What happens if I am sued for a debt?

If you are sued for a debt in California, there are steps you must take to defend yourself. It is important to respond to the lawsuit or you may lose the case by default. You should seek out legal advice as soon as possible to understand your rights and obligations. If you are served with a summons, you must respond to it by filing a written response within 30 days from the date you were served. You can either file an answer with the court or a motion to dismiss. When filing a response with the court, you should not admit or deny any facts or allegations made by the plaintiff. Doing so may give the plaintiff the opportunity to prove their case. Instead, you should raise any defenses that you believe are appropriate. You may also file a motion to dismiss the case if you believe the plaintiff has no legal basis to sue you. If you dispute the debt, you should also appear in court on the date of the hearing. At the hearing, you can make your case and provide evidence of why you do not owe the debt. The court may require you to attend mediation before the hearing. If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, you must pay the amount of the debt plus any court costs. If you cannot afford to pay the debt, the court may work with you to develop a payment plan.

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What happens if I am sued for a debt?

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