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.
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.
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. 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]
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.
Bringing Suit Before a Magisterial District Judge
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Defending a Lawsuit
Information on how to defend a lawsuit provided by the Erie County Bar Association.
Small Claims Court
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the operation of the Magisterial District Court in Pennsylvania.
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.
Forms - Pennsylvania Courts
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages. BILINGUAL FORMS / FORMULARIOS BILINGÜES: (ARABIC) العربية; 中文 (CHINESE-SIMPLIFIED); FRANÇAIS (FRENCH); KREYÒL AYISYEN (HAITIAN CREOLE); ITALIANO (ITALIAN); ខ្មែរ (KHMER); 한국어 (KOREAN); नेपाली (NEPALI); POLSKI (POLISH); PORTUGUÊS (PORTUGUESE); РУССКИЙ (RUSSIAN); ESPAÑOL (SPANISH); TIẾNG VIỆT (VIETNAMESE)
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.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Forms Center
Forms available from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
Forms - Pennsylvania Courts
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages. BILINGUAL FORMS / FORMULARIOS BILINGÜES: (ARABIC) العربية; 中文 (CHINESE-SIMPLIFIED); FRANÇAIS (FRENCH); KREYÒL AYISYEN (HAITIAN CREOLE); ITALIANO (ITALIAN); ខ្មែរ (KHMER); 한국어 (KOREAN); नेपाली (NEPALI); POLSKI (POLISH); PORTUGUÊS (PORTUGUESE); РУССКИЙ (RUSSIAN); ESPAÑOL (SPANISH); TIẾNG VIỆT (VIETNAMESE)
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
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.
Motor Vehicle Repossessions: Consumer Debt Advice from NCLC
The focus of this article 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)
Automobile Repossession
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on your rights regarding the repossession of your vehicle.
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.
Debt Collection Practices
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on debt collection practices used against consumers.
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.
Overwhelmed by Debts?
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network for consumers with debt.
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)
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.
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.
Defending Yourself Against a Credit Card Debt Lawsuit in Montgomery Court of Common Pleas
Information on how to prepare an Answer when you receive a Complaint filed against you to collect on a credit card debt in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County.
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 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.
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.
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.
Magisterial District Courts
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on the operation of Magisterial District Courts in Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia Property Taxes: Frequently Asked Questions
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on issues related to Philadelphia Real Estate Taxes. [PDF]
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.
Debt Collectors
Information from the Erie County Bar Association about a consumer's legal protection against abuses by creditors and debt collectors.
Arbitration and Mediation
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Automobile Repossession
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on your rights regarding the repossession of your vehicle.
Bringing Suit Before a Magisterial District Judge
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Defending a Lawsuit
Information on how to defend a lawsuit provided by the Erie County Bar Association.
Harassment
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the offense of Harassment.
Small Claims Court
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the operation of the Magisterial District Court in Pennsylvania.
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
The focus of this article 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)
Surviving Debt
The updated 2024 edition of Surviving Debt, a detailed manual from the National Consumer Law Center, 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.
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.
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.
Dealing with Debt Collectors (Video)
If you are behind in paying your bills, you can expect to hear from a debt collector. A debt collector is someone, other than the creditor, who regularly collects debts owed to someone else. In this video from the Federal Trade Commission learn your rights when dealing with a debt collector.
How to Spot a Debt Collection Scam (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers information on your rights relating to debt collectors and how to avoid scammers.
Forms - Pennsylvania Courts
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provides forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement. These bilingual forms are now offered in 13 languages. BILINGUAL FORMS / FORMULARIOS BILINGÜES: (ARABIC) العربية; 中文 (CHINESE-SIMPLIFIED); FRANÇAIS (FRENCH); KREYÒL AYISYEN (HAITIAN CREOLE); ITALIANO (ITALIAN); ខ្មែរ (KHMER); 한국어 (KOREAN); नेपाली (NEPALI); POLSKI (POLISH); PORTUGUÊS (PORTUGUESE); РУССКИЙ (RUSSIAN); ESPAÑOL (SPANISH); TIẾNG VIỆT (VIETNAMESE)
Fair Debt Collection Practices
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General outlining the protections of Pennsylvania’s Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act.
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.
Five tips for when you can’t pay your bills (Video)
Information on tools that can help you evaluate your finances and make decisions about your budget.
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. 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
This video provides information on how you can learn to start saving for your goals.
Tools to help when you can’t pay your bills
The Your Money, Your Goals financial empowerment toolkit has resources to help you evaluate your current finances and make decisions about your budget. (April 2020)
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.
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
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.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Forms Center
Forms available from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas