Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Washington
collection on repossessed vehicle
I was served a summons to appear in court for a vehicle repossession that occurred about 3 years ago. It appears that a collections company bought the debt and is trying to collect. I don't have an attorney and am afraid that I will not be treated fairly in court without an attorney. What are my options?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: collection on repossessed vehicle
Lawyer up, then. Depending on how the complaint is worded, it is *possible* you have a meritorious defense. It depends on who wrote the complaint, and the foundation for that complaint.
You might want to look at naca.com for some referrals or avvo.com for debt defense.
You can probably find an attorney who can review the situation and the pleadings and give you some good advice. Some attorneys charge for consults, some don't, it is hard to tell.
If your finances cannot take the hit, consider talking to a bankruptcy attorney. This is the sort of debt that is dischargeable.
Law sounds like it is conducted in English, but really it is a sub-species of english that is highly technical. You will have a better chance if you have an attorney review your matter and advise you than you will on your own.
The summons says you have twenty days to answer the complaint. If you don't they will take a default and then they have a lot more rights. It is very important that you answer on time.
Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell