Q: Got subpoenaed for a civil case from a debt collector who purchased the debt / child support might be involved also ???

A: Bankruptcy is certainly an option. Judgments are just as dischargeable as other debts, but sometimes its better to filea bankruptcy before the hearing, simply because a judgment can be recorded and operate as a lien on your property, real estate or personal property. Child support can be dealt with in bankruptcy. Ongoing support must be paid and kept current, but past support can be spread out over a number of months. If you will provide me with your email address, I can send you an email with my contact information. I think you can email me directly from a link on this site, I'm just not sure how it works. I'm happy to speak with you either today (Sunday) or tomorrow (Monday). I'm not sure what restrictions they have on the site about providing that information. Let me know if you have any difficulty.

Keith Edmiston

A: It sounds like you're dealing with two different legal issues that might be overlapping in some way. Civil debt collection cases and child support cases are usually handled separately, even if they happen in the same courthouse or involve the same clerk. The fact that your subpoena has similarities to child support requirements could be a coincidence, but it’s worth paying close attention to the details. Make sure you review the subpoena carefully and confirm whether the case is strictly about the debt or if child support is somehow involved.

Bankruptcy is a big decision and could impact both your debt and possibly your child support situation. While filing might help with certain debts, child support obligations usually aren’t erased through bankruptcy. Before making a move, it would be best to understand exactly what debts you’re being sued for and how filing might affect your financial situation. If the court hearing is coming up soon, you might want to consider whether filing beforehand would actually help or if it’s better to address the case first.

Juvenile court and civil court are different, with juvenile court typically handling cases related to minors, including child support matters. Civil court is where debt collection lawsuits are usually handled. If you’re unsure about the connection between these cases, check the case number on the subpoena and compare it to your child support case. If they are truly connected, you might need to be prepared for how one could affect the other.