Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Florida
I have a bad debt from 2015, of which I was making pennies at the job at the time; barely making enough to pay my bills. I lost my job in Feb, and am still am unemployed - and have had these lawyers calling me and each time I tell them I am unemployed. I am now being called to small claims court to settle the debt. What do I do since I can't afford to even pay a lawyer to defend myself?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Being unable to pay is not a defense. If you have no assets they will be unable to collect. Once you obtain a job, try to settle the matter.
You also have the option of claiming bankruptcy. Chapter 7 would be the way for you to go. That will wipe out all your debts, with a few exclusions. If you decide to do so, then you need to do so before you go to small claims court.
Were you served papers? If not then ignore them for the time being. If you were served papers to appear for a hearing, then appear at the hearing , tell the judge you are the breadwinner of the family and have no funds. Debt may be wiped out.