Bank Of America Is Suing You For Credit Card Debt: What To Do

Getting sued by Bank of America for credit card debt is stressful and overwhelming. You need to know that you have options and rights when going through this process. This article explains what to do when Bank of America is suing you for credit card debt.

Understanding the Legal Process

If Bank of America takes legal action against you for unpaid credit card debt, they will follow these steps:

• Filing a complaint: Bank of America will complain to the court about your debt and their claim against you. This document will show how much is owed and why, and what they want as a solution. It’s usually paying back the debt plus fees and interest.
• Serving the summons: You’ll get a summons – a legal paper that tells you about the lawsuit and what to do next. The summons will include a deadline for your response, usually 20 to 30 days from the date of service.
• Responding to the complaint: Filing a response with the court before the deadline in the summons is important. This response is called an answer. If you don’t respond, Bank of America could win by default, meaning they get what they asked for in court.
• Discovery: Once you submit your answer, both sides will start the discovery phase. This is where they can ask for and share relevant proof and information related to the case. This may include interrogatories (written questions), requests for the production of documents, and depositions (oral testimony under oath).
• Negotiation or trial: You might be able to discuss a solution with Bank of America while or after finding out information. If an agreement cannot be made, the case will go to trial. During the trial, a judge or jury will decide what will happen.

Negotiating a Settlement

If Bank of America is suing you for credit card debt, you can try to resolve the debt by reaching an agreement with the bank. You can pay a reduced amount or create a payment plan. Here are some tips for negotiating a settlement:

• Assess your financial situation: Before entering negotiations, have a clear understanding of your financial situation and what you can realistically afford to pay. You need to show proof of your money, spending, and things you own if you want to back up your claim.
• Communicate with Bank of America: Reach out to Bank of America’s legal department or their attorney to discuss the possibility of a settlement. Be truthful about your financial situation. Also, mention any situations that made it hard for you to pay off the debt completely.
• Make a reasonable offer: When suggesting how much to pay, choose an affordable amount you can pay at once or in installments. You need to be ready to negotiate and flexible. However, it’s also important to be firm in your limits. This ensures you don’t agree to a deal that’s too expensive for you.
• Get the agreement in writing: When settling with Bank of America, write down the terms and have both parties sign it. This will serve as proof of the agreement and protect you from any future claims related to the debt.

Defending Your Case in Court

If you are unable to negotiate a settlement with Bank of America, you may need to defend your case in court. This process might be complex and need an attorney who knows credit card debt defense. Here are some strategies to consider when defending your case in court:

• Challenge the validity of the debt: Sometimes, debt can be invalid. This could be because there are mistakes in the original credit card agreement or the account records are wrong. There’s also a chance that the statute of limitations has passed. If you can prove that the debt is invalid, the court may dismiss the case.
• Dispute the amount claimed: Bank of America might be asking for more money than they should, with charges that are not allowed by the law. If you prove that the claimed amount is wrong, the court may lower the judgment given against you.