My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Both New Jersey and PA
I have a long issue that only recently came to light. I know the most common answer is get a lawyer but im concerned that for all the cost I don't know enough to proceed.
In or around 2000 I had a pair of credit cards for one company lost my job and could not pay. One year passed and found myself employed and was contacted about the debt. I made a agreement to pay in payments in 2001-2002. I was told after the last payment was received I would receive a release of debt form. I paid all payments. Never received a release of debt form. I lived in NJ at this time. At some point in 2008 I received summons for court in Philadelphia. I went and showed the law firm that was hired for this debt, the copys of the checks paid. The case was withdrawn. In 2009 a different law firm sent news that they were retained to get the same debt. A summons never came. In 2010 I was looking at my credit report for a good job so there was no surprises for the interview process for a gaming license. A Judgement had been filed against me in New Jersey. I received no summons or had any idea of the proceedings. It was dated 2008. I have tried to dispute it on my credit report and call the Courts. I did not get any response beyond that the debt was verified. First Should the Court action where I live in Philadelphia, PA superceed the NJ case. Second This Debt was paid to begin with what Can be done or expected. I kept records of the checks. I received at the time notice that payments were received but they were not official or release of debt forms. I know I should get a Lawyer but now the prices they are asking for after no communcation im assuming because of interest on a debt that was already paid. What can be done?

