Federal protections below apply in District of Columbia. State-specific rules appear only after we verify them from official sources.
Debt collection laws and official resources
Everywhere in the U.S.
Federal law, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, limits what debt collectors can do in every state. CFPB: debt collection (opens in a new tab) · FTC: debt collection FAQs (opens in a new tab)
District of Columbia
Not yet verified for District of Columbia. We have not finished researching District of Columbia's rules for this topic, so we do not show any. Use the official links above, or ask legal aid.
Lawsuit response information
Everywhere in the U.S.
Your response deadline is on the summons. If you miss it, the court can enter a default judgment. CFPB: if you are sued (opens in a new tab)
District of Columbia
Not yet verified for District of Columbia. We have not finished researching District of Columbia's rules for this topic, so we do not show any. Use the official links above, or ask legal aid.
Wage garnishment rules and exemptions
Everywhere in the U.S.
Federal law caps garnishment for most consumer debts at 25% of disposable earnings and protects weekly disposable earnings of $217.50 or less. Your state may protect more. Read the federal guide
District of Columbia
Not yet verified for District of Columbia. We have not finished researching District of Columbia's rules for this topic, so we do not show any. Use the official links above, or ask legal aid.
Debt validation information
Everywhere in the U.S.
Debt collectors must give you validation information and a window to dispute, in every state. CFPB (opens in a new tab)
District of Columbia
Not yet verified for District of Columbia. We have not finished researching District of Columbia's rules for this topic, so we do not show any. Use the official links above, or ask legal aid.
Court websites
Everywhere in the U.S.
Find your state and county courts on USA.gov (opens in a new tab)
District of Columbia
Not yet verified for District of Columbia. We have not finished researching District of Columbia's rules for this topic, so we do not show any. Use the official links above, or ask legal aid.
Legal aid organizations
Everywhere in the U.S.
Find legal aid near you (Legal Services Corporation) (opens in a new tab) · LawHelp.org (opens in a new tab)
District of Columbia
Not yet verified for District of Columbia. We have not finished researching District of Columbia's rules for this topic, so we do not show any. Use the official links above, or ask legal aid.
Consumer protection agencies
Everywhere in the U.S.
Find the District of Columbia attorney general (opens in a new tab) · Submit a complaint to the CFPB (opens in a new tab)
District of Columbia
Not yet verified for District of Columbia. We have not finished researching District of Columbia's rules for this topic, so we do not show any. Use the official links above, or ask legal aid.
Attorney directory
Everywhere in the U.S.
NACA: find a consumer attorney (opens in a new tab)
District of Columbia
Not yet verified for District of Columbia. We have not finished researching District of Columbia's rules for this topic, so we do not show any. Use the official links above, or ask legal aid.