Co-signing a Loan - Facts for Consumers
What would you do if a friend or relative asked you to cosign a loan? Before you answer, make sure you understand what cosigning involves. Under federal law, creditors are required to give you a notice that explains your obligations. This site includes that notice and other information.
Dangers of Co-Signing a Loan
Should I co-sign a loan? What happens when I co-sign? If I decide to co-sign despite the risks, what should I do? This document answers these questions.
Dealing with Debt Collection Harrassment
If you are being harrassed by debt collectors, you should consider taking one or more of the eight steps in this brochure. Also in Spanish/Español (You must have a PDF reader on your computer to open this document. To get Adobe’s PDF Reader, click on the Get Adobe Reader icon to download.)
Debt Collection
What can I do if I don't have enough money to pay all I owe? What can the creditor do if I cannot pay? What if my bill is turned over to a debt collector? Answers to these questions and more are in this document.
Debt Collection Videos
If you have received court papers from someone who says you owe them money, these videos explain what to expect.
Executions
If you owe money to a person or business and cannot pay, they will try to collect. If a creditor sues you and gets a court judgment, the creditor may have the right to execute against your property. This document explains how a creditor does this and what you can do to protect your property.
Fair Debt Collection Practices
If you use credit cards, owe money on a personal loan or are paying on a home mortgage, you are a "debtor." If you fall behind in making payments, a "debt collector" may call or write to you. Federal law says debt collectors must treat you fairly. This document explains how you are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Repossessions
If you bought something on credit or put up something you own as collateral, the creditor may have the right to repossess it. Cars are often repossessed. We use a car as an example for repossessions and answer questions about what you can do.
Save Those Papers!
In order to protect your rights, you may need to use papers others have given you. This fact sheet tells you what papers you should save.
Wage Garnishments
This fact sheet explains when someone can garnish your paycheck. It also explains what you can do to stop the garnishment.
What You Should Know About Debt Collection
This fact sheet provides a summary of your rights when dealing with debt collectors and some guidelines for determining what debts should be given priority in a financial crisis. Even when you do not have the money to pay your bills, you do not have to be subjected to collector pressure tactics.
Debt Collection Videos
If you have received court papers from someone who says you owe them money, these videos explain what to expect.
Don't Miss Out!!! Take Advantage of All the Benefits Available to You
Should you be getting child support? Do you qualify for food stamps? Can your children get free or low-cost health insurance? Can you get a lower telephone bill? Do you need help filing your income taxes? Read this for information about 10 often-overlooked benefits available to many low-income people.
Answer to Complaint
PS-19: Do NOT use this form for Evictions OR Divorces. If you are being sued, a Plaintiff listed you in the Complaint. If you disagree with the Plaintiff's claims, you MUST fill out and deliver this Answer by the deadline. You must also tell the court how you want to handle the case. Please read the form for more information.