Sued by a debt collector?
Take a breath — you're not stuck.
Most people never respond to a debt lawsuit — and lose by default, which opens the door to garnished wages and a frozen account. You don't have to be one of them. You have options — start with a free case review and see exactly where you stand.
- ✓ Free, no obligation
- ✓ Reviewed by a California attorney
- ✓ We handle the court filing
Start your free case review
Tell us what you were served with. A licensed California attorney reviews it and lays out your options — free, no obligation.
Got it — we're on it.
A California attorney will review your case and reach out shortly. If your deadline is close, call (424) 351-1371 now.
Why responding matters
Doing nothing is how you lose.
A debt-collection lawsuit doesn't go away on its own. What you do in the first few weeks decides how it ends.
If you ignore it
- • The court enters a default judgment — you lose without a fight.
- • The collector can garnish up to 25% of your wages.
- • Your bank account can be frozen or levied.
- • A lien can attach to your property.
If we respond for you
- • The default judgment is off the table.
- • Now they have to prove the debt — many can't.
- • We raise defenses like the statute of limitations and missing documentation.
- • From there, your attorney negotiates the balance down.
How it works
A California attorney, from answer to resolution.
Free case review
Tell us who's suing you, the amount, and your court date or deadline. A California attorney reviews it — free, no obligation.
We stop the default judgment
We prepare and file your Answer with the court so you don't lose automatically. No attorney fee for this step — you only cover the court's filing fee, and we'll help you waive it if you qualify.
We negotiate the debt down
Now that the collector actually has to litigate, your attorney works to get the case dismissed or the balance settled for less than they sued you for.
You pay only when we get a result
$0 to start. One flat $500 — and only when we lock in a documented result: the case dismissed, a settlement or affordable payment plan secured, or the collection closed. Never more than $500 total, no matter how many debts. No result, no fee.
The deal
$0 today. $500 only when we get you a result.
You put a card on file and pay nothing today. We file your Answer at no attorney cost — you just cover the court's filing fee (we'll help you waive it if you qualify). You pay one flat $500 only when we lock in a documented result — the lawsuit dismissed, a settlement or affordable monthly plan secured, or the collection closed before it becomes a lawsuit. Never more than $500 total, no matter how many debts. No result, no fee.
The math, plainly:
Say you're sued for $8,000. We keep you out of a default judgment and turn it into a settlement or a monthly payment you can actually afford, with the case dismissed once it's resolved. Whatever you work out with the collector, our fee is just $500 — and only once that result is locked in. No result, no fee.Why an attorney
Not a settlement company. Not a form you fill out alone.
Debt-settlement companies tell you to stop paying — which is what gets you sued in the first place — and then they can't defend you in court, because they aren't a law firm. DIY tools hand you a form and leave you on your own against the collector's lawyers.
Here, a licensed California attorney steps in for the whole fight: files your Answer, deals with opposing counsel, raises your defenses, and negotiates the number down — with the leverage that only comes from actually being able to take the case to court.
Don't wait — the clock is running.
If you've been served, you usually have about 30 days to respond. Get your free case review now, or call and talk it through — free, no obligation.
Your information is confidential. There's no cost and no obligation for the case review.
Common questions
What happens if I ignore the lawsuit? +
If you don't respond by your deadline, the court can enter a default judgment against you — which can lead to wage garnishment, a frozen bank account, or a lien. Most people never respond and lose this way. Filing an Answer on time is the single most important step, and it's the first thing we do.
How much does it cost? +
$0 to start — you put a card on file but we charge nothing today. We prepare and file your Answer at no attorney cost; you only cover the court's filing fee (often around $225, waivable if you qualify, which we'll help with). You pay one flat $500 only when we lock in a documented result — the case dismissed, a settlement or affordable payment plan secured, or the collection closed. Never more than $500 total, no matter how many debts. No result, no fee.
How do you get paid if I'm already being sued for money? +
You put a card on file when we begin and pay nothing up front. We charge the flat $500 only when we deliver a documented result — a dismissal, a settlement or payment-plan agreement, or the collection closed. Before we ever charge, we send you the document proving it. If we don't get you a result, you owe us nothing, and you'll never pay more than $500 total. Short installments are available so it fits your budget.
What if I haven't been sued yet — just calls and letters? +
Then we can often get ahead of it. A California attorney sends a formal demand requiring the collector to prove they own the debt and have the right to collect — many can't, and the account gets closed or withdrawn. Same deal: $0 to start, and the flat $500 only if we get you a documented result.
What if my debt is old? +
In California the statute of limitations on most written-contract debt is generally four years. A debt sued on after that window is 'time-barred' — a strong defense your attorney can raise in the Answer. We check this in your free review.
Do I have to go to court? +
Often, no. Many debt cases resolve through the written Answer and negotiation without a contested hearing. If your case does require an appearance, your California attorney handles it.
Is this a law firm? +
Yes. In California, these cases are handled by Lion Legal, P.C., a California law firm — a licensed California attorney represents you and communicates with the collector on your behalf. (That's different from a debt-settlement company, which is not a law firm and cannot step into court for you.)
Attorney advertising. California legal services on this page are provided by Lion Legal, P.C., a California law firm (principal office: Los Angeles, California). This page is attorney advertising and is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until you sign a written engagement agreement. Representation is available only for debt-collection lawsuits filed in California courts. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome; every case is different, and we cannot promise any particular result. The flat fee described is separate from court filing fees and from any amount you agree to pay to settle a debt. Fees are governed by a written fee agreement.