CONSUMER LAW & DEBT
Problems with bill collectors?
- Are you afraid to pick up the phone and face another debt collection call?
- Are your wages being garnished?
- Has your bank account been garnished?
- Are you facing repossession?
- Are you being sued by a creditor?
What can Three Rivers Legal Services do to help with your consumer debt issue?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, Three Rivers may be able to help you. We can advise you of your rights and, in some cases, negotiate with your creditor or help to get your garnishment dismissed. We may be able to represent you in court to challenge a lawsuit by someone claiming you owe them money.
New Fresh Start Bankruptcy Program
Our new Fresh Start Program helps families with bankruptcy, especially when representation will result in tangible benefits to the debtor. The project uses bankruptcy to protect housing, income, and access to medical care. The Fresh Start Program primarily focuses on discharging unsecured debt through Chapter 7 bankruptcies, but can also help in some Chapter 13 cases where clients are able to fund a plan that would allow them to keep stable housing.
We will not be able to handle all requests for bankruptcy services. Priority for services will be given in the following, or similar, situations:
- when wages are being garnished and the debtor does not have exemptions,
- when the debtor’s driver’s license has been suspended for financial responsibility judgments and the license is needed for employment or medical transportation,
- when utility debt is a barrier to being housed,
- when a creditor is garnishing larger amounts of cash from a debtor’s bank account,
- when recoupment of a Social Security overpayment will leave the debtor unable to meet ordinary living expenses,
- when foreclosure of the home is threatened due to Homeowners Association fees, a property tax certificate sale, or the refusal of the lender to agree to consider loan modification,
- when the possible repossession of a vehicle, needed for regular transportation to employment or medical care, is threatened,
- when there is a high interest rate on a mobile home unconnected to real property, and at risk of repossession, or
- when significant rental arrearages will cause eviction from certain rental housing.
Residents of Baker, Bradford, Clay, Colombia, Duval, Hamilton, Nassau, St. Johns, Suwannee, and Union Counties are eligible to apply for representation from the Fresh Start Program.