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Money & Debt

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Debt collection

Laws limit how creditors and debt collectors can act, including protecting some income and property from collection. 

Debt collection may involve:

  • Contacting a person who owes money to request payment,
  • Filing a court case to ask a judge to enter a money judgment, and
  • Using legal processes to take a debtor's income or property. 
Before a collection case
(3 resources)
Responding to debt collectors
An overview of how to respond to debt collectors and your rights when dealing with them.
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Debt collector letter
This Easy Form makes a letter to a debt collector. You can ask them for proof that you owe the debt, say you don’t owe the debt, or ask them to stop or limit contact. The letter can also explain if you are protected from collection under federal or Illinois law.
Easy Form
Negotiating with a debt collector or debt buyer
Important information about your options when negotiating a consumer debt, both before and after a lawsuit has been filed against you.
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During a collection case
(8 resources)
Responding to a debt collection lawsuit basics
Learn about responding to a debt collection lawsuit.
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Can a debt collector sue you?
Debt collectors must follow certain rules when they contact you. Learn what they can and cannot do.
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Receiving a debt collection lawsuit basics
Understand your choices after being sued for debt.
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Negotiating with a debt collector or debt buyer
Important information about your options when negotiating a consumer debt, both before and after a lawsuit has been filed against you.
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After a money judgment
(16 resources)
How a debt judgment can be collected basics
Understand how creditors access wages, bank accounts, and other types of property to collect a debt judgment.
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How a debt judgment can be collected common questions
Find answers to common questions about wage assignments and how creditors can access income and assets.
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Understanding collection-proof status
Learn what it means to be collection-proof, which income and assets are protected from private creditors, and how to notify creditors.
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Understanding collection-proof status common questions
Find answers to common questions about being collection-proof and how creditors can access income and assets.
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Other collection issues
(1 resources)
Handling a wage garnishment or third party citation
Information for employers. Learn what you should do when an outside party, like a credit card company, garnishes your employee's salary and deducts their wages.
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