Debt Collection & Repossession
Legal Information > Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network

This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Debt Collection & Repossession issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Appealing the Magisterial District Justice Judgment
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on appealing a District Justice judgment.
Defending an Action at the District Justice Office
Informational brochure from MidPenn Legal Services outlining the procedure in defending an action at district justice court in central Pennsylvania.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
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.
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.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Repossessions
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on a creditors' right to repossess your property.
Appealing the Magisterial District Justice Judgment
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on appealing a District Justice judgment.
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.
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
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on debt collection practices used against consumers.
Debt Collection Remedies for Consumers (Audio-MP3)
Episode of Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" Radio show broadcast on JET 1400 AM in Erie, PA on 6/21/2008. Vince Brocki, Northwestern Legal Services Resource Developer interviews Andrea Amicangelo, Esq., NWLS Staff Attorney regarding remedies consumers have regarding debt collection efforts, an explanation of secured vs. unsecured debts, how a credit counselor can help, and info on filing bankruptcy. (22:05)
Defending an Action at the District Justice Office
Informational brochure from MidPenn Legal Services outlining the procedure in defending an action at district justice court in central Pennsylvania.
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
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
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.
Overwhelmed by Debts?
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network for consumers with debt.
Philadelphia Property Taxes: Frequently Asked Questions
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on issues related to Philadelphia Real Estate Taxes. [PDF]
Repossessions
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on a creditors' right to repossess your property.
Sheriff Sales
Informational Brochure from MidPenn Legal Services on the Sheriff Sale process for collecting debts after a successful lawsuit.
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.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.