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Home English FAQs Collections-Creditors Rights Massachusetts

What Happens At A Hearing?

At the hearing, the court will evaluate whether the debt appears to be valid, and the exact amount due. If the court determines that the debtor owes the debt, either on the day of the hearing, or by the terms of a judgment mailed to debtor shortly after the hearing day, debtor may be ordered to pay the full amount immediately. Either at the original hearing or a hearing date set later by the judgment, the court may inquire into their ability to pay, to determine how much they can afford to pay each month, and order a payment plan.

Other Massachusetts Collections-Creditors Rights FAQs

Q: What Is A Third Party Debt Collector?
A: A separate company hired by the creditor to collect the debt. Both creditors and third party debt collectors must tell the debtor the name of their company and the … More
Q: What Is Considered Prohibited Activity (Under Regulations 940 C.M.R. 7 & 209 C.M.R. 18)
A: Collectors and creditors are prohibited from harassing in an effort to collect the debt. This includes: Disclosing debts to a third party including neighbors, … More
Q: Can A Collector Or Creditor Take Debtor To Court To Try To Collect A Debt?
A: If the debtor receives a summons to go to court, they must appear on the hearing date, or contact the court in advance to explain why they cannot appear. They may then … More
Q: Can The Court Order The Debtor To Pay?
A: The court is not permitted to order them to pay the debt with money from Social Security, welfare, unemployment, or workers compensation benefits. If they are found to … More