Part 2—The Answer
Part 3—After the Answer

What is a debt collection summons?

A debt collection summons is a notice that you’re being sued to collect a debt. The summons is accompanied by the complaint, which details the allegations the creditor is making against you. We refer to a summons and complaint, collectively, as a “lawsuit.”

What does it mean to be “served” with a summons?

“Served” is just a fancy word for “notified.” Under the court rules, the defendant must get notice of the summons and complaint. This is typically done through personal service—where the summons is given directly to the defendant. A summons and complaint can also be served by leaving it with a person of “suitable age and discretion” at the defendant’s residence. In rare circumstances, a summons and complaint can be served by mail or even by publication in a newspaper.

Why doesn’t the summons have a court file number on it?

In most states, debt collectors must file a case with the court before they can serve the summons and complaint on the defendant.

In Minnesota, however, the rules are different. Here, the summons and complaint can be served on the defendant without being filed with the court. This is called “pocket filing.” Because the case isn’t filed with the court at the time of service, it won’t have a court file number on it. And if you were to call the court and ask about the case, they would have no idea what you’re talking about.

Don’t be fooled by this. Just because the summons doesn’t have a court file number on it doesn’t mean that it isn’t valid. You still have to properly respond to the summons and complaint or you will lose the case by default.

So, what do I do with the summons?

If you’re like many people, you’re tempted to do nothing and wait until you get a court date. Unfortunately, this common thinking is a huge mistake.

In Minnesota, you must answer a summons and complaint within 21 days of the date you are served. If you don’t, the creditor will apply for a default judgment. In a default case, the court considers all of the allegations in the complaint as true and gives the creditor whatever they’re asking for. In other words, the debt collector wins automatically—not because they have a better case, but because you didn't participate. In debt collection cases, a default judgment is entered administratively by a court clerk without a court hearing. In fact, in a default, a judge will never even see the case.

A default judgment is a court ruling that you owe the creditor money. And once a creditor has a judgment, they have the power to garnish your bank account and your paycheck.  Although default judgments can occasionally be overturned, for the most part they are final.

This is why it’s so important to answer a debt collection lawsuit within the 21 days. If you don't, you no longer can raise any defenses and will probably have to either negotiate a settlement or consider bankruptcy.

Part 2—The Answer
Part 3—After the Answer

Ready to talk to a lawyer about your collection lawsuit?
Schedule a free consult with debt defense lawyer Todd Murray.

Since 2009, Todd has helped hundreds of Minnesotans defend debt collection lawsuits. His work has saved his clients millions of dollars (and many sleepless nights). Todd’s clients have described him as “very professional and easy to work with.” He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and four children.