This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Debt Collection & Repossession issues in Pennsylvania.
Debt Collection Practices
There are state and federal laws to protect people from debt collectors who use unfair, abusive, or deceptive practices. These laws do not excuse you from paying your debts, but they do protect you from improper collection practices. Continue Reading Full Resource. . .
Repossessions
When you owe money to a bank, finance company, or seller (the creditor), often the creditor has a security interest in some of your property. This property is called collateral. The security interest gives the creditor the right to take back (repossess) that property if you ever fail to make a payment .Continue Reading Full Resource. . .
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Consumer Alert: What Pennsylvanians Need to Know about the New Debt Collection Regulations Set to Take Effect 11/30/21
The first comprehensive federal debt collection regulations interpreting the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) take effect November 30, 2021. With the new regulations set to take effect in the coming days, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, through this Consumer Alert, is encouraging Pennsylvanians to learn their legal rights when it comes to debt collection, and to carefully examine the conduct of debt collectors to make sure they are acting in compliance with federal and state laws.
Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot (CODI) [Philadelphia Municipal Court - ONLY]
Codi (Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot) will help you understand your debt collection case in Philadelphia Municipal Court. Codi will ask questions about your situation so it can give you accurate information. You may be asked for information that’s on a paper you got from the court. If so, Codi will tell you how to find that information. Based on your answers, Codi will: (1) Explain any court forms you have; (2) Create personalized information about your case; (3) Give information about how to prepare for court; and (4) Provide general information about debt collection cases. PLEASE NOTE: Codi is not a person or a lawyer. It does not give you legal advice. Codi cannot take any actions for you. It does not store your information and none of your answers are saved or given to the court.
Creditor Lawsuits Handbook
This Handbook from North Penn Legal Services is for people dealing with creditor lawsuits, including information on such suits and common defenses.
Helping Clients Explore Their Personal Finance Rights (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers this prerecorded webinar, in four short modules, to help consumers know their rights and call out potential violations. (2022) The modules include: Module 1: Consumer Rights [18:21]; Module 2: Credit and Housing Rights [16:14]; Module 3: Financial Products and Identify Theft Rights [15:59]; and Module 4: How to Submit a Complaint or Tell your Story [10:06]
New Rights for Buy Now, Pay Later Purchases
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information for consumers on their rights when using “buy now, pay later” options from companies such as Klarna, AfterPay, Sezzle, Affirm, Splitit, and PayPal. (December 2024)
Protecting you from unlawful debt collection at work
This blog post from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains your rights when debt collectors use aggressive tactics, including contacting you at work. Contacting you at work can be illegal and can threaten your employment or put pressure on you to pay debts even if you don’t actually owe them. (January 02, 2025)
What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers tips on what to do when you are contacted by a debt collector seeking payment. (2019)
Your Credit Card Rights
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information on consumer rights relating to the use of credit cards. This includes the types of disputes that might occur with a credit card company and how to resolve those disputes. (August 2016)
Appealing the Magisterial District Justice Judgment
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on appealing a Magisterial District Justice judgment, including how to appeal a judgment for possession.
Bringing Suit Before a Magisterial District Judge
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] (09/2020)
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
In Pennsylvania, people can bring lawsuits against individuals or businesses by filing a complaint at the office of a Magisterial District Judge. The District Judge was formerly called a District Justice Magistrate or Justice of the Peace. The advantage of filing with a District Judge is that the system can work well without attorneys. The District Judge can hear cases in which there is $12,000.00 or less at issue. This provides information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court. Revised: November 2018.
