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What is a Summons for Debt?

Malcolm Tatum
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,094
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Also known as a debt summons, a summons for debt is a legal document issued by a court of jurisdiction. The contents of this type of civil summons are focused on the claim by a creditor that the debtor owes an outstanding balance on some type of credit or loan account, and has not made due efforts to retire that debt. By seeking the support of the court system, the creditor hopes to recoup the balance of the amount owed, plus other expenses including collection costs and the costs of filing suit in the local court.

When a summons for debt is issued, this means that the creditor has already made the proper contacts with the court and has begun the process of suing to recover the balance owed. For example, a credit card debt summons means that the creditor believes the debtor has not retired the balance of a specific credit card account according to the terms and conditions of the credit agreement, and has resisted attempts by the creditor to collect the past-due balance. As a result, the creditor is seeking assistant from the court to resolve the matter.

The recipient of a summons for debt has the option of proceeding with the civil suit, or attempting to settle the matter through the court. While laws and procedures vary from one jurisdiction to another, the debtor may be able to make arrangements through the court to make installment payments on the debt, or to settle the matter for a reduced amount. In addition, if the debtor has evidence that all or part of the debt is not valid, the court will consider this data and determine what type of redress, if any, is appropriate.

It is important to note that even when a summons for debt has been issued, this does not mean the court has already determined that the debtor is guilty of defaulting on a legitimate debt. This simply means that the creditor has provided enough information to suggest that the court should consider the matter and aid in the resolution. The debtor, as the defendant in the court action, is free to seek legal counsel and to contest the claims of the creditor. If the debtor does in fact prove to the satisfaction of the court that the claimed debt is not legitimate, many jurisdictions will award the debtor damages as a means of defraying the legal costs associated with fighting the legal action. The court may also charge the creditor with absorbing all other court costs in the event that the debtor is cleared of charges noted in the summons for debt.

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Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments
By Talentryto — On Mar 05, 2014

Hiring an attorney could get costly Heavanet. If your sister has the proof that her credit card debt includes fraudulent charges, she may want to try to plead her case on her own. Based on the information that is provided in this article, it sounds like she may have a good chance of proving that the creditors can't make her pay for bad charges, which would probably solve her debt problems.

By Heavanet — On Mar 04, 2014

My sister received a summons for credit card debt, but feels that she does not owe the full amount because of a fraudulent charge. Does anyone have an opinion on whether or not she should attempt to go to court and represent herself, or hire an attorney to represent her case?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
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