Small Claims and collections

[alienhead28]

I live in Washington County, Oregon. I am about to be sent to collections by an old landlord for charges I would like to fight in court. If I go to court and have been sent to collections, will the court remove it from the collection report? Or would it be better to pay them to avoid collections and then sue to get the money back?

Please help.

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Civil actions like these involve monetary judgements. Until you've paid this alleged owed money, you have no reason to file a lawsuit.

This would be different if the landlord had been the one to file against you in court for these charges. You would then be served and have a certain number of days to answer the court that you disagree with these. The next step would be a hearing where you both would argue your case to a judge (or, in some states, a mediator).

Gail