Resources for Washington State consumers who are being sued by creditors
Here in Washington State, it is fairly easy for a creditor attorney to sue, and once he gets a judgment, to pursue garnishment of wages or bank accounts in satisfaction of an unpaid debt. Being broke isn’t a defense, and once an account is in default, creditors generally don’t have to accept payments. As a WA bankruptcy attorney, I constantly hear from people who are being sued. Because hiring an attorney to defend you against a creditor law suit can be expensive, I often refer people to the following self-help resources.
1. NWJUSTICE.ORG – This vital resource serves as a clearing house for low income people needing legal help here in Washington State. Probono(free) and Low-bono (reduced fee) services are available to people based on their income. It is a great place to start.
2. WASHINGTONLAWHELP.COM – This website is a virtual gold mine for consumers who like to DIY (do-it-yourself). In particular, it provides guidance for defending yourself from a creditor lawsuit, as well as providing all sorts of information on typical legal issues that consumers face. Of particular interest is the section on debt collection.
Getting sued is scary, and getting good information is the first step in charting a smart course of action. Of course, ultimately it may be the case that filing bankruptcy is necessary. If so, contact a Washington Bankruptcy Attorney right away.
