5 Steps to Defend Yourself in a Debt Collection Lawsuit (and the Pitfalls to Avoid)

Meet Your Attorney  

My name is Sam Dehbozorgi, and I’m a California debt relief lawyer. At The Fullman Firm, PC, we don’t dabble in ten different practice areas. We don’t do divorces, car accidents, or business disputes. We do one thing, and we’re obsessed with it: defending people against debt collectors.  

That’s it. That’s our passion. That’s our mission.  

I’ll be honest: I hate how debt collectors operate. They prey on fear, confusion, and the fact that most consumers don’t know the rules. They count on people giving up. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to flipping the script — and why The Fullman Firm has become known for *beating debt collectors at their own game.*  

One of my favorite cases? A debt buyer dragged my client into court thinking they had an easy win. I forced them to trial, their witness didn’t show, and the whole case was dismissed. My client walked out free and clear, I proudly earned my savings-based bonus, and my client gladly paid it because we *won outright.* I take joy in those moments — not just because we beat a collector, but because we gave an everyday consumer the justice they deserved.  

That’s the energy behind everything we do. And here’s how we do it 👇  

👊 Step 1: File an Answer — Don’t Ignore the Lawsuit  

🚨 Pitfall to Avoid: Doing nothing.  

If you ignore the lawsuit or miss the deadline, the debt collector gets a default judgment. That’s their golden ticket to:  

– 💸 Garnish your paycheck  

– 🏦 Freeze your bank accounts  

– 🏠 Slap liens on your property  

Filing an Answer — with the right defenses — protects you, buys you time, and puts you back in control.  

🔍 Step 2: Make Them Prove Their Case  

⚠️ Pitfall to Avoid: Thinking “I probably owe, so I can’t fight.”  

Even if you owe money, the collector must still prove it in court. They need to show they own the debt, the balance is accurate, and the paperwork is clean.  

Here’s the secret: 🕵️ debt buyers often cut corners. If you make them work, you gain leverage to negotiate. And remember — they’re just a business trying to get paid. Disrupt their model, and suddenly you’re the one with power.  

📑 Step 3: Use Discovery the Right Way  

⚠️ Pitfall to Avoid: Ignoring discovery requests.  

Discovery is where lawsuits are won and lost. Most people defending themselves get crushed here because they don’t respond correctly.  

At The Fullman Firm, we flip discovery into a weapon:  

– ✍️ Demand the exact documents they must have to win  

– 🔗 Test the chain of assignment (deadly against debt buyers)  

– ⏳ Make them prove ownership through every hand the debt passed  

When they can’t keep up? 💥 Their case can collapse.  

⚖️ Step 4: Prepare for Trial the Smart Way  

⚠️ Pitfall to Avoid: Assuming it’ll never reach trial.  

Most debt lawsuits are under $35,000, so they’re limited jurisdiction cases. That means special rules and shortcuts. One of the most powerful?  

👉 The California CCP § 96 Demand. It forces debt collectors to reveal their witnesses and evidence before trial. If they miss deadlines or can’t produce the right proof, we can sometimes get the entire case dismissed on the spot.  

That’s exactly how I beat that major debt buyer — no witness, no case. Judge tossed it. Client smiling. Collector walking out with nothing. Those are the wins I live for.  

🏆 Step 5: Leverage Experience and Reputation  

Debt collectors know who we are — and they know our playbook. We keep fees low and tie our success to yours: if we don’t save you money, we don’t make money.  

That reputation alone often tilts negotiations in your favor. And if they push us to trial? Even better. Because nothing gives me more satisfaction than shutting down a collector who thought they had an easy win.  

✨ Why This Matters  

For too long, debt collectors have relied on intimidation and confusion. But with the right defense, you can stop them in their tracks.  

I do this because I love it. I hate how collectors prey on people, and I take real joy in beating them. Every dismissed lawsuit means someone keeps their paycheck, their bank account, and their dignity. That’s what drives me — and that’s what we deliver every day at The Fullman Firm.  

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Collection Lawsuits in California  

What happens if I ignore a debt collection lawsuit?  

If you don’t respond, the debt collector can get a default judgment. That gives them power to garnish wages, levy accounts, and lien property. Ignoring the lawsuit almost always costs more than fighting it.  

Can debt collectors garnish my wages in California?  

Yes — but only after they win a judgment. Even then, wage garnishment is capped at 20% of disposable income. Filing an Answer and defending your case is the best way to prevent or stop it.  

What if I actually owe the debt?  

Doesn’t matter. The collector still has to prove their case. Many debt buyers can’t. By defending, you often gain leverage to settle for far less than what they’re demanding.  

How long do debt collectors have to sue in California?  

Most consumer debts (credit cards, personal loans, medical bills) have a four-year statute of limitations. If it’s older, the lawsuit may be time-barred — and that’s a defense.  

Can I settle after being sued?  

Yes. In fact, many cases settle. But your best shot at a good deal is after you’ve shown the collector you’re not an easy target. That’s when we negotiate big reductions.  

What’s the biggest mistake people make?  

Number one: doing nothing. Number two: trying to defend without knowing discovery and pre-trial rules. That’s how collectors win. With the right help, you can flip the script.  

📞 Take Action Before It’s Too Late  

Being sued by a debt collector can feel overwhelming — but the worst mistake is waiting. If you miss your deadline, they can win a judgment and start garnishing, levying, and liening.  

At The Fullman Firm, we’ve defended thousands of Californians with a proven playbook that:  

– 🚫 Stops garnishments and levies  

– 🔎 Forces collectors to prove their case  

– ⚖️ Uses discovery and pre-trial tactics to your advantage  

– 💰 Negotiates settlements that save clients thousands  

💡 Here’s the difference: we don’t do anything else. We don’t split our focus. We only defend debtors — and we do it with passion. If we don’t save you money, we don’t make money.  

👉 Schedule Your Free Consultation Today  

Call us now at 866-577-3149 or fill out our [contact form] for a free case review.  

Protect your paycheck. Protect your bank account. Protect your peace of mind.