If JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. sues you for a Chase credit card debt in Texas, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it. Carefully read your papers to make sure they are legitimate court documents and not scams, mark your response deadline, and talk with a Texas debt-defense lawyer right away so you can protect your rights.
Is JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. suing you over defaulted credit card debt? We understand you may not know what to do or how to defend yourself. Many people ignore collection lawsuits due to lack of funds, fear, or not understanding the potential consequences of ignoring them. It is worth exploring your legal options because you may have more options than you think to resolve the case. Below, we discuss what you can do if facing a Chase credit card lawsuit in Texas. This article focuses on your individual case, not a nationwide class action lawsuit you might hear about in the news.
Quick Answer: What should I do first if JPMorgan Chase sues me for a credit card debt in Texas?
If JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. sues you for credit card debt in Texas, quickly note your Answer deadline, file a response, and talk with a Texas debt-defense attorney before judgment.
- Review your summons and confirm the exact Answer deadline.
- Prepare and file a Texas-compliant Answer with the correct court.
- Consult a Texas debt-defense attorney about defenses, settlement, or bankruptcy options.
Who Is JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.?
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is the largest bank in the United States and a subsidiary of the global financial services company JPMorgan Chase & Co. It provides various financial services, including significant investment banking operations, but if you bank with it or have a credit card through it, you may know it as Chase Bank or Chase. It is also known as JPMorgan Chase, and in financial news you may see it abbreviated as JPM.
Beyond basic checking and savings accounts, it also offers wealth management services for higher-net-worth clients. Like other large financial institutions, it must comply with strict anti–money laundering rules, and issues in that area sometimes come to light through whistleblower reports and regulatory enforcement—even though those topics are separate from the consumer credit card lawsuits discussed in this article.
Does Chase Sue for Credit Card Debt?
Yes, Chase Bank may sue for credit card debt if a minimum payment has not been made on the account in several months, whether the card is for personal use or tied to a small business. Generally, after 180 days, a creditor will mark the account as default, and late fees and a rising interest rate can cause the balance to grow quickly. Other large issuers, such as Wells Fargo, often follow similar timelines when delinquent credit card accounts are not brought current, though each bank’s policies can differ. At that point, the bank may pursue the debt through litigation or sell the account to a debt buyer.
Remember that if Chase is suing you for defaulted credit card debt, the plaintiff in the lawsuit is JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Who Represents JPMorgan Chase Bank?
Rather than sell its defaulted accounts, JPMorgan Chase hires debt collection law firms to pursue debts from consumers. In Texas, it commonly uses the firms Moss Law Firm and Scott & Associates for its debt collection cases.
Our firm has put together articles about what you can expect if you are up against Moss Law Firm or Scott & Associates.
What to Do Right After You Receive Notice of a Chase Credit Card Lawsuit
If you have received a summons from JPMorgan Chase, we recommend contacting a debt collection defense attorney as soon as possible. You have rights and consumer protection safeguards under the law, and you may have strong legal options to defend yourself. Texas law, through the Texas Debt Collection Act, regulates creditors and third-party debt collectors, and the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act limits abusive, deceptive, or unfair tactics by many third-party debt collectors. The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) also enforces many of these rules and publishes practical guidance for people dealing with debt collectors. Tex. Fin. Code ch. 392; 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692–1692p.
However, first, you need to file a response to the lawsuit, known as your Answer.
Warren & Migliaccio has a guide to responding to a credit card debt lawsuit in Texas. Our guide can help you understand the process. However, we recommend working with an attorney to ensure your Answer is without error and filed correctly and on time.
You will likely lose the case by default if you do not contest or challenge the lawsuit. Responding to the lawsuit stops the court from entering a default judgment against you. Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 239, a plaintiff may obtain a default judgment after the Answer deadline passes if no answer has been filed and service requirements are satisfied. Tex. R. Civ. P. 239.
A default judgment would grant JPMorgan Chase the total amount requested in its lawsuit. It would be able to use a variety of means to recover the money, including:
- Bank garnishment
- Property liens
- Property seizure
Under Texas law, wages for ordinary consumer debts cannot be garnished, but a judgment creditor may garnish bank accounts or use post-judgment tools such as liens and receivership to reach non-exempt assets. Losing access to those funds can make it harder to cover basics like rent, utilities, or your family’s health plan premiums. Tex. Const. art. XVI, § 28; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 63.004.
