Expert: Chris Ebert - 8/12/2009

Question
I recently recieved a letter by a collections agency stating their intent to garnish wages, and seize property If I did call to pay the debt within 5 days. I have never been served a summons, and honestly have not answered the door to someone I think is a process server. The thing is I am unemployed, and have a car but it is not owned free and clear, (I still make monthly payments). I only have $30 in my bank account. My question is, what can they take or garnish? And am I missing a court date that I don't know about since I have not been served? What should I do? I clearly cannot pay the debt. I live in Colorado and not sure of the laws here regarding collection agencies.

Answer
Laura,

I can only answer questions for Texas and California concerning this. I am not sure of the laws of Colorado.

However, you can go to the National Association of Consumer Advocates (www.naca.net) to find a local attorney that can answer these questions.

Good luck.

Chris