Guide to Small Claims Case in Pennsylvania

If you have been sued — or are thinking about suing someone — for an amount under $12,000, your case will likely proceed in one of three types of Pennsylvania courts: Magisterial District Court, Philadelphia Municipal Court, or the Court of Common Pleas. Each court has its own rules, deadlines, and pitfalls. Understanding which court your case is in — and what that court expects of you — can make the difference between resolving the case on reasonable terms and having a default judgment entered against you.

Understanding Fault in Auto Accidents in Pennsylvania

Because Pennsylvania law combines comparative negligence with choice no-fault insurance, auto accident claims can be legally complex. For that reason, it is important to understand how fault is determined in an accident in Pennsylvania.

How to Dispute Credit Reporting Errors Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

If a credit reporting agency, debt collector, or creditor reports false information on your consumer credit report and doesn't correct it after you dispute it, it violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

The Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations on Debt Stops Vulture Debt Collectors

The four-year Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations on debt is an often-overlooked but powerful defense for consumers and businesses facing aggressive creditors. Debt collectors do not want you to know this, but sometimes a debt is just too old to collect.

Foreclosure Defense In Pennsylvania

Mortgage foreclosure defense in Pennsylvania can buy you time to bring your loan current, sell your home, or make other plans. In many cases, foreclosure defense can lead to a mortgage modification, settlement, or both. You can sometimes modify a mortgage while in bankruptcy.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Stops Collection Of Settled Or Paid Debts

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA") and related laws can stop unscrupulous debt collectors who try to collect settled or paid debts in Pennsylvania. Violations of these statutes can result in payment of damages for the debtor, including attorney's fees.

Pennsylvania Median Income Changes For 2025

The Pennsylvania median income will increase again for most families as of April 1, 2025, meaning more debtors will qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

The Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations on Debt: Three Costly Mistakes

The Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations on debt is a powerful tool for dealing with unfair collection practices. Unfortunately, debtors often make costly mistakes in applying the Statute of Limitations.

Mortgage Modification in Pennsylvania

A mortgage modification in Pennsylvania may involve a reduction to your interest rate, rolling any back payments into the loan principal (capitalization of the arrearage), or extending the term of your loan.

What You Need to Know About Illegal Debt Collection in Pennsylvania

Debt collectors often use intimidation, lies, and harassment to collect debts. (Witness the debt collectors in Pennsylvania that set up a fake court.) Fortunately, you can protect yourself from these unscrupulous creditors and collectors.

Just Who Is the Bankruptcy Trustee Anyway?

Bankruptcy and Seniors: When The Wolf Knocks on Grandma's Door

Bankruptcy can help Pennsylvania seniors eliminate debt, regain control of their financial lives, and live without constant financial worries. Seniors should discuss both bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy solutions with an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

Ouch! Protecting Your Personal Injury Claim in Bankruptcy

Personal injury claims are exempt in Pennsylvania Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy up to a point. However, you must know how to protect your claim both before and after you file your bankruptcy case.

Avoiding the Bankruptcy Means Test

If you have to take the bankruptcy means test, keep in mind that there is a high likelihood of passing. Moreover, you may have options even if you do not pass the test.

Laws Protecting Financially Stressed Military Servicemembers

Debtors’ Prison: Knowledge Is the Key to Escaping Debt

The imprisonment of debt takes a heavy toll on virtually all aspects of a person's life, including work, family, friendships, and even health. There is a way out.