Whether you're borrowing money or providing a loan to someone else, a Promissory Note is usually the best way to establish a record of the transaction and make sure that repayment terms, for example, are clear and fair.
However, an “IOU†is generally regarded as only an acknowledgment of a debt, not a promise to pay the debt. However, this form is a written promise to pay a debt.
Speaking generally, $20K in debt is not very much in the grand scheme of things. Your first house will likely put you well over $100K in debt, after all. $20K is more like a car loan, which should be quite manageable.
Contact creditors directly and honestly explain your situation. Ask about hardship programs, reduced payments or interest rates. Avoid further late fees. Consolidate higher interest debts with a personal loan at a lower interest rate to save on interest costs.
Contact creditors directly and honestly explain your situation. Ask about hardship programs, reduced payments or interest rates. Avoid further late fees. Consolidate higher interest debts with a personal loan at a lower interest rate to save on interest costs.
To apply for a federal student loan, you must first complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Based on the results of your FAFSA form, your college or career school will send you a financial aid offer, which may include federal student loans.
Is $5,000 a lot of debt? The answer will depend on your credit limits. If you have $10,000 in available credit across two cards, then your utilization is 50%, which is a bit high and can hurt your credit score. But if you have $20,000 in credit across three cards, you're only using 25%, which is in a healthy range.
The basic principle that each side pays their own legal fees is literally called the "American Rule". There are quite a few situations where that can be flipped, for attorneys fees, court costs, and other expenses.
Sue the Debt Collector in State Court You may bring a lawsuit against the debt collector in state court. In the lawsuit, you must prove that the debt collector violated the FDCPA. If successful, you might be able to collect $1,000 in statutory damages and possibly more if you suffered harm from the violations.
The time it takes for a small claims court case to be heard in New Jersey can vary depending on the county you're in and the complexity of your case. However, you can expect the process to take several months, between 3 to 6 months on average.
Special Civil is limited to cases in which the demand is $20,000 or less. If you believe you are entitled to recover more than $20,000, your case should be filed in the Law Division of the Superior Court.
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
