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What to do if…
you receive a court claim or summons about an unpaid debt unexpectedly

Short answer

Verify the case with the court and respond by the deadline on the summons/complaint—missing that deadline can lead to a default judgment.

Do not do these things

  • Do not ignore the summons/complaint or assume it will “go away”.
  • Do not call the collector first and try to negotiate before you’ve checked the court deadline and case details.
  • Do not admit the debt or agree to payments if you’re not sure it’s yours or the amount is correct.
  • Do not pay anyone demanding unusual same-day payment methods (gift cards, crypto, wire) “to stop the lawsuit”.
  • Do not rely on QR codes, short links, or phone numbers on suspicious papers—use the court’s official website/phone number.
  • Do not miss any court date listed, even if you plan to dispute the case.

What to do now

  1. Stabilize and capture the facts.
    Photograph/scan every page and write down:

    • the court name and case number
    • the deadline to respond and any scheduled hearing date
    • who is suing you (plaintiff) and any law firm listed
    • what the debt is said to be for, and the amount breakdown

  2. Verify the case directly with the court (not the plaintiff/collector).

    • Look up the court’s official website and use the case search/docket if available, or call the clerk of court using the official number you find independently.
    • Confirm: the case exists, the deadline, where/how to file, and whether you must also serve a copy of your response on the other side.

  3. Circle the response requirement on the summons. Many courts require a written Answer, some also require an appearance, and rules vary by state/court. Don’t guess—follow what the summons says and confirm with the court’s self-help resources if available.

  4. Plan to file something that counts as a response. If you need more time or help, your priority is still: avoid default. Use the court’s official self-help forms/instructions (many courts publish an “Answer” form) or get quick legal aid help if you can.

  5. If you don’t recognize the debt, treat it as “possibly wrong person / identity issue” and keep everything in writing.

    • Compare the complaint to your records (old creditors, old addresses, medical providers, utilities, phone plans).
    • Note what’s missing (no account number, vague dates, unclear original creditor, unexplained fees).
    • Keep any collection letters and any “validation” information you received.

  6. If you suspect identity theft, consider creating an official identity theft report—without skipping the lawsuit response.

    • You can use the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov to create a report and recovery plan.
    • This can help you document that the debt is not yours, but it does not replace filing an Answer or meeting court deadlines.

  7. If service seems wrong (old address, handed to someone else, you found it late), still act now. Tell the court (or legal aid) what happened and ask what to file to raise the issue—missing the response deadline can still harm you even if service was improper.

  8. Get local help targeted to your court as fast as you can.

    • If you can’t afford a lawyer, search for local legal aid (LSC-funded organizations are a common starting point).
    • Use your court’s official “self-help” page if it has one.
    • If there’s a court date soon or the amount is large, prioritize same-day triage.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to settle or fight to the end—first, protect the deadline.
  • You do not need to give the plaintiff/collector your banking details or employment details right now.
  • You do not need to “prove everything” immediately; you need an on-time response and a plan to gather documents.

Important reassurance

A surprise lawsuit feels overwhelming, but the most protective step is simple: verify it and respond on time. Many people lose by default because they freeze—taking one concrete step today prevents the situation from escalating quickly.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance. What forms, defenses, and timelines apply depend on your state and court, so local self-help resources or legal advice may be needed after you’ve protected the deadline.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Deadlines and required filings differ by state and court. The safest approach is to verify the case with the court, follow the summons instructions, and get local help if you’re unsure.

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