Debt Collection, Garnishment, Repossession
Many local laws and courts have been affected by COVID-19. Please use the search for legal help tool to find a legal aid organization or self help center near you for accurate information and more support.
If you cannot afford the filing fee or other court costs, you may qualify to have these fees and costs waived by the court.
Read about what you need to know about car repossession in California. This includes what repossession agents can and can't do, what type of notices you'll get, and what to do after a car repossession.
The National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project provides resources and information on all things student loans, including repayment options, loan forgiveness and cancellation, and bankruptcy.
If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: self-help using realistic budgeting and other techniques; debt relief services, like credit counseling or debt settlement from a reputable organization; debt consolidation; or bankruptcy.
This site will hand-pick videos based on your issue.
Types of property: community, separate, quasi-community, and mixed community.
This section will give you general guidelines for how to best prepare yourself for court.
Facing debt collection action? This system will creates several letters and basic court filings.
What happens in the vehicle repossession process.
How debt collection works, regulations, common concerns addressed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and debts you do not recognize or remember.
Options for resolving debts, before or after court involvement.
Up to 99% of domestic violence victims experience economic abuse during an abusive relationship, and finances are often cited as the biggest barrier to leaving an abusive relationship. This resource describes what economic abuse is and what to do about it.
Deciding whether to respond to the lawsuit; responding to the lawsuit; filing your papers in court; after you file your response; counter-suing the plaintiff; and steps in the court process.
State offices, district attorneys (DA), and government regulators.
It takes a little patience and knowledge of the dispute settlement procedures provided by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).
This guide offers suggestions to help you get results when you have a problem with the purchase of goods or services. It explains the proper way to make a complaint, and also discusses using government agencies, consumer groups, lawyers and small claims court. A sample complaint letter and a list of compliant-handling agencies are included.
How to avoid a debt collection lawsuit and what the legal process is.
Your home; adjusters and contractors; when picking a contractor; when you get your settlement; creditors, bills and budgeting; and watch out for fraud.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect from you.
You have rights when it comes to practices of creditors and agents.
Wage garnishment occurs when an employer withholds the earnings of an individual for the payment of a debt as the result of a court order or other equitable procedure.
Need help with managing your debt? Take a look at a list of debtor education agencies in California.
Most reputable credit counselors are non-profit and offer services at local offices, online, or on the phone.
What do I have to do to get the judge to keep creditors from obtaining the exempt funds in my bank account?
You can also call at 877-FTC-HELP.
If you have old debts, collectors may not be able to sue you to collect on them.
Who is responsible? What are collectors allowed to do?
Your rights dealing with repossession agencies and their practices.