Explore every episode of the podcast The Debt Hotline

When you're hit with a debt collection lawsuit, is there a magic phrase that will make it disappear? Consumer rights attorney John Skiba joins us to reveal what really works—and it's not what you might expect. Sued for debt? Go to https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast to resolve it. You can also enter Solo’s Debt Payoff Giveaway for a chance to win $4,700 towards paying off your debt from now until June 4th: https://get.solosuit.com/giveaway?utm_source=podcastJohn explains why most people lose debt lawsuits before they even start (hint: it happens to 95% of consumers) in this informative episode. He also breaks down the strategic differences between fighting original creditors versus debt buyers.John shows why winning might not mean what you think. If you're being sued for $10,000 and settle for $2,500, that's a $7,500 victory! He explains why judges function more like "umpires" than advocates, and why telling them about your financial hardship won't automatically dismiss your case.In today’s episode, you'll discover: 

• When to file a Motion to Dismiss
• How to leverage arbitration clauses in your favor
• What happens if you lose a debt collection lawsuit—including wage garnishment, bank levies, and liens that can follow you for decades. 
• Common questions about improper service, interrogatories, settlement strategies, and dealing with old debts beyond the statute of limitations.

Whether you're facing a lawsuit from Midland Funding, Portfolio Recovery, or an original creditor like American Express, this episode gives you practical strategies to respond properly, avoid default judgments, and potentially get your case dismissed. Solo can help you file your Answer document quickly and SoloSettle makes debt negotiation straightforward—no awkward phone calls required.To submit a question to The Debt Hotline, you can:

• Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemail
• Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
• Send an email to support@solosuit.com

When medical bills hit your mailbox, the financial stress can feel just as painful as the treatment itself. Debt resolution expert and attorney Greg Anjewierden joins us to break down how medical debt works, how it affects your credit, and how to defend yourself if you’re sued.

Greg previously worked in medical debt collection—now he helps people fight back. In this episode, he shares insider knowledge on what collectors don’t want you to know.

Sued for debt? Go to https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast to resolve it.

Greg explains why medical debt is often treated differently from credit card debt, including recent changes to credit reporting rules. Many consumers believe that if a medical debt isn’t on their credit report, it won’t hurt them—a dangerous myth. Greg clears up the confusion between credit reporting and debt collection, and explains why hospitals and collectors can still sue you, garnish wages, and freeze bank accounts, even if your debt is “under the radar.”

You’ll learn how long medical debt stays on your credit report, what counts as a ‘valid’ medical debt, and how to find out if you qualify for financial assistance or interest-free payment plans. We discuss real-life settlement strategies and why many attorneys are more willing to compromise than third-party collectors.

Whether you're facing a lawsuit over a hospital bill or simply trying to understand your rights, this episode offers a practical guide to protecting your credit and your peace of mind. Solo can help you respond to lawsuits and settle medical debts on your terms—no law degree required.

• [05:01] Medical debt is still collectible even if it doesn’t appear on your credit report
  Many people assume if a medical bill isn’t on their credit report, it doesn’t matter—but you can still be sued and held legally responsible.
• [08:35] Start by contacting the medical provider directly
  Before dealing with debt collectors, ask the hospital or provider about charity care or interest-free payment plans to resolve the bill early.
• [11:20] Strategic silence can give you leverage
  If negotiations stall, it might be smart to stop communication and wait for a lawsuit—then re-engage once you’re dealing with an attorney who may be more willing to settle.
• [15:33] Social Security is protected—but your bank account may not be
  Debt collectors can’t take Social Security directly, but they might access it if it's sitting in a bank account, so be cautious about where your money is kept.
• [25:30] You can still settle after a judgment is entered
  Even if you lose in court, the creditor still has to collect—this gives you another opportunity to negotiate a lump-sum payment or better settlement.
  
  

To submit a question to The Debt Hotline, you can:
Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemail
Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
Send an email to support@solosuit.com
Visit https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast

When faced with a judgment debt, understanding your options is crucial. In this enlightening episode, courts policy expert Lester Bird from the Pew Charitable Trust breaks down what actually happens in debt collection lawsuits across America. Drawing on years of data analysis, Lester shares eye-opening statistics about who gets sued, how much they owe, and what options work best for consumers.