Additionally, the judgment would likely show up on your credit report, hurting your credit score and affecting your chances of securing a loan or credit in the future, which can in turn affect your ability to pay for housing, health care, and other essentials. Even with a judgment, Texas homestead and personal property exemption laws protect certain real estate and essential personal items from seizure, subject to statutory value limits. Tex. Prop. Code §§ 41.001, 42.001–.002.
In addition to stopping a default judgment, filing an Answer requires JPMorgan Chase to provide evidence that you owe the debt. It may not have sufficient evidence to prove its case.
Need-to-Know Highlights
- Respond to a Chase credit card lawsuit in Texas before your Answer deadline.
- Ignoring the lawsuit can lead to a default judgment and aggressive collection.
- Filing an Answer forces JPMorgan Chase to prove the debt with evidence.
- A Texas debt-defense attorney can help you defend, settle, or discharge the debt.
- Judgments may impact bank accounts, property, and future credit if not addressed.
What If There Is Already a Judgment Against Me?
Has the court handling your case already entered a judgment against you? If so, do not give up. You may still have options available to appeal the judgment or resolve it in a way that better works for you. Depending on timing and the facts, relief may be available through a motion for new trial, restricted appeal, or an equitable bill of review to attack a default judgment. Tex. R. Civ. P. 329, 329b; Caldwell v. Barnes, 154 S.W.3d 93 (Tex. 2004). Consider discussing your situation with a debt defense attorney from our firm.
Case Study: How Filing an Answer Turned a Chase Lawsuit Around
A few months ago, a client we’ll call David came to us with a Chase credit card lawsuit and a stack of unopened papers. He was scared of losing his bank account and was only days away from his Texas Answer deadline. He honestly believed Chase would “automatically win.”
We started by confirming his exact Answer deadline and filed a proper response right away to stop a default judgment. Then we demanded proof of the debt: account records, the card agreement, and a full payment history. We also reviewed the dates carefully to see whether any statute-of-limitations issues might help.
Once we pushed back, Chase’s lawyers could not provide clean, complete documentation. We used those gaps to negotiate a settlement for a fraction of the claimed balance on terms David could afford.
The lesson is that answering the lawsuit and forcing Chase to prove its case can completely change your outcome.
Why Should I Contact an Experienced Debt Defense Attorney?
You have a better chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your case when you work with an attorney. Ignoring the lawsuit, mistakes in your response, and representing yourself in court can all hurt your case and may result in an unfair judgment.
Warren & Migliaccio has significant experience and success representing Texans in debt collection defense cases. We have firsthand experience with these creditors and the law firms they hire for their lawsuits. We know the collection and litigation tactics they use against consumers. And we know the ins and outs of Texas and federal law and how to apply them to your case.
We can develop a legal strategy for your case based on its unique circumstances, an investigation of JPMorgan Chase Bank’s claims, and your best interests. Potential outcomes for your case may include the following:
| Outcome | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Winning the Case | Depending on your situation, strong defenses could lead to case dismissal (e.g., expired statute of limitations, stolen or mistaken identity). |
| Settlement | We help clients negotiate settlements with creditors for amounts less than what is listed in the lawsuits, especially if the creditor has sufficient evidence. |
| Alternative Debt Resolution | Consider discharging part or all of the credit card debt through bankruptcy, depending on your financial situation. We can help you explore this option if debt becomes unmanageable. |
When you work with our debt defense lawyers, we are by your side until we help you resolve your case. Schedule a confidential consultation with us to discuss your situation and potential legal options for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Getting Sued by Chase in Texas
What should I do first if JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. sues me for a credit card debt in Texas?
If JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. sues you for credit card debt in Texas, read the summons carefully, calendar your Answer deadline, and contact a Texas debt collection defense attorney right away. Responding on time prevents a default judgment and forces Chase to prove the Chase credit card lawsuit with proper records.
Next, gather your statements, letters, and credit reports so your lawyer can review the balance, check for errors, and explore defense or settlement options. You may see news reports about big banking cases filed in a U.S. district court. One well-known example is the Southern District of New York, but your Chase credit card lawsuit will typically be brought in a Texas state court close to where you live.
How long do I have to respond to a Chase credit card lawsuit in Texas?
Your deadline depends on the court listed in your papers, but it is short—often only a couple of weeks from when you are served. In Texas justice courts, your Answer is generally due by the end of the 14th day after you are served (with weekend and holiday extensions), while county and district courts usually follow the “Monday after 20 days” rule stated in your citation.
Because missing this window can trigger default, many people contact a Texas debt collection defense attorney as soon as they receive a Chase credit card lawsuit.
What happens if I ignore a Chase credit card lawsuit?
