What Happens If You Ignore a Debt Lawsuit

Most collection lawsuits end in default judgment because the consumer never responds. Once a judgment is entered, the collector's options expand dramatically.

The default timeline

After your answer deadline passes, the plaintiff moves for default. The court enters judgment for the full amount claimed — plus interest, court costs, and often attorney's fees. No one checks whether the debt buyer could actually prove its case.

What a judgment lets collectors do

• Wage garnishment — up to 25% of disposable earnings in most states
• Bank levy — freezing and seizing funds in your accounts
• Property liens — attaching to your home or other real estate
• Post-judgment interest — the balance keeps growing for years

Can a default judgment be undone?

Sometimes. Courts can vacate defaults for improper service ("sewer service"), excusable neglect, or lack of jurisdiction — but motions to vacate are harder than simply answering on time.