Think a judge will “meet you halfway” in court? Think again. In this episode of The Debt Hotline, George is joined by bankruptcy and consumer rights attorney John Skiba, who has helped more than 10,000 families resolve overwhelming debt.
Together, George and John explain why trials are always winner-takes-all, how to avoid risky court outcomes, and the smart steps you can take to negotiate with Cavalry SPV and other collectors before it’s too late. They also take live caller questions covering lawsuits, credit reporting, CareCredit collections, and bankruptcy gone wrong.
Sued for debt? Use Solo to resolve it: https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast
Solo's Dancin' in September Debt Payoff Giveaway: Enter for a chance to win $4,700 to help pay off your debt at https://www.solosuit.com/giveaway?utm_source=podcast
In this week’s episode of The Debt Hotline, you’ll learn:
- Why judges don’t split the difference in debt cases (it’s all or nothing)
- How Cavalry SPV works as a debt buyer (and how to verify what you owe)
- Why filing an answer is your strongest defense
- How to protect yourself with written settlement agreements
- What “dismissed with prejudice” really means for your credit report
- When bankruptcy may (or may not) be the right path forward
Real caller stories include:- Jenna (Texas): Sued by Cavalry for $2,700 but unable to afford the court-offered payment plan
- Dana (Oklahoma): Sued by a credit union while Chase offers a $1,400 settlement on the same account
- Mina (California): Collector missed court twice—can she clear the case from her credit?
- Tamara (Georgia): Stuck after her prepaid legal attorney abandoned her $800 CareCredit lawsuit
- Ron (Missouri): Paid for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy that was never filed—now facing multiple lawsuits
Key insights:- Settlement gives you more control than trial, where the stakes are all-or-nothing
- Judgments can lead to garnishments, liens, and levies depending on your state
- Not all dismissals are equal—with prejudice can protect you from future collection
- Bankruptcy exemptions vary widely by state and may determine whether you keep your home
The bottom line:
If you’ve been sued for debt, don’t wait for a judge to cut you a deal—it won’t happen. Your best move is to settle before trial, keep control of the outcome, and protect your financial future.
To submit a question to The Debt Hotline:
