Being served with a debt collection lawsuit can be unsettling—but ignoring it won’t make it go away. In fact, ignoring a debt collection lawsuit can have costly, long-term consequences. Whether you believe the debt is valid or not, failing to respond puts you at risk of default judgment, which can lead to aggressive collection actions such as bank account levies or property liens.
Why You Should Never Ignore a Lawsuit
In Texas, once you’re served with a debt collection lawsuit, you generally have between 14 to 20 days to file an answer, depending on the court that issued the summons. If you fail to respond within this time frame, the court may issue a default judgment in favor of the creditor.
This judgment gives the plaintiff (usually a creditor or debt buyer) legal permission to collect the debt through court-enforced measures such as:
- Placing liens on real estate you own
- Seizing non-exempt property
- Freezing or levying your bank accounts
These actions can happen without further notice once a judgment is entered, and undoing them can be difficult and expensive.
How Legal Representation Can Help
Hiring an attorney when you’re sued for debt collection can make a significant difference. As a solo attorney serving clients in the Southern District of Texas, Joel Gonzalez, focuses on helping clients avoid the harsh consequences of ignoring a debt collection lawsuit.
With proper legal representation, you may be able to:
- Challenge whether the plaintiff has the legal right to sue
- Demand proof of the debt’s validity and amount
- Negotiate a favorable settlement
- Get the lawsuit dismissed if it violates procedural rules
In many cases, debt buyers fail to produce proper documentation showing they actually own the debt or that the amount they claim is accurate.
Statute of Limitations: A Potential Full Defense
Another critical defense involves the statute of limitations. In Texas, the statute of limitations for most debt collection lawsuits—including credit card debt—is typically four years from the date of the last payment or charge. If the debt is time-barred and the plaintiff sues anyway, the case can often be dismissed—but only if you raise this defense in your response.
If you ignore the lawsuit, you lose the opportunity to use this potentially powerful defense.

If you’re facing a lawsuit and considering ignoring a debt collection lawsuit, don’t wait until it’s too late. Get started with the Law Office of Joel Gonzalez today. I’ve built a reputation for high client satisfaction by offering individualized legal solutions, including debt relief service and debt collection lawsuits. Whether you’re dealing with debt buyers or need help determining if the statute of limitations applies, I’ll help you explore your options and protect your financial future. Based in Corpus Christi, Texas, I’m ready to fight for your rights and provide the guidance you need to move forward.
Reach out to me now.