Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Re: Civil Law Suit

You asked what can happen when a lawsuit is filed against you.

Many things can happen. Your response to the notice goes a long way to determining what will happen. You must not ignore the summons. Your best alternative is to get a lawyer to handle this for you either privately or through a legal clinic (you generally have to be in a really bad situation before a legal clinic will take you on as a client).

The summons must be responded to in the proper form. The court clerks MAY be able to provide some assistance as to form, though they cannot give legal advice.

If a judgment is entered against you that judgment becomes a debt that is valid for a long time. Often judgments may be renewed until they are paid. A judgment creditor can have the sheriff seize real and personal property, cars, bank accounts and even garnish your wages.

Do not let this matter proceed. Handle it either through an attorney or on your own.

Regards,

Roger