If you ignore a Chase credit card lawsuit, the court can enter a default judgment against you for the full amount Chase claims you owe, plus court costs and possibly attorney’s fees. A default gives JPMorgan Chase powerful tools to collect, and you lose your chance to raise defenses.
After judgment, Chase or its lawyers may enforce it through bank-account garnishment, liens, receivership, or other Texas judgment-enforcement remedies, depending on your assets.
FAQs About Judgments, Garnishment, and Time Limits
Can Chase garnish my wages or bank account for a credit card judgment in Texas?
In Texas, ordinary credit card debt judgments generally cannot lead to wage garnishment, but Chase may be able to freeze and take money from bank accounts or use a court-appointed receiver to reach certain non-exempt assets. Some funds, like specific protected benefits, may be exempt.
If your account is frozen or you receive post-judgment papers, a Texas debt defense attorney can help assert exemptions, challenge improper collection, and negotiate with Chase’s lawyers.
How long can Chase sue me for a credit card debt in Texas?
In most cases, Texas gives creditors four years to sue for unpaid credit card debt, counted from the date of your last payment or another triggering event. If JPMorgan Chase files a Chase credit card lawsuit after the four-year statute of limitations expires, you may be able to raise it as a defense and seek dismissal.
Do not rely on guesswork about dates; bring your statements, letters, and credit reports to an experienced Texas debt collection defense attorney for review.
FAQs About Settlements, Attorneys, and Defenses
Does Chase settle credit card lawsuits, and how much might they accept?
Chase and its collection law firms often consider settlement on credit card lawsuits, which are separate from disputes over Zelle or other payment-app transactions, especially when you file a timely Answer and raise defenses. The possible discount depends on factors like the evidence they have, the age of the debt, and your finances; some consumers resolve cases for significantly less than the sued-for amount.
A Texas debt defense attorney can negotiate with JPMorgan Chase or its counsel and structure a lump-sum or payment-plan settlement that fits your budget when possible.
Do I need a debt defense attorney for a Chase credit card lawsuit, or can I represent myself?
You are allowed to represent yourself, but a Chase credit card lawsuit involves court rules, evidence issues, and strict deadlines that can be hard to manage alone. Consumers who miss procedural steps or default often end up owing more than they should, even when strong defenses existed.
Working with an experienced Texas debt collection defense attorney can improve your chances of dismissal, better settlement, or creative options such as bankruptcy when appropriate.
What defenses might work against a Chase credit card lawsuit in Texas?
Viable defenses depend on your facts, but common issues in a JPMorgan Chase Bank lawsuit include:
- The four-year Texas statute of limitations has expired
- The balance includes improper fees, overcharges, or interest
- Chase cannot link you to the account or transactions
- Service of the lawsuit was defective
A lawyer can also examine federal law issues, such as credit-reporting and debt-collection violations, that may strengthen your negotiating position.
FAQs About Existing Judgments and Debt Buyers
What if there is already a judgment against me in a Chase credit card case?
Even if there is already a judgment against you, options may still exist. In some situations, you may be able to seek to set aside the judgment, challenge improper service, negotiate a reduced payoff, or protect exempt property from bank account seizures or receivership.
Do not ignore post-judgment notices. Bring all court papers to a Texas debt defense attorney quickly to see whether you can improve your outcome.
Is JPMorgan Chase Bank the original creditor or a debt buyer in these cases, and why does it matter?
In most Chase credit card lawsuits, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. appears as the original creditor, not a debt buyer, which often means it has better access to account records. That can change if Chase later sells the debt to a company like Portfolio Recovery or Midland for collection.
Whether you face an original creditor or a debt buyer affects the evidence required, possible defenses, and how your attorney approaches settlement strategy.
Contact Warren & Migliaccio to Discuss Your Potential Legal Options
Our Texas debt defense attorneys assist Texans facing debt collection lawsuits filed by creditors and debt buyers. These cases can involve major institutions such as U.S. Bank or PNC Bank as well as debt buyers that purchase old credit card accounts. With offices located in Dallas and Richardson, our attorneys serve individuals across the state of Texas. Warren & Migliaccio, L.L.P. is a Texas limited liability partnership (LLP) dedicated to representing consumers in these disputes.
We encourage you to set up a confidential consultation with our team to discuss your situation. We can review your case, answer your questions, and determine how we can help you resolve your issue. Many clients first learn about our firm through online reviews or professional networks like LinkedIn. Call our office at phone number 888-584-9614 or contact us online to get started.