The District Justice Hearing: North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial district Judge in a landlord-tenant case, followed by a panel discussion featuring several judges describing some best practices for you to use at your hearing, as well as some things to avoid. The process in the video is typical of any civil case brought before a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot (CODI) [Philadelphia Municipal Court - ONLY]
Codi (Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot) will help you understand your debt collection case in Philadelphia Municipal Court. Codi will ask questions about your situation so it can give you accurate information. You may be asked for information that’s on a paper you got from the court. If so, Codi will tell you how to find that information. Based on your answers, Codi will: (1) Explain any court forms you have; (2) Create personalized information about your case; (3) Give information about how to prepare for court; and (4) Provide general information about debt collection cases. PLEASE NOTE: Codi is not a person or a lawyer. It does not give you legal advice. Codi cannot take any actions for you. It does not store your information and none of your answers are saved or given to the court.
Lancaster County Consumer Credit Card Diversion Program
Have you been sued by a creditor to collect a credit card debt? Are you a creditor seeking to collect a credit card debt? The Lancaster County Credit Card Diversion Program (“Program”) is a joint effort between public and private sector entities to address the increase in credit card lawsuits filed in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The primary goal of the Program is to help Lancaster County residents through use of free credit counselors and Court-supervised conciliation conferences to resolve credit card collection lawsuits.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Forms Center
Forms available from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
Federal Court Finder
Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Automobile Repossession
Most people finance the purchase of their truck or automobile. In most cases, the consumer enters into a loan agreement which allows the consumer to pay for the vehicle over time and gives the lender a "security interest" in the vehicle. The security interest gives the lender the right to repossess the vehicle if the consumer breaches the agreement with the lender. This provides information from the Erie County Bar Association on your rights regarding the repossession of your vehicle. August 22, 2018.
Motor Vehicle Repossessions: Consumer Debt Advice from NCLC
When buying a car on credit, you almost always must put up the car as collateral for the loan. Sometimes consumers also use their cars as collateral for an unrelated small loan. If your car is collateral for a loan and you get behind on your payments or violate other loan terms, you risk the immediate repossession of your car. The focus of this article from the National Consumer Law Center is on motor vehicle repossession including limits on self-help repossessions, ten strategies to prevent repossessions, six steps to take after your car is repossessed, and advice on responding to the creditor’s demand for additional payment even after the repossession. (June 2018)
Repossessions
When you owe money to a bank, finance company, or seller (the creditor), often the creditor has a security interest in some of your property. This property is called collateral. The security interest gives the creditor the right to take back (repossess) that property if you ever fail to make a payment. This is information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on a creditors' right to repossess your property.
What can I do if my car is repossessed with my personal belongings in it?
Even if your car has been repossessed, you have rights including the right to get your personal belongings back. You also have options available to try and obtain the return of the vehicle itself, including paying off the amount due, making a new loan agreement with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy to get rid of the debt. This information from the Upsolve Learning Center explains these options. Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free.
Appealing the Magisterial District Justice Judgment
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on appealing a Magisterial District Justice judgment, including how to appeal a judgment for possession.
Collection Procedures Under Pennsylvania Law
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on the process of filing a lawsuit in Magisterial District Justice court and on collection procedures in Pennsylvania once a judgment is entered in the case.
Creditor Harassment and Dealing With Debt Collectors
Information from Northwestern Legal Services on creditor harassment and dealing with debt collectors - what they are allowed to do and what they aren't allowed to do. Date Revised: October 2018
Creditor Lawsuits Handbook
This Handbook from North Penn Legal Services is for people dealing with creditor lawsuits, including information on such suits and common defenses.
Debt Collection Practices
There are state and federal laws to protect people from debt collectors who use unfair, abusive, or deceptive practices. These laws do not excuse you from paying your debts, but they do protect you from improper collection practices. This provides information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on debt collection practices used against consumers.
Harassment from Bill Collectors
Informational Brochure from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on the Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act which prohibits unfair debt collection activities by creditors.
How to Appeal From District Justice Court
Self-Help Booklet from MidPenn Legal Services which provides information on how to appeal a district justice court decision.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
In Pennsylvania, people can bring lawsuits against individuals or businesses by filing a complaint at the office of a Magisterial District Judge. The District Judge was formerly called a District Justice Magistrate or Justice of the Peace. The advantage of filing with a District Judge is that the system can work well without attorneys. The District Judge can hear cases in which there is $12,000.00 or less at issue. This provides information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Magisterial District Courts
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on the operation of Magisterial District Courts in Pennsylvania.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court. Revised: November 2018.
