What is the process for collecting unpaid debts?

In Virginia, the process for collecting unpaid debts is fairly straightforward. First, the creditor must contact the debtor and either demand payment in full or negotiate a payment plan. The creditor can contact the debtor either in writing or directly in person. If the debtor does not respond to the demand for payment, the creditor can then turn to the legal system to enforce collection. The creditor may file a lawsuit against the debtor in civil court. The creditor must include the details of the debt, as well as any evidence they have of the debt, in their lawsuit. Once the complaint is filed, the court will issue a summons to the debtor, requiring them to answer the complaint and appear in court. If the debtor ignores the summons, the court will then issue a default judgment in favor of the creditor. The creditor may then seek to enforce the judgment by garnishing the debtor’s wages, freezing their bank accounts, or placing liens on their property. This means that the creditor will collect a portion of the debtor’s paychecks, or require the debtor to turn over certain possessions or property to pay off the debt. If the debtor refuses to comply with the court’s order, the creditor may take the debtor to court a second time to enforce the terms of the judgment.

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