Cobro de Deudas como la Tarjeta de Crédito y las Deudas Médicas

Una deuda no asegurada es una deuda que no está garantizada por una propiedad. Esta propiedad se denomina garantía. Las deudas de tarjetas de crédito y los préstamos médicos son normalmente deudas no garantizadas. La única forma en que un acreedor puede cobrarle una deuda no garantizada es demandandolo en la corte. Esto es diferente de la deuda garantizada. Una deuda garantizada puede ser un préstamo sobre el valor neto de la vivienda, un préstamo para el carro o un préstamo sobre el título de la propiedad. Si tiene una deuda garantizada, su acreedor podrá quitarle sus bienes sin necesidad de acudir a la corte. Este artículo sólo trata de la deuda no garantizada.

¿Qué puedo hacer si no puedo pagar mi deuda no garantizada?

Puede llamar a su acreedor e intentar establecer un plan de pago alternativo. Acudir a la corte es caro y lleva mucho tiempo. Muchos acreedores preferirían establecer un plan de pago adecuado para usted. Esto les ahorra el tiempo y el costo de acudir a la corte. Si llega a un acuerdo sobre un plan de pago alternativo, asegúrese de obtener ese plan por escrito. Tener el plan por escrito le ayudará si en el futuro tiene problemas con su acreedor.

Todavía puede haber tiempo para establecer un plan de pago alternativo. Muchos acreedores prefieren establecer un plan de pago alternativo y evitar llevar el caso a la corte. Si crea un nuevo plan de pago, asegúrese de obtenerlo por escrito. Si no consigue un pago alternativo entonces tendrá que acudir a la corte. Primero deberá presentar una respuesta.

An answer is a response to the lawsuit your creditor has served you with. You will need to file an answer with the clerk of court. You will normally have 20 days after your creditor serves you with a lawsuit to file your answer. You may have more or less days to file an answer if you are appearing before a tribal court or a court in another state. We have an interactive answer form as well as a write-in-the-blank form you can use.  You may also want to set up an advice appointment with Montana Legal Services by calling the Helpline at 1-800-666-6899 or applying online. You can also get help by visiting the state law library website. Your clerk of court may also have sample answer forms that you can use.

What happens after I file an answer?

Next you will have a hearing in court. You should have a notice telling you when your court date will be. Be sure to show up at least 15 minutes early. If you skip your hearing or show up late, then the judge may issue a default judgment against you. If there is a default judgment against you, then your creditor may be able to take money out of your paycheck or bank account without even telling you first.

You will need to bring your payment history, contract, and any documentation showing that you have tried to pay your debt. You can bring any other documents that you think might help. You may want to call the Montana Legal Services Helpline at 1-800-666-6899 to set up an advice appointment before going to court.

The judge may rule for you or against you. If the judge rules against you then he may allow the creditor to take money out of your bank account. He may also allow your creditor to garnish your wages. This means that your creditor would get money directly from your paycheck. In a worst case scenario your creditor could take 25% of your wages.

There are laws in Montana that protect certain income and property from some types of creditors and debt collectors even if they have a judgment. Our resource 19 Things a Debt Collector Cannot Take has more information.

This can happen. If you think your creditor is taking money that he is not supposed to you should call the Montana Legal Services Helpline at 1-800-666-6899.