I have a law firm after me for a huge credit card debt, which I incurred during a lengthy nursing home stay over 5 yrs. ago. I was very ill, and came close to dying at the time. I had received a letter from a law office, only after I had gotten out of the nursing home, but I didn't realize what it was. I had contacted them after another letter was sent, later on (after I had figured out what the purpose of the letter was), telling them that I am on Soc. Security for disability. Then it was passed on to another law firm, sometime in the past few months. Should I contact them at all, or leave it alone? I am 53, and own absolutely nothing-not even a vehicle. My question is-can they still come for me with a court case, and sue me? Please Help!!!
2007-09-24 04:29:41 · 7 answers · asked by kb 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
They can sue you. But they cannot take or attach your Social Security disability payments. Contact a Legal Aid office nearest to you. Maybe they can help get these attorneys off of your back.
2007-09-24 04:51:22 · answer #1 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, Social Security disability is not subject to garnishment so they cannot take any of that. Nor can they attach a bank account which is funded by social security payments.
The only real worry you have is a negative mark on your credit report.
If your credit card debt is "huge", then you may want to investigate bankruptcy. This would totally clear the debt and forbid any future collection attempts.
If you are actually sued, then a summons must be served to you IN PERSON. This is usually done by a sheriff's deputy or a process server.
If you are summoned, then you should appear in court on the date specified. Once you explain to the judge that you are on disability and have no assets, the case will probably be dismissed.
As a final suggestion: I would not contact any of the people who are sending you letters and/or calling you. Wait until you receive an official summons from the court.
2007-09-24 05:39:33 · answer #2 · answered by Wyoming Rider 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can sue you, but they cannot sue you for money and property that yopu do not have. Social Security is not vulnerable to garnishment, nor is dasability.
It probably is not a law firm that is contacting you. It is probably a collection agency. If it has been given to a different firm then the debt is likely to have been designated uncollectable, and it is being sold down the chain of collection agencies for pennies on the dollar. They will make your life miserable with harrassing phone calls etc., but just remember, they cannot take anything from you until you have your day in court. Also, they cannot take from you what you do not ahve. They will threaten you, but they are actually on a pretty short chain.
Finally, check the Statute of Limitations. They may have waited too long to bring the case.
2007-09-24 04:40:23 · answer #3 · answered by the hump 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES
One must never ignore these letters remember burying your head in the sand leaves your rear end exposed. they will not go away the first firm realised there was little in the kitty so they sold it on but this only exposes you to more expense if you ignore them.
contact the Citizens Advice Bureau NOW they deal with this all the time and can help you. Other firms who offer to help will want a fee so you end up deeper in the red
If you own nothing then declare yourself Bankrupt its the only way to make them stop but it is drastic
Good Luck
2007-09-24 04:49:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one is above the law, whether local or international law.It would be advisable to pay regardless of your age.Yes they have a court case and they can sue you.Look at the amount you are getting with the soc.security and pay a little amount,
ask family members for help,see if there is a government department to help people at your age,to help you pay your debts in your country and also see how much relief you are
allowed.Do your reseach and get them off your back.
2007-09-24 07:12:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are like a lot of people who have had unfortunate things to happen. You have a few options. First there are companies who specialize in helping people out like yourself. What you can do is call one of them and what they will do is they will help set up plans that you can manage. Sometimes these credit card companies will settle for half. You will have to get one of these companies that specialize in debt reduction to help you. Lastly you can consider filing bankruptcy. This should be your last option. I would try to get some help from one of these debt reduction companies first and then go from there. Really these people are good, they can help you.
2007-09-24 04:44:03 · answer #6 · answered by Rooster 1972 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your social protection incapacity money can basically be taken in case you owe baby help,pupil loans or taxes. consult with an atty approximately retaining the different sources you have gotten , alongside with vehicle / abode etc. consult with the atty from a cellular telephone you purchase at walmart and toss the telephone once you employ the few calls. i could bypass in guy or woman and pay money for the attorneys session. do no longer provide the atty your real call. (she or he would be in a position to probably provide the recommendations you tell them touching directly to your sources to the regulation enterprise attempting to assemble from you. relatively superb to no longer provide them your guy or woman recommendations . stable success.
2016-10-09 18:20:53 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