Armed with credit right legalese, let’s say you properly tell a bothersome debt collector to buzz off to buy more time over a debt you are struggling to pay. Yet a few weeks later you are summoned to appear in court over the matter. Are you looking to fight fair with collectors, but you’re not sure exactly how much wiggle room you have? Here’s when you know it’s time to comply with a debt collector.

They show written proof you owe the debt.If it’s a third-party or junk debt buyer that is after you, don’t confuse your first debt validation notice as written proof you owe the debt from the original creditor. Make sure you get back to the collector within 30 days asking for the proper information. This request shows you know your rights and often is enough to keep you out of court.

They assume you acknowledge the debt. Give an impression from the get-go you aren’t just going to roll over and take a legal beating. Meaning you reduce your chances of being taken to court if you dispute the issue. While we have a moral obligation to make good on debts owed, your challenge recognizes to the creditor you do have an opinion – and thus likely a settlement number – which can keep you both out of the courtroom.

They think you have the assets to pay up. It isn’t enough to say you don’t have the cash. Even if all you have is a steady job, you might be worth the risk to come after because if a judgment is granted, your wages can be garnished. This means as much as 25% of your take-home paycheck is automatically delivered to the collector.

They think they can break the law. While a trend is up to sue consumers over credit card debt, the collectors and creditors seem to be breaking a lot of laws doing so. They take this chance if you’ve proven to be an easy target to take advantage of, which means you’ve been avoiding their calls and letters.