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Date: 03/18/2026

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Money & Debt

Debt collection
Before a collection lawsuit
(3 resources)
Responding to debt collectors
An overview of how to respond to debt collectors and your rights when dealing with them.
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Debt collector letter
This Easy Form makes a letter to a debt collector. You can ask them for proof that you owe the debt, say you don’t owe the debt, or ask them to stop or limit contact. The letter can also explain if you are protected from collection under federal or Illinois law.
Easy Form
Negotiating with a debt collector or debt buyer
Important information about your options when negotiating a consumer debt, both before and after a lawsuit has been filed against you.
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During a collection lawsuit
(8 resources)
Responding to a debt collection lawsuit basics
Learn about responding to a debt collection lawsuit.
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Can a debt collector sue you?
Debt collectors must follow certain rules when they contact you. Learn what they can and cannot do.
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Receiving a debt collection lawsuit basics
Understand your choices after being sued for debt.
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Negotiating with a debt collector or debt buyer
Important information about your options when negotiating a consumer debt, both before and after a lawsuit has been filed against you.
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After a money judgment
(7 resources)
How a debt judgment can be collected basics
Understand how creditors access wages, bank accounts, and other types of property to collect a debt judgment.
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How a debt judgment can be collected common questions
Find answers to common questions about wage assignments and how creditors can access income and assets.
FAQ
Citation to discover assets to debtor
This Easy Form helps you make forms to collect on a money judgment directly from a debtor.
Easy Form
Understanding collection-proof status
Learn what it means to be collection-proof, which income and assets are protected from private creditors, and how to notify creditors.
Guide
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Other collection issues
(1 resources)
Handling a wage garnishment or third party citation
Information for employers. Learn what you should do when an outside party, like a credit card company, garnishes your employee's salary and deducts their wages.
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© 2026 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.

ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.