Category: Debt Relief
Yes, debt collectors can take you to court if you owe money. If you’ve fallen behind on payments, you might get calls or letters from debt collectors. These agencies aim to recover unpaid debts, but many people aren’t sure about their rights or what could happen next. A common question is: Can debt collectors take you to court? While court action is possible, it usually happens after repeated attempts to collect the debt. This article covers when and why they might sue, what types of debt can lead to lawsuits, and what to do if you are sued. Understanding the… Read More
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, you’re not alone. Many individuals and families across Florida face financial hardship due to medical bills, credit card balances, or sudden income loss. When it becomes difficult to make even minimum payments, it’s time to consider serious debt relief solutions. Two of the most common are debt settlement and bankruptcy. Each path has its pros and cons, and what works for one person may not be the best choice for another. At Ziegler Diamond Law, we help clients understand the key differences between debt settlement and bankruptcy so they can make informed decisions that… Read More
Being served with a debt collection lawsuit can feel overwhelming and stressful. A debt lawsuit happens when a creditor or debt collector takes legal action to recover money they claim you owe. If ignored, it can lead to wage garnishment, frozen bank accounts, or even liens on property. Knowing your legal options is essential because not every lawsuit is valid or enforceable. Many cases can be challenged—and dismissed—if you take the right steps. With legal help, the process often becomes faster, less stressful, and more effective. Key Takeaways: A debt lawsuit is when creditors sue for unpaid debt, and legal… Read More
According to a 2021 report, the average American is $90,460 in debt. Common types of consumer debt include credit card bills, medical bills, and student loans. A recent survey reports that 47 percent of Americans carry a monthly balance on their credit cards. 70% of those people say they cannot pay it off this year. Despite debt being so common, we live in a society that stigmatizes those who owe money. People with consumer debt, whether from credit card bills, medical bills, or other sources, are often so ashamed they do not seek the help they need. When people feel… Read More
When you co-sign a loan, you assume the financial responsibility of the cosigner if the primary borrower does not repay. This can impact your credit score and financial standing. Understanding your responsibilities, including the responsibility of cosigner, and potential risks as a co-signer is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be a co-signer, the legal and financial implications, and steps you can take to protect yourself. Key Takeaways Co-signing a loan involves legal responsibility for repayment, emphasizing the need for thorough assessment of personal financial health before agreement. The distinction between co-signers and co-borrowers is crucial;… Read More
Being sued by a debt collector in Florida can feel overwhelming. You may have tried negotiating before being served, but once a lawsuit is filed, the stakes are much higher. Ignoring the lawsuit can lead to default judgment, wage garnishment, bank levies, and long-term financial damage. The good news is there are proven strategies for fighting debt collection lawsuits and learning how to beat debt collectors in court. Depending on your situation, you may even be able to get a debt lawsuit dismissed or reach a more favorable resolution. This blog explains how to fight debt collectors in court and… Read More
As a consumer, you have important rights under both federal and state laws to stop harassment from debt collectors. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law designed to protect you from abusive or excessive contact. One powerful tool it provides is the ability to send a Cease and Desist Letter to debt collector. Federal law allows you to clearly communicate to debt collectors that you want them to stop contacting you — but this request must be made in writing to be legally effective. Simply asking over the phone will not suffice. In this article, we… Read More
As a Florida law firm dedicated to helping individuals manage overwhelming debt and avoid serious financial consequences, we often receive questions about voluntary repossession — also known as voluntary car repossession or voluntary surrender. This situation usually arises when someone can no longer afford their monthly car payments and fears their vehicle might be taken back by the lender. Instead of waiting for the lender to send a repossession agent, some borrowers choose to voluntarily return the car to the lender in hopes of minimizing damage to their credit and avoiding additional fees or stress. What Is Voluntary Repossession? Voluntary… Read More
Have you been getting debt collection letters and phone calls from an organization you don’t recognize? Chances are your debt may have been sold to a junk debt buyer. There was a time when a company might just give up on collecting debts, particularly small ones, if they couldn’t collect them easily. These days, if a company cannot collect a debt, they often just sell it to a junk debt buyer for pennies on the dollar. At some point, many companies today would like to get a little money rather than expend resources pursuing a hard-to-collect debt. As an added… Read More
In our recent blog post, What to Expect if You Face Wage Garnishment in Florida, we discussed the basics of wage garnishment in Florida. It included a discussion of how much of your wages can be withheld and sent to your creditors. You have a lot more options to deal with your creditors before they start garnishing your wages than if you wait. However, if that’s water under the bridge, and you are at the point where your wages are being garnished, you still have some limited options. Let’s explore the specifics of Florida wage garnishment law, the possibilities to… Read More
