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Auto debt lawsuits in California

If you have auto debt that the creditor claims you did not pay, you may be facing issues with debt collectors or even a lawsuit. The steps shown below give an overview of the typical steps involved in auto debt lawsuits.

Important things to know

You will not go to jail for having an unpaid auto debt or having a judgment against you
You may be able to negotiate and settle your auto debt, often for less than you owe
Another company may have bought your debt from the creditor and this debt buyer may be who is suing you
You may defend your case, and it is up to the creditor debt to prove that you owe the money
If you lose, there are limits as to what the other side can take from you to collect the judgment

OVERVIEW

The process for auto debt lawsuits

This is the typical process for a auto debt case. Select any phase shown below to learn more and get step-by-step instructions for your situation.

Resolve debt before a lawsuit

The creditor may be sending collection notices and making telephone calls, but has not started a court case. At this point, you may be able to resolve the debt or negotiate and avoid a lawsuit.
Decide what to do if you are sued

If the creditor files a suit against you (you received official court papers called a Summons and Complaint) you must decide whether to respond or forfeit your defense.
Respond to a lawsuit

If you decide to defend yourself, you'll respond by filing forms with the court, paying court fees, and informing the other side that you are participating in (or answering) the lawsuit
Prepare for your trial

This is usually the longest part of the process. You'll prepare to defend yourself in court by gathering evidence using a legal process called discovery to get information from the other side.
Go to trial

If the case isn't settled, you'll go to trial. The court will make a decision on the case ending in a judgment in favor of one side or the other.
After the trial

If you do not win the case, the other side will receive a judgment, and will try to collect what you owe.

Auto debt lawsuits in California

Important things to know

Resolve debt before a lawsuit

Decide what to do if you are sued

Respond to a lawsuit

Prepare for your trial

Go to trial

After the trial

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