Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Louisiana

A creditor is suing me for $3,500.00 in Louisiana. I got served papers today dated for December 4, 2009 saying I had 15 days to respond (today is Jan 7th). I don't have the money to pay them right now as I'm in the process of moving out from my rental home to Alabama to stay with a friend because I can't afford rent either right now. I didn't sign anything for the papers, the officer just handed them to me and left. What should I do? The only things I own/have in my name is a storage building and a bank account.


Asked on 1/07/10, 12:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Adam Lambert The Law Office of Adam S. Lambert

You have 15 days from the date you were served to answer the suit, or to file other responsive pleadings. You don't have to sign for the citation, the sheriff gives it to you and you have been served. That starts the clock ticking.

Not being able to afford payment is not a defense to the suit. I would recommend you contact the attorney for the plaintiff and see if you can work out a payment arrangement. Otherwise, you need to answer within 15 days or you will be defaulted and a Judgment taken against you without additional notice to you.

Once they get a judgment against you, they can record it, meaning you can't get credit anywhere and can't buy or sell a house without paying the judgment. Additionally, they can seize your bank accounts and other property to satisfy the judgment.

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Answered on 1/12/10, 1:43 pm


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