Overwhelmed by Debts?
Many people ask for legal advice because they are in debt and can't pay their bills. This brochure from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network summarizes what creditors can do to a person in that situation. Revised 12/22.
Philadelphia Property Taxes: Frequently Asked Questions
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on issues related to Philadelphia Real Estate Taxes. [PDF]
Repossessions
When you owe money to a bank, finance company, or seller (the creditor), often the creditor has a security interest in some of your property. This property is called collateral. The security interest gives the creditor the right to take back (repossess) that property if you ever fail to make a payment. This is information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on a creditors' right to repossess your property.
The District Justice Hearing: North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial district Judge in a landlord-tenant case, followed by a panel discussion featuring several judges describing some best practices for you to use at your hearing, as well as some things to avoid. The process in the video is typical of any civil case brought before a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania.
Arbitration and Mediation
More and more frequently, parties and their lawyers are exploring alternatives to litigation to resolve a dispute without the need for a judge or jury. This trend toward solving problems outside the litigation process is called Alternative Dispute Resolution or “ADR.” Two important ADR processes are arbitration and mediation. This consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association explains those processes. [PDF] (03/2013)
Automobile Repossession
Most people finance the purchase of their truck or automobile. In most cases, the consumer enters into a loan agreement which allows the consumer to pay for the vehicle over time and gives the lender a "security interest" in the vehicle. The security interest gives the lender the right to repossess the vehicle if the consumer breaches the agreement with the lender. This provides information from the Erie County Bar Association on your rights regarding the repossession of your vehicle. August 22, 2018.
Bringing Suit Before a Magisterial District Judge
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] (09/2020)
Debt Collectors
Consumers have significant legal protection against abuses by creditors and debt collectors. This provides information from the Erie County Bar Association about a consumer's legal protection against abuses by creditors and debt collectors. (February 15, 2019)
Harassment
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the offense of Harassment. (08/2018)
Dealing with Medical Debt: Consumer Advice from NCLC
This article focuses on medical debt, including debt owed to hospitals, doctors, dentists, and other providers. (April 2018)
Motor Vehicle Repossessions: Consumer Debt Advice from NCLC
When buying a car on credit, you almost always must put up the car as collateral for the loan. Sometimes consumers also use their cars as collateral for an unrelated small loan. If your car is collateral for a loan and you get behind on your payments or violate other loan terms, you risk the immediate repossession of your car. The focus of this article from the National Consumer Law Center is on motor vehicle repossession including limits on self-help repossessions, ten strategies to prevent repossessions, six steps to take after your car is repossessed, and advice on responding to the creditor’s demand for additional payment even after the repossession. (June 2018)
New Rights for Buy Now, Pay Later Purchases
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information for consumers on their rights when using “buy now, pay later” options from companies such as Klarna, AfterPay, Sezzle, Affirm, Splitit, and PayPal. (December 2024)
Surviving Debt
Surviving Debt: Expert Advice for Getting Out of Financial Trouble is NCLC's bestselling guide for consumers. A leading resource for over 30 years, and recently named "the best all around guide to navigating debt" by Business Insider, this updated 2025 edition of Surviving Debt provides precise, practical, and hard-hitting advice from the nation’s consumer law experts on how to deal with crushing debt affecting millions of Americans.
Your Credit Card Rights
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information on consumer rights relating to the use of credit cards. This includes the types of disputes that might occur with a credit card company and how to resolve those disputes. (August 2016)
Can a debt collector contact me through social media?
