DIY Lawsuit Defense

We can help you fight back against lawsuits by creditors at an affordable price. Our DIY lawsuit defense service takes the expense and a lot of the stress out of fighting back against creditors.  

Higbee & Associates has successfully defended more than 20,000 people against creditor lawsuits. You can take advantage of that expertise for an affordable price. 

Everyone knows that creditors sue debtors because they want to get paid the money they are owed. However, what most people do not know is that most creditors are fine with taking much less than what is owed if they can avoid a legal fight. So, showing a willingness to fight in court can save you 50% or even more.

How to Fight Creditor Lawsuits on a Budget

For those who cannot afford full representation or for those who want to put up a fight to get a better settlement, our In DIY service provides an affordable solution.  Prices start at just $195.

Spending a Little Money Can Result in Huge Savings

 Here is what you get. A meeting with an attorney or paralegal to review the lawsuit and review your strategy.

- A professionally prepared answer and any other document you need to respond to the lawsuit. 
- Instructions on how to file your answer and information about what to expect next. -
- Instructions on how to negotiate a favorable settlement and insight on what type of settlement you can get.

If you ever get to a point where you want an attorney to attend a court hearing or take over the case, we can usually arrange for that.

DIY FAQs

Category: What Just Happened to me?

What does it mean to be sued for a debt?

It means a creditor or debt collector has filed a legal claim in court saying you owe a debt and is asking a judge to legally enforce repayment. This is a formal step beyond collection calls or letters.

These are the official intial court documents notifying you of the civil lawsuit. The summons tells you how long you have to respond and where, while the complaint provides details on who is suing you, the reason(s) they are suing, and what they are requesting in damages.

The creditor or debt collector believes that have pursued all collection attempts, and the stature of limitations may also be expiring. The creditor or a collection agency may escalate the matter to court to try to recover the balance legally through garnishment or bank levy.

No, debts are not criminal matters; debt lawsuits are civil matters. You cannot go to jail for owing a debt; however, ignoring a lawsuit can lead to serious consequences.

It is serious and time-sensitive. If you don’t respond, the court may enter a judgment against you, which could lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens depending on your state.

The plaintiff is the party suing you. This could be the original creditor or a debt buyer that has purchased your account.

Creditors and debt buyers often hire law firms to file and handle lawsuits on their behalf.

Category: What do I need to do right now?

What is an “Answer” and why is it important?

An Answer is your formal written response to the lawsuit. It allows you to respond to the claims and prevents an automatic judgment against you. 

If you do not respond, the court will likely issue a default judgment. This gives the creditor legal rights to collect through methods like garnishment or levies. 

The deadline varies by state, but it is typically between 14 and 40 days. Check your summons for the exact timeframe.

Your response time usually begins on the date you are officially served with the summons and complaint.

Not always. Many cases are resolved before a court appearance, especially if you respond on time and explore settlement options.

Once you file an answer, the case moves forward in the legal process. This may include negotiations, settlement discussions, or court hearings. 

In some cases, you may be able to request an extension, but it depends on the court and the opposing party. It’s important to act quickly if you need more time.

Category: General

General Am I the only one going through this?

No. Many people face debt-related lawsuits each year. You are not alone, and there are options available. 

Debt collection lawsuits are very common, especially for credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills.

Yes. Many debt lawsuits are resolved through settlements, payment plans, or other negotiated outcomes. 

 

Start by taking it one step at a time. Review your documents, note your deadline, and consider speaking with a professional who can help you understand your options.

Ignoring it can result in a default judgment, which may lead to enforced collection actions. Responding is the best way to protect yourself and keep your options open. 

 

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