Dealing with Debt in 2022 | Live Q&A

TL;DR

Attorney John Skiba provides tips and strategies for dealing with serious debt problems in a live Q&A session.

Transcript

hey everybody uh welcome to thursday night john skiba here from the consumer warrior youtube channel and uh like we try to do each and every thursday evening uh we do this live stream where we do q a about debt related topics whether it's bankruptcy debt collection lawsuits wage garnishment or all those other horrible things out there uh each and e... Read More

Key Insights

• 🪈 You generally cannot go to jail for not paying your debts, but failing to comply with court orders can result in a civil arrest warrant.
• 💳 Chapter 7 bankruptcies can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, but their impact on your credit score may subside after 18 months to three years.
• 🐕‍🦺 Obtaining a copy of the complaint from the courthouse does not count as proper service in a legal case.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you go to jail for not paying your debts?

In general, you will not go to jail for not paying your debts. However, failing to comply with specific court orders, such as appearing for a judgment debtor's exam, could lead to a civil arrest warrant and possible jail time.

Q: How long does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years from the date the case is filed. However, its negative impact on your credit score may vary and typically lasts between 18 months and three years.

Q: Can I get a copy of the complaint from the courthouse to consider myself served?

No, obtaining a copy of the complaint from the courthouse does not count as being served. The opposing side must serve you with a process server or provide an acceptance of service document for it to be considered proper service.

Q: What should I do if I receive a complaint for an account I have never seen?

If you genuinely have no knowledge or information about the alleged account, you can deny the allegations or state that you lack sufficient information to admit or deny them. It is crucial to be honest and accurate in your response.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Attorney John Skiba hosts a weekly live stream on the Consumer Warrior YouTube channel, offering advice on bankruptcy, debt collection, lawsuits, and wage garnishment.

• Skiba clarifies that he is a licensed attorney in Arizona and recommends consulting an attorney in your state for specific legal advice.

• He explains the possibility of going to jail for not paying debts and clarifies that it usually occurs when individuals fail to comply with specific court orders.

• Skiba discusses how a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years from the date the case is filed.