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Sued by a Credit Card Company?

Review your summons, service date, applicable court rules, and any orders to determine your response deadline. Do not rely on a general countdown.

Bankruptcy may pause collection litigation and address eligible debts. Exceptions apply; prior dismissed cases may limit or prevent the automatic stay.

What Should You Do After Being Served With a Lawsuit?

If you were recently served with a credit card lawsuit, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

Here are some important steps to consider right away:

1. Do Not Ignore the Lawsuit

Ignoring it may allow the creditor to obtain a default judgment.

2. Check Your Actual Deadline

Review the summons, service date, applicable court rules, and any orders. Ask an attorney promptly if the deadline is unclear.

3. Understand Your Options

Depending on your circumstances, options may include defending the case, negotiating, or seeking bankruptcy relief.

4. Speak With an Attorney

Bring the court papers and tell the office about every pending deadline.

What To Do If You’ve Been Sued for Credit Card Debt

In this short video, attorney Christopher Vonderau explains what happens when creditors file a lawsuit and how options like bankruptcy may help stop collection actions.

You’re Not the Only One Facing This.

Many people being sued by credit card companies are already dealing with:

• Multiple credit card debts
• Collection calls
• Debt buyers purchasing old accounts
• Financial stress

Common companies filing lawsuits include:

  • Capital One

  • Discover

  • Citibank

  • Midland Funding

  • Portfolio Recovery Associates

For many individuals in this situation, bankruptcy provides a way to stop the lawsuits and start over financially.

What Happens If the Credit Card Company Wins?

If a creditor wins the lawsuit, they may be able to obtain a court judgment.

A judgment may allow them to:

• Garnish bank accounts
• Place liens on property
• Add court costs and interest
• Continue collection efforts

Understanding your options early can help prevent these outcomes.

How Bankruptcy May Stop a Credit Card Lawsuit?

Filing generally creates an automatic stay that pauses many collection lawsuits, calls, and other creditor actions.

Exceptions apply. Prior dismissed cases may limit the stay or prevent it from arising. A creditor may seek court permission to resume collection.

Discharge is separate: whether a debt can be eliminated depends on the debt, eligibility, and other legal requirements.

You May Be a Good Candidate for Bankruptcy If:

  •  You are being sued on one or more credit cards

  •  You have multiple debts you cannot pay

  •  Your debt keeps growing despite payments

  •  You are receiving collection calls

  •  You are worried about judgments or garnishment

  • A consultation can help determine whether bankruptcy may help your situation.

Experienced Bankruptcy Help.

Our law office helps individuals and families deal with overwhelming debt and creditor lawsuits.

We understand how stressful it can be to receive a court summons or lawsuit notice.

Our goal is to help you:

• Understand your options
• Stop creditor harassment
• Find a path toward financial stability

What Happens During Your Consultation...

During your consultation we will:

  1. Review the lawsuit

  2. Review your debts and financial situation

  3. Explain whether bankruptcy may help

  4. Discuss your next steps

No pressure. Just clear answers.

Could Bankruptcy Help Stop Your Lawsuit?

Your circumstances matter.

A lawsuit, missed payments, or repeated collection calls may be a reason to discuss your options.

Eligibility depends on income, expenses, assets, debts, prior filings, and other legal requirements. A quiz score or a particular debt amount does not determine whether you qualify.

Bring your court papers and financial information to a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bankruptcy stop a credit card lawsuit?

In many cases, filing bankruptcy creates an automatic stay that stops collection lawsuits and other creditor actions.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you have been served with a credit card lawsuit, there may be strict deadlines to respond. Speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later can help you understand your options.

© 2026 by The Law Offices of Chris Vonderau, PLLC

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

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