[Katherine]

A collection agency is suing my husband and we have 30 days to file an answer to the paper work they sent us. How do I do this and what does it need to say?

[elizabeth]

I had to do this a couple of months ago and if you type it in on google just like that you will get some great advice. One of the better sites was the credit info. center.

[bargainhunter]

Katherine, I have a paralegal degree. All you need to do is type up a response that says why you do or do not owe the debt. (Note: if it is a credit card or other type of similar debt the statute of limitations is 7 years in most states. This means that after 7 years of non-payment the company has NO right to collect from you and that would be your defense in the response). Basically it is a chance to give your defense. Also note that if you do not respond and/or show up for the hearing you will be found in default and the judgment will automatically be entered against you. I hope this helps!

[Katherine]

Well I filed our response so we will see what happens next. Basically I just pointed out that they didn't even provide an account number so we couldn't verify the account and that we had never done business with said company (collection agency).

[bargainhunter]

That is pretty much all you needed to say! I hope it all works out and you end up winning in the end. I had this happen to a friend but after I talked him through it he got out of the debt entirely and the company lost their suit.

[Katherine]

Now the lawyer's office who is handling things for the collecton agency has been calling all day and leaving messages. I am curious but I haven't answered the call because the debt is my husband's so I don't think they will tell me anything.