During the COVID-related economic downturn, many families have had trouble making payments on the mortgage, auto loans, credit cards, student loans and other debt. Lenders say they understand the hardship and have accommodation programs to help you.
But what’s really happening? How has debt collection changed during the public health crisis?
What pandemic protections currently exist for consumers and could they remain in place in its wake?
Debt collection cases are the most common civil court cases today. Is the process open, fair and transparent in Texas?
What could be done to modernize and improve the civil court system and how it handles debt collection cases?
Guests:
- Erika Rickard, director for Pew’s Civil Legal System Modernization project
- Amy Clark, consumer rights attorney and manager of the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Consumer Protection Team
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*This interview was recorded on Thursday, March 18.