment against the borrower simply because they failed to respond to the lawsuit — this is what creditors are banking on. At WPH Law, we will not let that happen to you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Yes, you can be sued in Pennsylvania for credit card debt. If you fail to make the required payments on your credit card, the credit card company or a collection agency may file a lawsuit against you to recover the owed amount. Pennsylvania law allows creditors to pursue legal action to collect outstanding debts, including credit card debt. If the court rules in favor of the creditor, they may obtain a judgment against you, which could lead to bank account levies or liens on your property. It's important to respond to any legal notices and consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and options if you are sued for credit card debt in Pennsylvania.

At WPH Law, we are experienced credit card debt lawyers who put our clients first, protecting their rights and safeguarding their financial well-being. We understand how much of a burden being sued for debt can have on an individual and their family, so we leverage our knowledge of complex credit card litigation to advocate for our clients. With thousands of dollars saved for our clients and counting, we are ready to use our strong negotiation skills and in-depth knowledge of the legal landscape to help you reclaim control of your finances and pave the way for a secure, debt-free future.

Facing a complaint and court summons for credit card debt in Pennsylvania can be daunting, but responding promptly and appropriately is essential. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Review the complaint and the summon. Carefully read through the complaint you received. It should outline the details of the debt and the reason for the lawsuit.
2. Understand your rights. Familiarize yourself with your rights as a debtor under Pennsylvania state law. This may include statutes of limitations, which limit the time a creditor has to sue you for the debt.
3. Seek legal advice. Consider consulting with an attorney familiar with Pennsylvania's debt collection practices. They can provide personalized advice based on your situation and help you understand your options.
4. Respond to the complaint. You typically have limited time to respond to the complaint, usually around 20 days. Failure to respond could result in the court filing a default judgment against you. Your response should be filed with the court and may include admitting to the debt, denying the debt, or stating that you don't have enough information to admit or deny the debt.
5. Serve copies to the plaintiff. Send copies of all forms filed with the court to the plaintiff (the creditor or debt collector) through certified mail, including a certificate of service. Don’t forget to keep copies for your records.

Remember, every situation is unique, and it's essential to consider seeking personalized legal advice to determine the best course of action for your specific circumstances.

You cannot refuse to pay credit card debt unless it’s illegitimate. If you don’t pay your credit card debt, a creditor could charge off your account, file suit, obtain a judgment against to, place a lien on your house and potentially garnish your bank account.

Many people believe that there is a government-sponsored program to absolve them of debt, but that does not exist. If you receive a solicitation from a company claiming to be a government program for debt forgiveness, think twice about responding to the inquiry.

Fortunately, there are other ways to get your debt forgiven in Pennsylvania, mainly by filing for bankruptcy or hiring law firms that focus on debt relief and debt-related litigation. Remember that hiring a debt relief law firm or filing for bankruptcy may hurt your credit score or impact your ability to borrow. In addition, there is a chance that your credit card company will not accept the settlement. If you have further questions about your options, contact our credit card debt attorneys at WPH Law by calling 484-459-5075.

The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania for credit card debt is four years. This means that creditors or debt collectors have a four-year window from the date of default on the account to file a lawsuit to recover the debt. Once this period expires, the creditor can still attempt to collect the debt through phone calls or letters; however, they cannot legally sue you for it.

Deciding whether to get a lawyer for credit card debt depends on your specific situation, but in many cases, it can be worth it. A lawyer can provide valuable assistance by reviewing the validity of the debt, negotiating with creditors on your behalf, and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process. Additionally, a lawyer can help you understand the legal proceedings, prepare your defense, and represent you in court. Legal representation may reduce the amount of debt owed or get the lawsuit dismissed completely.

Getting out of credit card debt is possible but takes time and discipline. Here are steps you can take to tackle credit card debt in Pennsylvania:

1. Assess your debt. Understand precisely how much you owe on each credit card, including interest rates and minimum monthly payments.
2. Create a budget. Create a detailed budget that outlines your income and expenses. Allocate as much money as possible to pay off your credit card debt while covering necessary expenses.
3. Stop using your credit cards. To prevent further debt accumulation, stop using your credit cards for purchases until you have paid off your existing balances.
4. Prioritize payments. First, focus on paying off the credit card with the highest interest rate while making minimum payments on the others. This debt avalanche method can save you money on interest over time.
5. Consider debt consolidation. If you have multiple credit cards with high interest rates, you should consider consolidating your debt with a personal loan or a balance transfer credit card with a lower interest rate. Doing this simplifies your payments and saves you money on interest.
6. Negotiate with creditors. Contact your credit card companies to see if they will lower your interest rates or work out a payment plan that fits your budget.
7. Explore debt relief options. If you cannot manage your debt independently, consider seeking help from a reputable credit counseling agency. They can guide managing debt and may offer debt management plans or other solutions.
8. Increase your income. Look for ways to increase your income, such as taking on a part-time job, freelancing, or selling items you no longer need. With our busy lives this is obviously easier said than done, but it’s at least worth exploring.
9. Stay committed. Getting out of debt takes time and discipline. Stick to your budget, avoid unnecessary expenses, and stay focused on becoming debt-free.
10. Educate yourself. Learn about personal finance and money management to avoid debt after paying off your credit cards.

Remember, getting out of credit card debt requires patience and persistence, but it is achievable with a solid plan and commitment to your financial goals.

Debt forgiveness services may negatively affect your credit score. However, depending on your debt relief method, they could help boost your credit score in the long run.

For example, if you choose debt consolidation, your lenders may close your credit cards. This will eliminate any available credit on your cards, resulting in a higher credit utilization ratio. However, your credit score will likely improve once you make on-time payments.
On the other hand, in choosing the debt settlement option you would forego minimum payments to your lenders as you save enough to settle your debts. This method can substantially negatively impact your credit score, but the debt relief may be worth it.

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General, The Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act regulates the debt collection activities of debt collectors and creditors in Pennsylvania. Effective June 26, 2000, this law prohibits debt collectors and creditors from engaging in certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices while attempting to collect debts.

The Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act encompasses the federal debt collection statute, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and provides certain important restrictions on debt collectors' conduct.

Dealing with credit card debt is stressful and can feel incredibly personal and isolating — but you’re not alone. In Lancaster County:

• 5% of residents have debt in collections
• Residents owe a median amount of $1,406.00
• 47% of residents have medical debt in collections
• 06% of residents have missed student loan debt in default
• 02% of residents are at least 60 days delinquent on their car/retail loans
• 65% of residents are delinquent on their credit card payments

Credit card debt can happen to anyone at any time. All it takes is one unforeseen expense for someone to be overwhelmed by debt. We understand your struggle, and our committed credit card debt lawyers have your back and are here to help secure your financial future. Speak with us for free today.

Submit a form online or call 484-459-5075 to contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.