Experienced Philadelphia Debt Defense Attorneys

The Philadelphia debt defense attorneys at Harborstone Law represent individuals and businesses facing creditor lawsuits, aggressive collections, and other debt issues. Has a creditor sued you or threatened a lawsuit? We help Pennsylvania debtors fight lawsuits, eliminate debt, restructure debt, and protect their assets through a variety of legal strategies. Generally, we handle debt defense cases where the debt is over $12,000.

What is Debt Defense?

"Debt defense" (sometimes called "debtor defense") refers to defending a debt collection lawsuit, but you do not need to wait to be sued to ask for help. Our Philadelphia debtor defense attorneys may be able to help you well before your creditors file lawsuits. Here are some of the things our debt defense lawyers can do for you:

• Evaluate Your Debts: We review the details of your debts, including the creditor's chain of title, the amount claimed, and any related documentation, to determine if you have defenses to the claims or counterclaims. Then, we'll advise you on your options and develop a game plan for dealing with the creditors.
• Defend You Against Lawsuits and Represent You in Court: If a creditor or debt collector sues you for non-payment, our attorneys will represent you in Pennsylvania local, state, and federal courts. We will raise all applicable defenses such as improper service of the lawsuit, Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations, errors in the debt calculation, breach of contract, waiver, modification, etc.

Quick Note: Most debt lawsuits under $12,000 in the Philadlephia region are filed in Philadlephia Municipal Court or in a county's Magisterial District Court. Lawsuits seeking more than $12,000 are filed in Common Pleas Court.

• Demand Validation and Verification of Your Debts: We don't take a creditor's word for it. Our lawyers regularly demand that creditors prove the balance, interest rate, payment history, and other aspects of our client's debts. If we find potential issues, we can challenge the validity of your debts in court or directly with the creditor.
• Negotiate with Your Creditors - Debt Settlement: We will negotiate with your creditors to reduce balances, lower interest rates, set up or extend payment plans, or otherwise settle debts on terms more favorable to you.
• Draft and Review Documents: We have decades of experience drafting and reviewing court pleadings, discovery, contracts, settlement agreements, and other documents related to debt defense and debt settlement. We'll ensure that the documents in your case, including any settlement agreements, protect your interests.
• Protect You Against Unfair Collection Practices and Harassment:  We use the power of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Unfair Trade Practices Act (UFTPA), and other consumer protection statutes to defend our clients against unfair or abusive debt collection practices.
• Protect You Against Unfair Credit Reporting:  When a creditor or debt collector reports false information on your credit report, our attorneys will pursue claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and hold them accountable

Quick Note: We are consumer and business debt attorneys. Our clients include individuals, small businesses, and business owners who are dealing with most types of debt, including credit cards, personal loans, business loans, tax debt, medical debt, mortgage foreclosures, SBA loans, U.S. treasury lawsuits, etc.

• Determine if Filing for Bankruptcy Is an Option in Your Case: Because we are both bankruptcy lawyers and debt litigators, we can advise you on whether filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another chapter is advisable. (Even if you prefer to defend or settle debt matters, knowing whether you qualify for bankruptcy can give you a strong bargaining chip in debt negotiations.)
• Protect Your Assets: Regardless of your approach to debt, our attorneys can advise you on legal means of protecting your assets.

If you are facing creditor and debt collector lawsuits and aggressive collection, consider speaking to an experienced Philadelphia debt defense attorney to review your options.