How to Defend a Warrant in Debt in Virginia

It is not absolutely necessary to be represented by legal counsel when you have to answer to a Warrant in Debt in the state of Virginia. If you know that you owe the amount being requested by the creditor then there is no reason to fight it. Making an appearance in court is not an admission that you owe the money, but not showing up after you have been notified may be assumed to be admission and a judgment will probably be granted. In most cases further steps must be taken by the creditor to collect on the judgment.

Instructions

1

Bring your statements and documents pertaining to the debt to the court with you. If you do not disagree with the amount the creditor is asking for they will be given a judgment. If at all possible pay the amount owed before you come to court. This judgment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will remain on your record for seven years even if it's paid.

2

Use your statements, payment receipts and documents to prove your case if you disagree with the amount the creditor is asking for. Present your receipts to the judge or court and let the judge decide what the correct balance is.

3

Make payment arrangements with the creditor through the judge to rectify the situation. This will avoid the creditor going further and seeking a garnishing of your wages.