You thought that credit card balance from years ago was behind you. Then one day, you get served with a lawsuit. It feels like the ground drops out from under you.

But before you panic, there’s something important you should know: many of these lawsuits have serious problems — expired deadlines, missing paperwork, or amounts that don’t add up.

The statute of limitations matters.

Every state has a time limit on how long a creditor can sue you for a debt. In California, for example, it’s generally four years for credit card debt. If the deadline has passed, you may have a strong defense.

Debt buyers often lack proper documentation.

Most old debts get sold — sometimes multiple times — to companies that buy them for pennies on the dollar. By the time they sue you, the original paperwork is often long gone. Without it, their case may not hold up.

Ignoring a lawsuit is the worst thing you can do.

If you don’t respond, the court can enter a default judgment against you. That means wage garnishment, frozen bank accounts, and a mark on your credit report that follows you for years.

The bottom line: being sued doesn’t mean you’ve lost. It means you need someone in your corner.

Lincoln Law Center defends people against debt lawsuits every day. If you’ve been served, call us. The conversation is free, and it could change everything.