If a debt collector sues you and you have to go to court, you’re going to need supplies. The lawyer you will go up against has an office stocked with supplies and tools that will help him or her look professional and that he or she will use to present the debt collector’s case in an efficient and effective manner. And if you’re going to win your case, you’re going to need supplies too. That’s why I’ve put together this curated list of of supplies and products that you can use to effectively defend yourself in court.
You’ll see that I’ve separated this list into different categories. There are items that you’ll definitely need to purchase, items you’ll need but may or may not have to buy depending on your situation and available resources, and items that will definitely help, but aren’t strictly necessary.
I’m also very aware that if you’re here reading this and a debt collector has sued you, money is probably tight. I’ve tried to keep that in mind as I put together this list. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time researching various products and identifying those that will get the job done, but that still remain affordable for someone who is trying to pay off their debt. All of these products will include links to Amazon product listings. Prices on these items may periodically change, but I have reviewed these products and they will typically be the options I recommend for someone on a budget who is going through a lawsuit. I’ll also note that the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links, and Debtbrief may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps me continue to put out free content (like blog posts and videos) that help people fight debt collectors. And with that, let’s get into it.
Products You Need to Buy
These are the products you absolutely have to purchase in order to defend your debt collection lawsuit.
Court Forms
I have to start by recommending the forms we sell right here on Debtbrief. You can purchase them right here. If you’re going to defend yourself in court you have to know what to file and when to file it. We sell a set of 10 legal forms you need to get your case to trial. This includes an answer to the summons, a motion, an opposition to a motion, discovery requests (interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission, along with responsive forms for each of those) and initial disclosures. The forms even come with an e-book with instructions on how to use the forms. Most of the other items on this list are required because you need to use the forms. So the first step in your debt collection lawsuit is to but those forms. Get them by clicking the button below.
If you’re going to file these forms with the court you need to provide a copy to the opposing attorney. Some courts may allow service of documents by email, but many still require service by U.S. mail. If you don’t live close to the courthouse and can’t file your documents in person, you may also need to file by mailing copies of the documents to the court as well. And of course, if you plan to send your debt collector a stop collection letter or a debt verification letter, you’re going to need envelopes and stamps. And by the way, if you need a free stop collection letter template, you can find that right here.
Envelopes
The first thing you’ll need to buy is envelopes so you can mail your letters to the debt collector, and mail your court forms to the court and opposing counsel. It’s a simple thing, but it really is difficult to defend a debt collection lawsuit without sending mail. These particular envelopes will work nicely for the forms and letters you need to send. They provide security tinting to prevent anyone from viewing any personal financial information and at 9 1/2 inches in length, they are large enough to contain your documents. They include a self-seal adhesive strip so you don’t have to do any licking. And a pack of 40 envelopes should be plenty for what you’ll need. The best thing about this set of envelopes is that they are extremely affordable, which is definitely something you have to consider as part of a debt collection lawsuit. Get your envelopes here.
Stamps
If you’re going to be mailing documents, you’ll need stamps. These are Forever First Class Postage Stamps and Amazon’s best-selling set. It comes in a booklet of 20 so you may need to buy two sets if you buy the 40-pack of envelopes if you plan to use them all, but you could easily start with one booklet and buy more later. Get your stamps here.
Products You Need But May or May Not Need to Buy
You are definitely going to need some version of the following products to defend a debt collection lawsuit. That doesn’t mean you necessarily have to buy all of these items. In order to create and print your court forms that you file, you’ll need a computer, a printer and paper. You may be able to access a computer or a printer at a local library or at work. But if you can’t get access to a computer and a printer, you may want to consider purchasing the following items.
Paper
If you’re going to file court forms, you’re going to need to print those forms on something. One ream of paper should be plenty, and this Amazon Basics printer paper is good enough quality for a reasonable price. And it should fit just fine in the envelopes listed above. Get your paper here.
Printer
If you’re using paper for your court forms, you’re going to need something to print with. This HP Deskjet 2755e Printer should do just the trick. It’s Amazon’s number one seller in ink tank printers and the listing notes it is specifically best for printing forms. This is actually the same printer I use and it works great. If you don’t have another way to print your forms, you should consider purchasing this printer. You can purchase it here.
Laptop Computer
Unfortunately, your phone just isn’t going to cut it if you are going to fight a debt collection lawsuit. Now I’m not saying you necessarily have to go out and buy a laptop. There are plenty of resources out there where you can access word processing software. Your local library, for example, most likely has computers available for you to use. That should be sufficient. As long as you can access a computer, then you can use Google Docs to type up and print your forms for filing with the court.
But if you do need to buy a laptop, or are looking to get one anyway, I’ve tried to find one that will get the job done at a price point that won’t point you in another debt collection lawsuit six months from now. This chromebook will give you access to Google Docs so you can edit and print your court forms. And it should have webcam capabilities that you can use in the event the judge wants you to appear for a virtual hearing. You can purchase it here.
