Debt With Debt | Live Q&A with Arizona Attorney John Skiba

TL;DR

Consumer attorney John Skiba answers questions about debt collection lawsuits, bankruptcy, and debt settlement strategies.

Transcript

welcome to Thursday night hey all John skiba here on another Thursday night here in the consumer Warrior YouTube channel uh if this is your first time here my name is John skiba I am a bankruptcy and consumer uh protection attorney in the state of Arizona uh I help people who are dealing with serious debt problems debt collection lawsuits uh help d... Read More

Key Insights

• 💼 Debt collection lawsuits can be refiled if the case is dismissed without prejudice.
• 🚙 Secured debts like vehicle loans cannot be discharged in bankruptcy if the consumer wants to keep the collateral.
• 👮 Payments to reputable law firms or collection agencies can be made online or through secure methods, such as prepaid Visa cards or cashier's checks.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can a debt collector sue me again if I get the case dismissed?

Yes, if the case is dismissed without prejudice, the debt collector can refile the lawsuit at a later date. It's important to ensure that the case is dismissed with prejudice in a settlement agreement to prevent further lawsuits.

Q: Can a vehicle loan be discharged in bankruptcy?

No, if you want to keep the car, you must continue making payments on the loan. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can discharge unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills, but not secured debts like vehicle loans.

Q: How should I make payments to a debt collector without compromising my financial information?

If you're dealing with a reputable law firm or collection agency, it's generally safe to pay using their online payment portal or provide your credit card information. Alternatively, you can use prepaid Visa cards or cashier's checks for online or mail-in payments.

Q: How long does the arbitration process typically take in Arizona, and is the decision binding?

Arizona has compulsory arbitration and private arbitration processes. Compulsory arbitration typically takes seven to ten months and is not binding. Private arbitration can be quicker, usually two to four months, and the decision may be binding depending on the process chosen.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• John Skiba is a consumer attorney in Arizona who helps people with debt problems and consumer protection issues.

• In this live Q&A session, he addresses questions about debt collection lawsuits, bankruptcy, and debt settlement.

• Skiba explains that debt collectors can refile a lawsuit if the case is dismissed without prejudice and advises consumers to ensure that the case is dismissed with prejudice in a settlement agreement.

• He also clarifies that vehicle loans are secured debts and cannot be discharged in bankruptcy if the consumer wants to keep the car.