LAWSUIT LOOKUP · 50 STATES + DC
Were you sued over a debt? Check your court records in 2 minutes
Many debt lawsuits are served badly or sent to an old address, and people only find out when their wages are garnished. Pick your state and we take you straight to your court’s official case search.
What to search for
- Your full name and variations: with and without your middle name, one last name, initials.
- Civil, small claims or debt cases (look for "debt," "collection," "contract" or "account").
- Common plaintiffs: Midland Funding, LVNV Funding, Portfolio Recovery Associates, Cavalry SPV, Jefferson Capital, Velocity Investments and credit card banks.
- Search the county where you live now and the counties where you lived in the last few years.
Why check even if you never got papers
70%+
According to Pew Charitable Trusts, more than 70% of debt lawsuits end in a default judgment because the person did not respond. With a judgment, the collector can ask to garnish your wages or bank account. Pew
Found a case? Do this now
Check the deadline
The summons says how many days you have to respond, often 20 to 30 depending on the state. If you do not respond, the collector almost always wins by default.
Respond in writing
File your answer with the court even if you think you owe the debt. That is where you can ask them to prove it or say it is too old to sue on.
Get free help
Many consumer attorneys review these cases at no cost, and legal aid helps if you qualify by income.
Ask for validation
If the collector has not sued yet, a validation letter makes them prove the debt.
See all states (51)
Federal courts
Consumer debt lawsuits almost always go to state or county courts. If a collector sued you in federal court, or you want to sue a collector under the FDCPA, the record is in PACER. PACER Case Locator. $0.10 per page (search results too), up to $3 per document. Waived if you owe $30 or less in a quarter.
FAQ
Does this tool check the courts for me?
No. It takes you to your state or county’s official case search and explains how to use it. Courts do not allow other sites to pull their records automatically.
Is it free to search?
Checking whether a case exists is almost always free. Some courts charge for document copies.
What if I find nothing?
Search the counties where you lived before and check again in a few weeks. If a collector threatens to sue, keep their letters and check the statute of limitations on your debt.
Can I be arrested over a debt?
Not for failing to pay a consumer debt. But if a judge orders you to appear and you do not, there can be consequences. Always respond to the court.
Links go to official court and clerk websites. We checked each link in October 2026, but courts change their systems; if one fails, use the state’s official list of courts. This is general information, not legal advice.