Q: I have been ordered to appear in small claims for a credit card. Do I need a lawyer
A: A lawyer may be able to help you settle this claim without a judgment being entered against you. If you do not settle this case, or you choose to not go to court, the attorney for the credit card company will get a default judgment against you. With this judgment, the attorney can then try and garnish your wages, place a lien upon your house, or take money from your bank accounts. Plus, since this will be a part of the public record, it will damage your credit score. Some attorneys will take these cases on a contingency basis, where you pay them some portion of the amount they can save you be settling the case for you. If you can't afford a lawyer, contact the lawyer and the credit card company on the other side and try to settle this matter yourself without a judgment being entered. Typically, credit cards companies will settle for as little as 10-25% of your balance if you pay them in a lump sum amount.
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