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495 legal questions have been posted about collections by real users. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include debtor and creditor, and creditors rights. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Collections Questions & Legal Answers - Page 6
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Recent Legal Answers

Can a creditor take my used vehicle if I owe federal n state student loans over 20000

Answered 7 years and 9 months ago by attorney Sharon M. Siegel   |   1 Answer
In theory they can, but they won't.  Bank creditors do not pursue cars, in general.  They pursue wages and bank accounts.
In theory they can, but they won't.  Bank creditors do not pursue cars, in general.  They pursue wages and bank accounts.

What kind of lawyer do I need to help with a credit union trying to collect a credit card debt.

Answered 7 years and 9 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
I am confused  - I thought you said that YOU breached your agreement in not paying on a credit card. Sounds like BOTH sides are not doing what they agree to. You may need to spend some money and hire a lawyer to help sort this all out. 
I am confused  - I thought you said that YOU breached your agreement in not paying on a credit card. Sounds like BOTH sides are not doing what... Read More

How long in Ny state does a credit card company have to sue for a debt?

Answered 7 years and 9 months ago by attorney Sharon M. Siegel   |   1 Answer
The payment in 2014 reset the statute of limitations, so 2020, six years from payment.
The payment in 2014 reset the statute of limitations, so 2020, six years from payment.

I was awarded a judgment in Westchester County NY. How do I collect on a judgment is the defendants now live in another state?

Answered 7 years and 9 months ago by attorney Sharon M. Siegel   |   1 Answer
You need to hire a lawyer in the other state and docket the judgment there.
You need to hire a lawyer in the other state and docket the judgment there.

won a default judgement. what do I file next to collect and the app. cost

Answered 7 years and 9 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
Now you get to see why lawyers dont take cases against individuals on a contingent fee. Getting a default judgment is one thing, collecting, and collecting cost effectively, is another. 
Now you get to see why lawyers dont take cases against individuals on a contingent fee. Getting a default judgment is one thing, collecting, and... Read More

Tickets went to collections, license suspended...how can I get license back?

Answered 7 years and 9 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
Contact DMV and pay the tickets and and charges imposed is the most likely means,
Contact DMV and pay the tickets and and charges imposed is the most likely means,

What's the status of limitation for a civil suit

Answered 7 years and 10 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
Depend on the nature of the lawsuit but on an closed bank account over draft likely 5 years. 
Depend on the nature of the lawsuit but on an closed bank account over draft likely 5 years. 

I bought a ring, returned it, & I'm being charged ( account in collection)

Answered 7 years and 10 months ago by attorney Sharon M. Siegel   |   1 Answer
You have done everything you can do.  Report it on your credit report as a disputed claim.  Save the paperwork.
You have done everything you can do.  Report it on your credit report as a disputed claim.  Save the paperwork.

Best way to Approach Personal Debt Owed

Answered 7 years and 10 months ago by attorney Sharon M. Siegel   |   1 Answer
Small claims court goes up to $5000.  You claim you are owed $7000, but you must have stated in the complaint you were owed $5000.  Unless your agreement is rock solid, this is an issue.  Your agreement requires another lawsuit.  You get interest from the missed payments, but not lost time.  You need to do it in Civil Court to get $7000.  I charge a flat fee of $1500, including service of process and filing, if the case defaults or settles.  If I have to go to court, then I need to charge more.Michael D. Siegel, Esq.Siegel & Siegel, P.C.One Penn Plaza, Suite 2414New York, New York 10119212-721-5300... Read More
Small claims court goes up to $5000.  You claim you are owed $7000, but you must have stated in the complaint you were owed $5000.  Unless... Read More

What is the statue of limitations on collecting a judgment of small claims awarded to you?

Answered 7 years and 10 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
Generally 20 years
Generally 20 years

Is there a statue of limitations on court orders re. legal costs

Answered 7 years and 11 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
Porbably - judgments are good for 20 years and most such debts are reduced to judgment when you lose. 
Porbably - judgments are good for 20 years and most such debts are reduced to judgment when you lose. 

Money judgement in NJ

Answered 8 years ago by attorney Sharon M. Siegel   |   1 Answer
You need to have the judgment docketed in NY and then you can get a Marshal in New York City to enforce it.
You need to have the judgment docketed in NY and then you can get a Marshal in New York City to enforce it.

