You were served. Here is what that means.
The papers you received are a summons and a complaint. The summons tells you a court case has started. The complaint says who is suing you and for how much.
Here is the part collectors count on you not knowing: if you do nothing, you lose automatically. That is called a default judgment — the court rules against you because you never showed up. With a judgment, the collector can take money from your paycheck and freeze your bank account.
Most people who get sued for a debt never respond. That is exactly why collectors file these cases. When someone answers and fights, the case changes completely.
What we do about it
We defend people. Not banks, not collectors — people. Here is what that looks like:
- We read your summons and complaint and tell you your real deadline — deadlines depend on how you were served, so do not guess
- We prepare and file your Answer, the court paper that stops a default judgment
- We raise every defense that fits your case — wrong amount, wrong person, a debt too old to sue on
- We make the collector prove its case with real records, not just a printout
- We handle the court process so you are not facing their lawyers alone
We know the rules collectors must follow — federal law, California law, and the court's own rules of evidence. When they cut corners, we hold them to it.
Why fighting back works
Debt cases look strong on paper. Many are weak underneath. Debts get sold and resold, and the paperwork often does not follow. To win at trial, the company suing you generally has to prove it owns your debt, prove the amount is right, and prove the lawsuit was filed in time.
That is a real burden. Filing an Answer forces them to carry it. You do not have to prove you are right on day one — you only have to show up and make them do their job.
Talk to a California debt defense lawyer
Not sure where you stand? Start with a free case review — we will read your papers and explain your options in plain language.
Get Your Free Case ReviewAlready lost by default? It may not be over.
If a judgment was entered because you never responded — maybe you were never properly served, or you never even knew about the case — California courts can sometimes undo it. This is called setting aside a default judgment.
The windows to ask are limited and they close. If you just found out about a judgment, do not wait. Bring us the paperwork now.
Common questions
What happens if I ignore the lawsuit?
The court can enter a default judgment against you — an automatic loss. With a judgment, the collector can garnish your wages, levy your bank account, and add interest. Responding on time keeps those doors closed while the case is decided.
How long do I have to respond?
In most California debt cases you have about 30 days from the date you were served. But the deadline depends on how you were served, so have a lawyer confirm your exact date rather than guessing.
Do I have to go to court?
Usually not right away, and often not at all. Once we represent you, we handle the filings and appearances that can be handled for you, and we prepare you for anything that requires you personally.
What does this cost?
The case review is free. If we take your case, we explain the fee clearly before any work starts, so you can make an informed decision with no surprises.