Products That Will Help But You Don’t Need
Why would I include a list of products that you don’t need? Strictly speaking, you can defend your debt collection lawsuit without using these items. But I do think you’ll be better off using most of these items, especially if you go to trial. In fact, I use everyone single one of the items on this list (although I may personally use a different variation of the product, as I’ve tried to select the most cost-effective alternatives here). I understand that your financial situation is a consideration in a debt collection lawsuit. So you need to weigh your financial situation and the defense of the case and decide which of these products will be helpful to you and that you can afford. That calculation may be different for everyone. But I at least wanted to explain what items I use in my debt collection cases so you can decide if that’s what works for you.
Webcam
Since the Coronavirus pandemic, many courts around the country have moved a lot of their hearings online. Debt collection cases in particular take up a huge chunk of the court’s time, and since many of the parties don’t have lawyers, attending hearings during the day can be difficult due to work conflicts or child care issues. For that reason, it can be especially common for debt collection cases to have online rather than in person hearings. If your judge sets an online hearing you want to make sure you have equipment up to the task. You can use your phone in many cases, but I’ve seen too many problems with phones during hearings for me to trust them. And you can bet that the attorney you go up against will have a professional setup, making you look worse.
Now, this doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy a professional set up yourself. But if you don’t have a good webcam hooked up to your laptop, you might consider one. This EMEET webcam should connect right into your laptop or desktop and provide crystal clear video. This will ensure that the judge is focused on the merits of your case rather than worrying about your connection issues. If you need a webcam, you can buy one here.
Microphone
Even more important than your video quality is your audio quality. If you attend a virtual court hearing, the judge absolutely must be able to hear and understand you. This Bietrun USB microphone should significantly improve your audio quality without putting too much pressure on your finances. You can purchase this microphone here.
Ring Light
Again, if you have an online hearing you need to make sure the judge can see you and you look good. This ring light works whether you have a computer or a phone. Using a ring light will make sure that the judge is focused on what you say, not on how you look. You can buy this ring light here.
Legal Pads
If you go to court, you need to take notes about what the judge says. It’s very common at a hearing for the judge to rule on an issue and give instructions to the parties. You don’t want to forget what the judge tells you to do. It’s also useful to write down your thoughts when the opposing attorney is arguing so you make sure you don’t forget to make those points when it’s your turn to argue. Jumping in and cutting off the other party is a recipe for disaster when in court. Use these legal pads to keep your thoughts organized so you can present an effective case. I never enter a courtroom without a legal pad and you shouldn’t either. You can buy a set of three here
Pens
This one might seem obvious, but you will need something to write with. These happen to be the exact pens I use in my law firm every days. They are simple and get the job done. And while you might want to fill in the court forms on a computer as opposed to by hand, you will still need to do plenty of writing. For one, you’ll need to address your envelopes when mailing the forms. And you’ll definitely want to take notes when you talk to a debt collector. You absolutely need to document everything during your conversations, and the best way to do that is jot down notes while you are talking. For example, if the debt collector makes you a settlement offer, you will want to write it down right away to make sure you remember the correct number. And it’s best to also keep your notes in case there is a question later about the details of the conversation. Also, if you end up in a courtroom, you’ll want to take notes on anything the judge says. And in the courtroom, you probably won’t be able to take notes on your phone as many judges don’t allow phones in the courtroom. You’ll need to be prepared to take notes by hand. If you want to purchase these pens, you can click here.
Sticky Notes
As mentioned above, there are times during a debt collection lawsuit when you need to jot down quick notes which you’ll want to save. If you are on the phone negotiating a settlement, you should document those conversations. If you are in court, you’ll want to take notes on the judge’s rulings and instructions. The method I use in my own law practice is to take notes on these sticky pads. They are cheap and easy to use, and I can organize them to help me remember my next tasks in the case. You can buy a set here.
Folders
If you go to court to fight your debt collector, you’re going to need to gather and organize documents to present to the judge. Using these manilla folders is a tried and true method that I use in my law firm to organize my exhibits. I start out gathering every document I have related to the case. For you that might be an original contract, statements, bills, or other letters. I put all of those documents into one folder. When I begin to prepare my presentation in court, whether for a hearing or a trial, I prepare a folder with a set of exhibits for the judge, a folder with a set of exhibits for me, and a folder with a set of exhibits for the opposing attorney. I make copies of all the documents I need on my printer/copier (three total copies for three sets of exhibits). If you follow this method, you will are much more likely to give a polished and professional presentation. This will make the judge better able to focus on the merits of the case rather than spending time sorting through documents and requiring you to walk back and forth showing your original documents to the judge and the opposing attorney. So although you don’t technically need folders to defend your case, it’s a simple and inexpensive way to show the judge that you are prepared and take your case seriously. If you need some folders you can get them here.
If you’ve been to court before are there any other items you’ve successfully used to win your case? Drop them down below in the comments.
And if you’ve been contacted by a debt collector but not sued yet, you can send them a stop collection letter so they stop nagging you while you figure out what to do next. Get a free template by signing up for our email list here.
And if you’re looking for even more help with your own case, you can set up a time to meet with me. I’ll teach you how to defend yourself against a debt collector without a lawyer. You can sign up here.
