Collect Call:
From March 2005
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“The court explains it’s up to the plaintiff to collect,” says Goodchap. The results left her to contemplate whether filing another action would be worth the additional time and money she must invest.
Is small-claims court a viable option for creditors?
Clearance Motivation
“Yes, but only if you’re determined and willing to persevere, show up in court and pursue payment,” Goodchap says. “At this point, I’m almost satisfied with the simple judgment. At least it’ll be on the client’s record for 10 years and may one day motivate them to clear the debt.”
Despite Goodchap’s experience, Hopp says small-claims court can yield favorable results under specific circumstances.
“If it’s an operating business that’s still answering the phone, and you know it’s doing a job somewhere because you’ve seen a truck go down the street, it’s generating income. Then it’s worth your while to (take the case to) small-claims court,” says Hopp.
“Say it’s a $6,000 debt — maybe it’s worth dumping a grand off and suing in small-claims court,” he says. “But if it’s bigger than that, get some help.”
Is small-claims court a viable option for creditors?
Clearance Motivation
“Yes, but only if you’re determined and willing to persevere, show up in court and pursue payment,” Goodchap says. “At this point, I’m almost satisfied with the simple judgment. At least it’ll be on the client’s record for 10 years and may one day motivate them to clear the debt.”
Despite Goodchap’s experience, Hopp says small-claims court can yield favorable results under specific circumstances.
“If it’s an operating business that’s still answering the phone, and you know it’s doing a job somewhere because you’ve seen a truck go down the street, it’s generating income. Then it’s worth your while to (take the case to) small-claims court,” says Hopp.
“Say it’s a $6,000 debt — maybe it’s worth dumping a grand off and suing in small-claims court,” he says. “But if it’s bigger than that, get some help.”
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