Hello,
I recently discovered this form as a source of help and information for collections and how to handle debt buyers, and I would very much appreciate any and all advice I can obtain as I will be heading into Mediation soon. I live in Florida and in 2020 I was given my summons by Portfolio for the sum of $4,865.28 for the debt I owed to Care Credit/Synchrony Bank. The payments made that incurred this debt were family emergencies and medical expenses. Now going into Mediation, I have being going about to the best of my abilities to understand what I can do and what is available to me regarding the case. I am unable to afford a lawyer to build any defense for me, as I live in a low-income family as head of house with my disabled mother and grandmother who are dependents.
I understand going into mediation, the mediator is solely looking into settling with the debt buyer. I am unsure of any settlement I would be capable of paying off, as the amount I currently make is dedicated to paying bills and responsibilities for my family. I have seen Portfolio having a hardship program, and unsure if this is worth requesting during mediation for them to see and determine whether further pursuing the debt is worth it for them. I do not own any property or anything to my name, and have come to understand that I can potentially have any garnishments exempted if I can prove I am head of the household if a default final judgement is placed on me.
I have been looking into if Portfolio has made any FDCPA violations against me, as they have repeatedly called my phone multiple times in a week even when pending for the mediation. I'm also curious if private arbitration is another avenue that I can take that would be far better off for me compared to trying to settle with PRA, and if that is something I can request in mediation.
Please let me know if possibly posting the summons here may be beneficially in giving further advice.
Thank you.