STOP THE JUDGMENT
1. Beat the 15-Day Clock
You have exactly 15 days from the date you were served to file a “Notice of Intention to Defend.” If you miss this deadline, the court may enter an “Affidavit Judgment” against you without a hearing. Filing this notice forces the creditor to actually prove their case in court. Learn more about what happens if you miss this deadline in our guide to Maryland Default Judgments.
2. Stop Wage Garnishments
If you ignore the lawsuit, the creditor can win by default and garnish up to 25% of your disposable wages. However, by defending the case or negotiating early, we can prevent a judgment from ever reaching your employer’s desk. Curious about how much they can take? Read our breakdown of Maryland Wage Garnishment Laws.
3. Audit the “Chain of Title”
Debt buyers often purchase thousands of accounts for pennies on the dollar and lack the proper paperwork to win. Under Maryland Rule 3-306, we audit their filings for missing assignments or broken chains of ownership. If their paperwork is “thin,” we push for a total dismissal.
4. Negotiate a Settlement or Payment Plan
You don’t always have to “win” in court to save money. Many original creditors (like Amex or Discover) are open to Lump-Sum Settlements for significantly less than you owe, or structured payment plans that fit your current budget. We use our leverage to get you the best possible exit strategy.