What happens if a debt collector has filed a lawsuit against me?
If a debt collector has filed a lawsuit against you in South Carolina, it means they have taken the legal action of suing you in a court of law over your unpaid debt. The lawsuit will specify the debt amount they are requesting and the court that it is being filed in. You will receive a summons to appear in court to answer to the lawsuit. You should immediately seek legal advice upon receiving the summons to discuss your options and determine the best way to proceed. You must provide an official response to the lawsuit, either by filing an answer or by filing a motion to dismiss. If you fail to respond to the lawsuit or appear in court, the debt collector may file a motion for a default judgment. This means that the court may enter a judgement against you without even hearing your side of the story. A default judgement may allow the debt collector to garnish your wages, levy bank accounts, or place liens on your property. The judgement will also permanently remain on your credit report. It is important to keep in mind that filing a lawsuit does not necessarily mean the debt collector will win the case. You may be able to successfully defend yourself in court based on South Carolina collection defense laws. Consulting with an attorney can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action.
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