Debt Defense Attorney Serving Long Island and Nassau County (New York State)
Being served with a debt lawsuit is not the same as losing one. Many creditor claims contain errors, rely on inflated balances, or are based on debt that has already passed New York's statute of limitations. Aronow Law P.C. has defended Nassau County residents and Long Island business owners against creditor lawsuits, collection harassment, and aggressive debt collection tactics for 23+ years.
23+ Years Defending Clients Against Creditor Lawsuits on Long Island
Free Consultations With No Time Limit
Debt Defense, Settlement, and Bankruptcy Handled by the Same Firm
Direct Attorney Access Throughout Your Case
Many Debt Lawsuits Contain Errors, Inflated Amounts, or Time-Barred Claims
You Have Been Sued. Here Is What That Actually Means.
A summons and complaint from a creditor or debt collector is an opening move, not a final judgment. You have the right to respond, raise defenses, and in many cases, resolve the claim on terms that are far better than whatever the creditor is demanding.
What happens if you do not respond is the real problem. Failing to answer a debt lawsuit in New York results in a default judgment — which gives the creditor the right to garnish your wages, freeze your bank account, and place liens on your property. That outcome is avoidable. In some cases, even a default judgment that has already been entered can be vacated with timely legal action.
Debt Defense Options at Aronow Law
Child Support
We help parents establish and modify child support orders in accordance with Florida guidelines. Our approach ensures your child’s needs are met while maintaining fair obligations for both parents.
Sued by a Creditor Answer, Defend, and Resolve
When a creditor files suit, Aronow Law reviews the complaint in full — the debt amount, the documentation behind the claim, the identity of the current creditor, and whether the statute of limitations has run. Many lawsuits filed by debt buyers contain documentation gaps that create viable defenses. The response strategy depends on what the complaint actually contains, not on what the creditor asserts it contains.
Debt Settlement Negotiation Resolve the Debt Without Going to Court
In many cases, creditors will negotiate a reduced lump-sum settlement or a structured payment arrangement rather than proceed through litigation. Aronow Law negotiates directly with creditors and debt buyers on behalf of clients — without the client having to engage the creditor directly. Settlement is not available in every case, but when it is, it can resolve a significant debt obligation for a fraction of the original balance.
Time-Barred Debt Defense — Debt Past the Statute of Limitations
New York imposes a three-year statute of limitations on most written contract debt, including credit card agreements. If a creditor or debt buyer is attempting to collect — or has filed suit — on debt that is older than three years from the date of last payment or last activity, that claim may be time-barred. A time-barred debt cannot be legally enforced in New York courts. Aronow Law identifies whether the statute of limitations applies to your situation and uses it as a defense where it does.
Debt Defense and Bankruptcy
Are Not an Either-Or Decision
Many clients who contact Aronow Law about debt defense are not ready to consider bankruptcy — and they should not have to be. Debt defense can result in dismissal, settlement, or a manageable payment arrangement without any bankruptcy filing.
For clients where that outcome is achievable, bankruptcy may never need to be on the table.
But if a debt defense strategy does not produce a satisfactory resolution, bankruptcy remains an option — and clients who have worked with Aronow Law through the defense phase do not need to start over with a new firm. The full picture of your debt situation is already known, the relationship is already established, and the transition to a bankruptcy filing, if it becomes the right move, happens within the same engagement.
What New York's 3-Year Statute of Limitations
Means for You
New York's CPLR § 213 sets a six-year statute of limitations on written contracts — but a 2021 amendment to New York law reduced the limitations period for consumer credit transactions, including most credit card debt, to three years. For Nassau County residents receiving collection calls or lawsuit notices on old debt, this is a critical threshold.
The clock on most
consumer debt begins running from the date of last payment or last activity on the account. If that date is more than three years ago, the debt may be legally unenforceable — even if the balance is legitimate and even if the creditor has filed suit. Raising this defense at the right moment in the litigation can result in dismissal.
Testimonials
Best Decision I made was to call Aronow Law and I received the Best Outcome!! Malini is an outstanding advocate for those navigating the legal system. Knows her stuff. Aronow Law provided swift problem free assistance. My experience working with this firm has been awesome. So very thankful. Would tell everyone to call Aronow Law if you are in need of legal services. You'll be very happy you did.
Kobin W.
Google Reviews
This law firm is the best !! I can’t express how above and beyond they went to help. My grandmother saved her house ! Because of them a house she’s been in since she was a baby is now hers to keep and she’s 80 years old….. They went above and beyond answering any questions although we got frustrated at times they never ever disrespected us and keep to professional always !!! Thanks so luv from the Campbell family :)!
Nanamilan2010
Google Reviews
Best decision I ever made. They did an amazing job helping me through this process always answering my questions and helping me through every single step along the way explaining everything to mean. If you are ever looking for an attorney to represent you in the bankruptcy process, he is the one.
Merlo M.
Google Reviews
Aronow Law did an amazing job handling my bankruptcy case. They not only made the entire process smooth and stress-free, but they also went above and beyond by getting my EZPass tolls discharged—something I didn’t think was possible. Thanks to their incredible work, the suspension on my vehicle registration was lifted, and I was finally able to get back on the road. Highly recommend them!
Suhrob s.
Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
About Debt Defense in New York
What happens if I get sued by a debt collector in New York?
You have a limited window to respond to the complaint — typically 20 to 30 days depending on how you were served. If you do not respond, the court enters a default judgment against you, which gives the creditor the right to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, and place liens on property. If you respond, the case moves to a defense and negotiation phase where outcomes vary significantly depending on the quality of the creditor's documentation and the defenses available.
Can I fight a debt lawsuit without going bankrupt?
Yes. Debt defense and bankruptcy are separate legal strategies. Many creditor lawsuits are resolved through defense, dismissal, or negotiated settlement without any bankruptcy filing. Aronow Law evaluates which approach fits your situation — and if defense is viable, that is the starting point. Bankruptcy remains an option if needed, handled by the same firm without starting over.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in New York?
New York's statute of limitations on most consumer credit transactions — including credit card debt — is three years from the date of last payment or last activity on the account. Debt older than three years may be time-barred and legally unenforceable in New York courts. This applies even if the creditor has filed a lawsuit. Identifying whether a claim is time-barred is one of the first things Aronow Law checks when reviewing a new debt defense case.
What if a default judgment has already been entered against me?
A default judgment is serious but not always final. In some circumstances, a motion to vacate the default can be filed — particularly if you were not properly served, if you had a legitimate reason for not responding, or if the creditor's claim has procedural defects. Aronow Law reviews the facts of each default judgment situation individually to determine whether vacatur is worth pursuing.
Can Aronow Law handle my debt lawsuit and my bankruptcy at the same time?
Yes. Debt defense and bankruptcy are both handled at Aronow Law, and in some cases, both are active simultaneously — for example, defending a lawsuit while evaluating whether a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing would produce a better overall outcome. The full picture of your debt is assessed in the initial consultation, and the strategy is built around what actually resolves your situation most effectively.
Being Sued Does Not Mean
You Have Lost. Let's Talk.
Aronow Law has defended Nassau County and Long Island residents against creditor lawsuits, debt collection harassment, and time-barred claims for 23+ years. The consultation is free, the conversation has no time limit. Whether you received papers yesterday or a default judgment months ago, the starting point is the same.
