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.
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.
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. Last Updated June 2, 2014
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.
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 Justice. The advantage of filing with a Magisterial District Justice is that the system can work well without attorneys. The Magisterial District Justice 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 Justice, formerly known as the District Justice, Justice of the Peace, or 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.
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
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.
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.
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. Last Updated June 2, 2014
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 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 Justice. The advantage of filing with a Magisterial District Justice is that the system can work well without attorneys. The Magisterial District Justice 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 Justice, formerly known as the District Justice, Justice of the Peace, or 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.
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.