Law-Forums.org

[mads]

My ex wife racked up some debt in my name while I was deployed a few years back. I have been unemployed for 2 years and I got a letter in the mail from a law firm saying I was being sued. (They are solicitors wanting to represent me.) what are my options? Bankruptcy?

Please refrain from any negative comments!

[slaine]

Was she your ex when she ran up these bills? IF yes, then they are NOT your bills at all.
Did she have a power of attorney to sign your name? IF NO, then they can be YOUR bills ONLY if you were still married, and sometimes not even then.

This firm is contacting you, wanting to represent you, because THEY SAY you are being sued.
THIS alone makes it sound like a scam.

IF you have NOT received a notice from the creditor or THEIR attorney, at this time you have nothing to worry about until they DO contact you.
You MUST, by law, be notified of a lawsuit against you.

[ayize]

Solicitors?
First check your credit reports and see what is in them?
Make sure you are not falling for a scam.
Check all three at Annual Credit Report.com
They are free - always have been.
No need for the score right now - it will be useless for this.

If it is in one of your reports, you can settle, negotiate, etc.
Ask here how to do it right, or look online or get a book from your library or bookstore called
Credit and Debt Repair.
You must do this right - it could save you thousands off that bill.
Without... paying a solicitor...

[deangelo51]

Have you been properly "served' with the lawsuit? No? Then, nothing. Yes? Then you need to respond to the lawsuit within the prescribed time (usually 30 days). Best response is "Deny all accusations for lack of information.". Then file a discovery request seeking all of the necessary documents.

[anson34]

Your best option is to negotiate with them. Keep the line of comunication open so they don't move forward in getting a judgment.
I have videos on our site that might help you. What ever you do, do not give them a check over the phone because now they know where you bank!
I hope this helps you ~Tim

[barraq]

Try (free) credit counseling first.


Nfcc.org - National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Find links and phone numbers for state and local member agencies in your area

It is very often the case that you can tell them to drop dead and they will go away...eventually. Particularly true when the claim is less than clear (this isn't actually your debt, dude. Don't act like it is. If you didn't sign, it ain't yours...that be the law!) Especially true when you have no money to pay them with.

BTW if the "law firm" isn't an out-and-out scam in itself, then they more than likely represent the claim and will not act in your best interest. Don't talk to them -- except to tell them that this is not your debt and to stop calling you about it. (or writing or whatever)