Fort Lauderdale Debt Defense Attorney

Getting sued by a debt collector does not mean you have no way to fight back. You have the right to utilize legal tools to challenge debt collection tactics that cross the line. Talk to a Florida debt defense lawyer from Sharmin & Sharmin P.A. today to find out more about what protections exist and how these cases are handled in court.

How a Fort Lauderdale Debt Defense Attorney Can Help

When you are served with a debt collection lawsuit, it can feel like the walls are closing in. Many people assume there is nothing they can do and that they are stuck paying whatever the collector demands. In reality, there are legal defenses that may reduce what you owe or stop the lawsuit altogether.

Sometimes a debt being taken to court was already resolved through a past settlement or discharged in bankruptcy. If you have paperwork showing the balance was resolved, that can be a powerful defense. Our team uses these records to push back on claims that never should have been filed under Florida’s consumer protection laws.

When to Hire a Debt Collection Defense Attorney

There are times when trying to resolve a debt on your own just does not work. If a collector keeps calling, sues you, or refuses to fix clear errors, legal help may be the only real solution. This is especially true when the amount in question is high or your credit report is on the line.

Active Lawsuits Filed in County or Civil Court

Even if a lawsuit shows up in small claims court, the consequences can follow you for years. You could be looking at wage garnishment, judgments, or liens if the case goes unanswered. When a lawsuit has been filed, your Fort Lauderdale debt defense attorney with Sharmin & Sharmin P.A. can step in on your behalf and help you choose your next move.

Accounts That Were Mistakenly Reported or Mixed

We have seen people sued after being mistakenly reported as deceased or connected to someone else’s debt. In some cases, outdated or merged credit files lead to lawsuits against the wrong person entirely. These are situations where a detailed review and a strong legal response can stop the claim before it moves forward.

Risks of a Debt Collection Lawsuit

If you are dealing with a lawsuit after being sued by a creditor, it can feel like the ground is shifting beneath your feet. What starts as a missed payment can quickly become a judgment that impacts nearly every part of your financial life. 

Many people do not realize how serious these cases can become until they are already facing collection tactics they did not expect. There are many potential risks you could face once a debt collection lawsuit is filed, such as:

• You may face wage garnishment under Florida Statutes § 77.0305 if the court rules against you.
• Your bank accounts can be frozen and partially emptied to satisfy the judgment.
• The debt may appear on your credit report and lead to long-term credit report errors.
• You may be ordered to pay court filing fees and collection-related legal costs.
• The court can place a lien on your home property, or other assets to secure the debt.
• Interest will likely be added to the judgment based on Florida Statutes § 55.03.

These outcomes can unfold faster than most people expect, especially if you ignore the lawsuit or miss important deadlines. Florida law does provide some protection, like the exemption for head of household wages under Florida Statutes § 222.11, but you need to take action to use it. 

Meet With Your Debt Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale About Your Options

You do not have to go through a lawsuit alone, and you may have more defenses than you think. Your debt defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale can help you push back and make sure the collector proves their claim. To speak with your debt defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale about what happens next, contact us and request your free, no-obligation consultation.