Q: FYI - JUL 18 DEADLINE -Answer debt claim Citation. If we answer w/o lawyer by JUL 18, can we be rep by attorney later
JUL 4 - Citation - Small Claims/Debt Claim was posted on front door from Bexar Co Justice Court - "You have been sued." Trying to write the Answer letter to say we do not agree with the lawsuit. If I answer the citation without an attorney, can I later be represented by an attorney if case goes to trial. Here's what I have in the letter.
I am the Defendant in this case. I do not agree with this lawsuit. I generally deny the Plaintiff’s claims and demand that the plaintiff prove all claims.
Additional Defenses:
1. I did not receive written notice that my debt had been sold. (Debt acquired by Plaintiff NOV 30, 2022)
2. I did not receive a written demand for payment (a demand letter) at least 30 days before the lawsuit was filed. (Lawsuit filed DEC 6, 2023 - over a year later)
3. There was an unreasonable delay in the plaintiff enforcing his rights. (Citation was not served until JUL 4, 2024. A 7 month delay)
4. The delay negatively affected my assertion of rights or defenses.
A:
As long as the claim is against you as an individual, yes you can hire an attorney later.
Business entities like corporations and LLCs can only appear in court proceedings via a licensed attorney. Even an owner or manager cannot represent a corporation or LLC in a court of law unless that individual is a licensed attorney.
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