Under a new rule a debt collector can contact you on social media, but they must follow certain rules and tell you how you can opt out of social media communications. Learn about the requirements and protections set up by the rule. (AUG 27, 2024)
Consumer Alert: What Pennsylvanians Need to Know about the New Debt Collection Regulations Set to Take Effect 11/30/21
The first comprehensive federal debt collection regulations interpreting the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) take effect November 30, 2021. With the new regulations set to take effect in the coming days, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, through this Consumer Alert, is encouraging Pennsylvanians to learn their legal rights when it comes to debt collection, and to carefully examine the conduct of debt collectors to make sure they are acting in compliance with federal and state laws.
Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot (CODI) [Philadelphia Municipal Court - ONLY]
Codi (Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot) will help you understand your debt collection case in Philadelphia Municipal Court. Codi will ask questions about your situation so it can give you accurate information. You may be asked for information that’s on a paper you got from the court. If so, Codi will tell you how to find that information. Based on your answers, Codi will: (1) Explain any court forms you have; (2) Create personalized information about your case; (3) Give information about how to prepare for court; and (4) Provide general information about debt collection cases. PLEASE NOTE: Codi is not a person or a lawyer. It does not give you legal advice. Codi cannot take any actions for you. It does not store your information and none of your answers are saved or given to the court.
Fair Debt Collection Practices
The Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act regulates the debt collection activities of debt collectors and creditors in Pennsylvania. This law, effective as of June 26, 2000, prohibits debt collectors and creditors from engaging in certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices while attempting to collect debts. This Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General explains the protections of Pennsylvania’s Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act.
Five tips for when you can’t pay your bills (Video)
Having trouble paying your bills? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has tools that can help you evaluate your finances and make decisions about your budget. This video provides information on those tools that can help you evaluate your finances and make decisions about your budget. (2020)
Helping Clients Explore Their Personal Finance Rights (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers this prerecorded webinar, in four short modules, to help consumers know their rights and call out potential violations. (2022) The modules include: Module 1: Consumer Rights [18:21]; Module 2: Credit and Housing Rights [16:14]; Module 3: Financial Products and Identify Theft Rights [15:59]; and Module 4: How to Submit a Complaint or Tell your Story [10:06]
How to Start Saving for your Goals (Video)
This video provides information on how you can learn to start saving for your goals. (2018)
Lancaster County Consumer Credit Card Diversion Program
Have you been sued by a creditor to collect a credit card debt? Are you a creditor seeking to collect a credit card debt? The Lancaster County Credit Card Diversion Program (“Program”) is a joint effort between public and private sector entities to address the increase in credit card lawsuits filed in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The primary goal of the Program is to help Lancaster County residents through use of free credit counselors and Court-supervised conciliation conferences to resolve credit card collection lawsuits.
Understand how the CFPB’s Debt Collection Rule impacts you
On November 30, 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a new Debt Collection Rule that clarifies how debt collectors can communicate with you, including what information they’re required to provide at the outset of collection about the debt, your rights in debt collection, and how you can exercise those rights. Read this to learn more about the new rule affects you and debt collectors.
What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers tips on what to do when you are contacted by a debt collector seeking payment. (2019)
Debt Defense Videos
The National Association of Consumer Advocates has created a series of debt defense videos that give advice on how to handle interactions with debt collectors and other debt issues.
What can I do if my car is repossessed with my personal belongings in it?
Even if your car has been repossessed, you have rights including the right to get your personal belongings back. You also have options available to try and obtain the return of the vehicle itself, including paying off the amount due, making a new loan agreement with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy to get rid of the debt. This information from the Upsolve Learning Center explains these options. Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
Lancaster County Consumer Credit Card Diversion Program
Have you been sued by a creditor to collect a credit card debt? Are you a creditor seeking to collect a credit card debt? The Lancaster County Credit Card Diversion Program (“Program”) is a joint effort between public and private sector entities to address the increase in credit card lawsuits filed in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The primary goal of the Program is to help Lancaster County residents through use of free credit counselors and Court-supervised conciliation conferences to resolve credit card collection lawsuits.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
You can bring a lawsuit for less than $12,000 in Small Claims Court, which is part of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. This is an explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Forms Center
Forms available from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas