A knock at the door, a stack of papers, and suddenly your heart is racing. Getting sued over credit card debt feels terrifying, and for many people it triggers panic rather than a plan. We sat down with attorney Efstathios Georgiou, who spent years on the bank side before defending consumers, to unpack what really happens when a creditor files suit and how to respond before a default judgment steamrolls your finances.
We walk through the lawsuit timeline step by step: service of process, the 20–30 day window to answer, and the cascade that follows if you do nothing. Efstathios explains how judgments enable wage garnishments and bank account freezes, including joint accounts via turnover motions, and why a motion to vacate can reverse the damage when service was improper or life truly got in the way. We dig into the practical differences between debt consolidation, debt settlement, and courtroom defense, when each makes sense, how forgiven balances can trigger taxes, and why a credit score often starts to rebound within months and typically recovers within two years.
You’ll also learn how to request debt validation to pause aggressive collection, spot documentation gaps that reduce claimed balances, and use the statute of limitations to your advantage. We discuss judgment‑proof income like unemployment and disability, and the strong federal protections that shield active‑duty service members from enforcement. Beyond the legal mechanics, we address the emotional toll, shame, stress, and family pressure, and the power of clear education, careful fee review, and reading the fine print before signing any relief program. If you’ve ever wondered what banks don’t tell you, how debt buyers operate, or whether “settled for less than full balance” ruins your future, this conversation offers grounded answers and next steps.
Reach Efstathios here:
www.georgioulawpllc.com
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