After paying what a surgery center said we could pay for an outpatient surgical procedure, we were billed $3000 more and civil suit and subpoena

Answered 8 years ago by Patrick Johnson (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer
You need to hire an attorney to defend you.
You need to hire an attorney to defend you.

Does the statute of limitations apply if NYC is the plaintiff regarding a debt?

Answered 8 years ago by attorney Sharon M. Siegel   |   1 Answer
The statute of limitations applies to initiating suit.  If there is a judgment, it does not apply.
The statute of limitations applies to initiating suit.  If there is a judgment, it does not apply.

Car Theft

Answered 8 years ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
You will likely need to hire a lawyer, at soime expense, to sort this out. Generally paying the past due amout AFTER repo does not get your carback - you will have to pay repo fees and other charges and sometimes the whole loan.
You will likely need to hire a lawyer, at soime expense, to sort this out. Generally paying the past due amout AFTER repo does not get your carback -... Read More

How do you stop a writ of wage garnishment?

Answered 8 years ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
You generally don't if its a legitimate garnishment. Your remedies are to assert an exemption if you have one OR of thereis a problem with judgment such as bad service, seek to set it aside,but the garnishment marches on until one of those events happens. 
You generally don't if its a legitimate garnishment. Your remedies are to assert an exemption if you have one OR of thereis a problem with judgment... Read More

Have a $3500.00 small claims case My company filed for failure to remit payment. Do we need an attorney?

Answered 8 years ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
asking this AFTER you filed a lawsuit is simply poor business decision making. The answer is likely yes....unless you know how to ry a case in court.   
asking this AFTER you filed a lawsuit is simply poor business decision making. The answer is likely yes....unless you know how to ry a case in... Read More

I have several cases in different states of Florida.Could 1 lawyer do cases in the different states

Answered 8 years and a month ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
I just left St. Maarten last week, I could have stopped by. LOL. That stated, you will likely need lawyers in EACH state or COUNTRY and have them coordinate, if there are any international issues, as it is unlikely one lawyer or even a law firm will be trully familiar with the laws of ALL arenas. As to the various COUNTIES you describe you can hire one lawyer to address all of the cases collectivey most likely........ BUT be aware that for the amounts you described and small number of cases, most collection lawyers would be unwilling to take such cases on a contingent fee for collectability reasons and you will likely end up spending more in legal expenses tha you may recover, especially being a foreign national. ... Read More
I just left St. Maarten last week, I could have stopped by. LOL. That stated, you will likely need lawyers in EACH state or COUNTRY and... Read More

paid credit card off through one lawyer and another lawyer is garnishing my check saying i didnt because they filed different times what can i do?

Answered 8 years and a month ago by Patrick Johnson (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer
It sounds like there are two different debts that you owe.
It sounds like there are two different debts that you owe.

Overpaid sub

Answered 8 years and a month ago by attorney Sharon M. Siegel   |   1 Answer
Sue him.  The court to do so will be determined by the amount.
Sue him.  The court to do so will be determined by the amount.

Do I have any recourse?

Answered 8 years and 2 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
Possibly. If the company is a real company and not a scam. You need to consider shutting down the access to your account and changing accounts with your bank. You need to retain a lawyer to review this mess ASAP. 
Possibly. If the company is a real company and not a scam. You need to consider shutting down the access to your account and changing accounts with... Read More

Can I sue

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by attorney Sharon M. Siegel   |   1 Answer
Depending on your total claim, and where the accident occurred, you need to sue in Supreme Court or County Court.
Depending on your total claim, and where the accident occurred, you need to sue in Supreme Court or County Court.

What are my options!

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by attorney Sharon M. Siegel   |   1 Answer
Keep paying.  The bankruptcy does not impact your deal, which is an asset of the bankruptcy.
Keep paying.  The bankruptcy does not impact your deal, which is an asset of the bankruptcy.

Seeking a Attorney with Utility bill over the max

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by Patrick Johnson (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer
Sorry, this is something that you are going to have to handle on your own.
Sorry, this is something that you are going to have to handle on your own.

Do I file a small claims in Florida county the defendant is located or the county the plaintiff is located in?

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer
If your legal knowledge base is that limited, its a clear sign that you need to retain a lawyer to take any action in court. Small claims court is NOT Judge Judy and i has a great deal of formality. 
If your legal knowledge base is that limited, its a clear sign that you need to retain a lawyer to take any action in court. Small claims court is... Read More
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