Sued for debt? Use Solo to resolve it: https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast

Most people don't realize that 60-70% of debt collection cases end in default judgments simply because defendants never respond to the lawsuit. But for those who do engage, settlement often offers the best path forward. Lester explains why avoiding garnishment—where 25% of your paycheck can suddenly disappear or your bank account gets wiped out—should be a top priority.

The episode reveals surprising facts about debt collection lawsuits: half of all cases are for $2,000 or less, yet these small debts can balloon with filing fees, attorney costs, and strange penalties (like Oregon's "prevailing party fee" that charges you extra just for losing your case). Medical debt drives a third of all collection lawsuits in some states, and the same large companies dominate court dockets nationwide.

You'll also discover Lester's practical debt settlement payment calculator tool that helps find the sweet spot between paying off debt quickly while keeping payments manageable. Whether you're facing a lawsuit now or want to understand how debt collection courts operate, this episode provides practical insights from someone who analyzes thousands of cases across the country.

You can learn more about Lester’s research with Pew Charitable Trust here: pewtrusts.org/modernlegal 

Got debt questions? To submit a question to The Debt Hotline, you can:

• Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemail
• Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
• Send an email to support@solosuit.com

Visit https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast

Navigating debt collection in 2025 doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In this episode, we’re joined by Yale Levy, a former debt collection attorney with over 20 years of experience who now works with Solo, the platform helping people respond to lawsuits and negotiate settlements. Yale breaks down what most people get wrong about debt collection—and how simple communication can save you thousands.

Collectors typically settle for 70–90% of the original debt, but ignoring them can cost you up to 150% once interest, court costs, and legal fees pile on. Whether you're facing a lawsuit or just dreading the next collector call, Yale explains why negotiating—rather than avoiding—is key to protecting your finances.

He also clears up common misconceptions, including why the “never pay your debts” advice circulating online is dangerously misleading. We also dig into real strategies for negotiating: from calling collectors directly to using tools like SoloSettle to communicate digitally—no phone calls or awkward conversations required. Yale shares a real-life example of a woman who settled a $15,000 lawsuit for $10,500, avoiding judgment and extra fees. He also outlines what happens after you settle, including how it impacts your credit report and what to expect during tax season if the forgiven debt exceeds $600. If you're sued in a state where you don’t live, he explains how to push back with a motion to dismiss. Throughout the conversation, Yale reminds listeners that debt doesn’t define them—but how they respond to it does. Whether you’re overwhelmed, confused, or just ready to take action, this episode offers practical, calm advice from someone who’s seen it all from both sides of the table.

To submit a question to The Debt Hotline, you can: 

- Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemail 
- Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
- Send an email to support@solosuit.com
- https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast

Before we dive into how to beat debt collectors and settle lawsuits, let’s take a minute to get to know the voices behind The Debt Hotline. In this special kickoff episode, hosts George Simons and Hannah Locklear share their backgrounds, why they care about helping people fight debt, and what you can expect from the show moving forward.

Debt collection lawsuits can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to face them alone. George and Hannah are here to demystify the legal process, share expert-backed strategies, and empower you with real, actionable tools to take control of your financial future.

To submit a question to The Debt Hotline, you can: 

- Call 801-613-8181 and leave a voicemail 
- Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/28gd4XFsq6ybN4Qu8
- Send an email to support@solosuit.com

Think you have no chance against a debt collector in court? Think again. In this episode, Hannah sits down with consumer protection attorney John Skiba to walk through exactly how you can win—or settle—a debt collection lawsuit. Learn the most critical first steps, how to identify your best strategy, and what not to do when facing a lawsuit. In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why filing an Answer is the #1 way to protect yourself
• The difference between original creditors and debt buyers
• How to request debt validation to force proof of the debt
• Why settlement is often the best-case scenario—and how to do it right
• How federal protections (like Social Security) can give you leverage
• The legal risks of transferring assets during a lawsuit

"95% of people lose because they don't respond at all." – John Skiba, Consumer Attorney Real-World Example