Most letters have a deadline or a window that matters. Find out which document you have, then check the dates.
Collection letter
A collection letter asks you to pay a debt. It may come from the original creditor, a collection agency, a debt buyer, or a law firm.
- Write down who sent it, the amount, and any date it gives.
- Federal law limits what debt collectors can say and do. CFPB: debt collection (opens in a new tab)
- Collectors cannot sue or threaten to sue on a debt that is past the statute of limitations. CFPB advisory opinion (opens in a new tab)
Validation notice
A validation notice is the information a debt collector must give you about a debt: who it is owed to, how much, and how to dispute it. CFPB (opens in a new tab)
- Note the date by which you can dispute. Federal rules give you a set window, generally about 30 days.
- A written dispute within that window has specific protections. Keep a copy and proof of mailing.
- Check the amount, the original creditor, and whether you recognize the account.
Settlement offer
A settlement offer proposes that you pay less than the full balance to resolve the debt.
- Making a partial payment or acknowledging an old debt may restart the statute of limitations, even after it has expired. CFPB (opens in a new tab)
- Canceled debt is generally taxable income, and the creditor may send you a Form 1099-C. IRS Topic 431 (opens in a new tab)
- Before you agree or pay, consider talking with legal aid about whether the offer fits your situation.
Court summons
A summons, with a complaint, means you are being sued. It names the court, the party suing you, the amount claimed, and your deadline to respond. CFPB (opens in a new tab)
- The deadline is on the summons. In many states it is between 14 and 30 days from the day you were served.
- If you do not respond in time, the court can enter a default judgment.
- Responding does not mean you agree you owe the amount claimed.
Read the step-by-step guide for a debt lawsuit →
Judgment
A judgment is the court's decision that you owe the debt. If you never responded to the lawsuit, it is usually a default judgment.
- A judgment can include interest, court costs, and fees, and it opens the door to wage garnishment and bank levies.
- Some states let you ask the court to set aside a default judgment, for example if you were never properly served. These requests have strict time limits.
- If you have a judgment against you, contact legal aid promptly.
Garnishment notice
A garnishment notice says a creditor with a judgment is taking part of your wages or money in a bank account.
- For most consumer debts, federal law caps garnishment at 25% of disposable earnings and protects weekly disposable earnings of $217.50 or less. U.S. Department of Labor (opens in a new tab)
- Directly deposited federal benefits such as Social Security get automatic bank protection of up to two months. CFPB (opens in a new tab)
- Exemption claims have short deadlines. Read the notice the day it arrives.
Read the full wage garnishment guide →
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Federal figures from the U.S. Department of Labor and the CFPB.