Debt defense
Debt Defense for New York Consumers and Businesses
Being sued over a debt does not mean the creditor wins. Many collection cases are filed by debt buyers with incomplete paperwork, past the statute of limitations, or for amounts that do not add up. The worst outcome comes from doing nothing: a default judgment can lead to frozen bank accounts and wage garnishment.
Respond before the deadline
In New York, you generally have 20 days to answer if the summons was handed to you personally and 30 days if it was served another way. Missing the deadline lets the creditor ask for a default judgment. If a judgment was already entered against you without proper notice, it can often be challenged with a motion to vacate.
Defenses that often apply
Under the New York Consumer Credit Fairness Act, most consumer debt suits must be brought within three years. Debt buyers must prove they own the specific account and document the chain of assignment. Other defenses include improper service, wrong amounts, unlawful fees or interest, identity errors, and violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which can also create counterclaims against the collector.
Business debt and personal guarantees
For businesses, we defend lawsuits over equipment leases, lines of credit, vendor accounts, SBA and commercial loans, and merchant cash advances, including claims against owners on personal guarantees. We look for usury, unconscionable terms, and procedural defects that change the leverage.
Settle from strength
Many cases end in a negotiated settlement, lump-sum reduction, or payment plan. Creditors offer better terms once a real defense is on file. Our aim is to resolve the case on terms you can afford and protect your accounts, wages, and credit going forward.
Sued over a debt? Send us the summons today.
Flat-fee matter review. Straight answers, no runaround.