Fight Debt! | Live Q&A with Consumer Warrior John Skiba

TL;DR

Consumer Attorney John Skeba discusses strategies for dealing with debt-related issues such as bankruptcy, wage garnishment, and debt collection lawsuits.

Transcript

hey everybody Welcome to Thursday night John skeba here the consumer Warrior YouTube channel uh like we do each and every Thursday night doing a live stream here to talk about all things debt related whether it's bankruptcy wage garnishment debt collection lawsuits all those horrible things we're going to talk about how to deal with them help you p... Read More

Key Insights

• 📜 Proper service of legal documents is crucial in debt-related lawsuits, and improperly served documents can be challenged in court.
• ❓ Negotiating settlements with junk debt buyers can result in significant debt reduction.
• 👮 Statutes of limitations for debt vary by state, and choice of law provisions in contracts may influence which limitations period applies.
• 🏆 Social Security income is generally exempt and not considered for the means test in bankruptcy filings.

Questions & Answers

Q: What can I do if a service processor leaves papers on my door without proper service?

If the service processor's actions do not constitute proper service, you may be able to challenge the validity of the service and seek to vacate any judgment. You will need evidence to prove that the service was improper.

Q: Is settling a debt with a junk debt buyer for 18% considered a win?

Yes, settling a debt for such a low percentage is considered a win. Negotiating a favorable settlement can help you reduce your debt and avoid further legal action.

Q: If I owe money on a credit card with a charged-off status, which statute of limitations applies if I move to a different state with a shorter limitation period?

The statute of limitations that applies may depend on the choice of law provision in the original credit card contract. However, procedural laws, including statute of limitations, are often determined by the jurisdiction where the lawsuit is filed.

Q: Will adding my mother as a co-owner on a car title impact my bankruptcy?

The impact on your bankruptcy will depend on your specific state's laws and exemption limits. It is advisable to consult with an attorney to understand how co-ownership and exemptions could affect your bankruptcy case.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• John Skeba is a bankruptcy and consumer attorney with over 20 years of experience, offering strategies and resources to help individuals deal with debt-related problems.

• He provides information on qualifying for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and discusses the means test and online calculators from Ascend Finance to determine eligibility.

• Skeba also explains the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process and recommends the use of calculators from Ascend Finance to estimate monthly payment plans.

• He addresses questions about service processors, settlements with junk debt buyers, statute of limitations, co-ownership of assets, Social Security income, and choice of law provisions.