Facing significant debt obligations? You don’t have to face creditors alone.
When you’re behind on payments, creditors send endless letters, make persistent phone calls, and may take legal action. The Fullman Firm stands between you and aggressive collection efforts, protecting your rights while giving you room to breathe.
Ready to stop the calls and letters?
Call us now for a free consultation: 877.227.2872
How We Shield You From Creditors
Think of it like having a criminal defense attorney. Once you’re represented by counsel, law enforcement cannot question you without your attorney present. Your lawyer protects your interests.
Debt defense works the same way. Federal and California laws prohibit creditors and debt collectors from contacting you once you’ve retained an attorney. All communication goes through us. This protects you from:
- Being pressured into unfavorable agreement terms
- Saying something that strengthens their case against you
- Making payments you cannot afford
- Dealing with ongoing calls and letters
The Fullman Firm becomes your legal shield—what we call debt protection.
Our Legal Defense Services Cover These Situations
We represent consumers and small businesses who:
Cannot afford creditor demands – Including proposed payment plans that strain your budget
Need funds for essential expenses – When limited income must go toward groceries, rent, and necessities
Have debts past the statute of limitations – California’s four-year limit may mean creditors cannot pursue legal action
Question the validity of the debt – The debt may not be yours, was already paid, or involves a fraudulent collector
Face unfair collection practices – When collectors use deceptive or unlawful tactics
We’ll examine your specific situation below.
When You Cannot Afford Or Choose Not To Pay
Here’s what many people don’t know: Even when creditors contact you demanding payment, the law may not require you to pay.
If you receive VA disability benefits or Social Security income, creditors generally cannot access these protected funds. If you own no other property, there’s little a creditor can legally do. We may advise preserving these funds for food and essential expenses rather than paying old debts.
That doesn’t stop creditors from contacting you—but our legal defense services can.
California’s Statute of Limitations On Debts
Many debts have passed California’s four-year statute of limitations. Once expired, creditors may no longer pursue payment through the courts.
Our firm will determine whether your debt has expired and inform creditors they cannot pursue legal action. You may choose not to pay unless credit rating concerns are important to you.
When You Don’t Owe the Debt – Or You’re Uncertain
Don’t speak with collectors until you call us.
Creditors make mistakes. You may not owe the debt, the amount may be wrong, or the collector may be fraudulent. But if you make even a partial payment, the creditor assumes the debt is valid and demands the full balance.
Whether you don’t owe it, dispute the amount, or simply don’t know—let our legal defense services investigate before you respond.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
We use both federal and California law to stop collection tactics that violate your rights. When a creditor learns you have legal representation:
- They’re far less likely to use aggressive tactics
- They may transfer the debt rather than pursue collection
- We can advocate for fair legal outcomes
- If they sue, we defend your rights in court
We inform collectors clearly: We represent you, and we will take legal action if your rights are violated.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I do if I receive a summons in California?
Act immediately, you have only 30 days to respond. Contact The Fullman Firm for a free case evaluation. Ignoring legal papers leads to default judgment, allowing wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens. Our California attorneys will file a proper response and defend your rights.
Key actions: Respond within 30 days • Don’t ignore papers • Free consultation available • Prevent default judgment
What happens if I ignore a collection lawsuit?
Ignoring a lawsuit results in automatic default judgment. The collection company can then: garnish up to 25% of your wages, freeze and take money from your bank accounts, and place liens on your property. The Fullman Firm can prevent this by defending you properly. Even with an existing default judgment, we may vacate it and reopen your case.
Consequences: Default judgment • Wage garnishment • Bank levies • Property liens
Can collection companies take money from my paycheck in California?
Yes, but only after winning a court judgment. They can garnish up to 25% of your disposable earnings. The Fullman Firm can defend you before judgment occurs or challenge existing garnishments. California law provides strong protections against excessive wage garnishment.
California limits: 25% maximum • Must have judgment first • Some income protected • Head of household exemptions available
Can they freeze my bank account?
Yes, after obtaining a judgment. However, certain funds are protected under California law including Social Security, disability, unemployment, and pensions. The Fullman Firm can fight bank levies, help you claim exemptions, and challenge the underlying judgment.
Protections: Social Security exempt • Disability exempt • Unemployment protected • Can claim exemptions within 10 days
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a collection lawsuit?
The Fullman Firm offers affordable flat-fee pricing with flexible payment plans through ClientCredit. Checking eligibility doesn’t affect your credit. Most clients save far more than our fees cost, we regularly settle for 20-40 cents on the dollar or get cases dismissed entirely.
Benefits: Flat fees • Payment plans available • Often save more than legal costs • Free consultation
What is the statute of limitations in California?
Four years for most financial claims from the last payment date. If sued after this expires, you have a complete defense, but you must raise it properly in court. The Fullman Firm can determine if your case is time-barred. Note: making a payment can restart the clock.
California limits: 4 years for most claims • Must raise as defense • Payment restarts clock • Applies from last activity
Can a default judgment be reversed?
Often, yes. California allows default judgments to be vacated if you were never properly served, have a valid defense, or proper procedures weren’t followed. Time limits apply, so act quickly. The Fullman Firm has successfully vacated numerous defaults for California consumers.
Grounds to vacate: Improper service • Valid defense • Procedural errors • Time limits apply
What are my rights under California consumer protection laws?
California’s Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you the right to: be free from harassment, demand proof of claims, dispute inaccurate information, stop collection calls, and sue for violations. Certain income is protected from garnishment. The Fullman Firm specializes in using these laws to defend consumers.
Key protections: Anti-harassment • Right to demand proof • Income exemptions • Can sue for violations • Stop contact rights
How quickly should I call after receiving legal papers?
Immediately. You have only 30 days to respond, this deadline is strict and unforgiving. Missing it means automatic default judgment. The sooner you contact us, the more options we have to defend you. Our free consultation helps you understand your options without obligation.
Timeline: 30 days to respond • Strict deadline • Free consultation • More options with early action
TAKE ACTION NOW
Don’t face collection companies alone. California law protects you, but only if you act fast.
CALL 877.227.2872 NOW
Free case evaluation • Immediate guidance •
The Fullman Firm – Over 10 years defending California consumers • Thousands helped • Five-star rated • Statewide service
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.