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.
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 Appeal From Magisterial District Court
This informational booklet from North Penn Legal Services guides you through the process of appealing a judgment from Magisterial District Court. This booklet does NOT cover appeals in criminal cases or landlord-tenant evictions. (October 2017)
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)
How to Appeal From Magisterial District Court
This informational booklet from North Penn Legal Services guides you through the process of appealing a judgment from Magisterial District Court. This booklet does NOT cover appeals in criminal cases or landlord-tenant evictions. (October 2017)
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.
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
How to Appeal From Magisterial District Court
This informational booklet from North Penn Legal Services guides you through the process of appealing a judgment from Magisterial District Court. This booklet does NOT cover appeals in criminal cases or landlord-tenant evictions. (October 2017)
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.
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
CFPB Consumer Complaint
Consumer complaints regarding financial products and services can be submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
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.
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.
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.