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Is motion to dismiss for improper service viable defence in IL?


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I'm being sued by Cavalry for Citibank debt of 18K. The processor left the papers on the planter by front door of my apt building 4 days before appearance date. The affidavit of service claims they delivered to me personally at my apt. I've spoken with 3 attorneys that say there's no legal recourse and judge will not dismiss based on improper service. Is this true? I filed appearance to avoid default judgment because I didn't know about motion to delay appearance until I could hire an attorney or Motion to Quash based on improper service. Now, I have to file answer in 3 days. What options do I have? I appreciate any insight that can be provided.

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8 hours ago, NextSteps said:

The affidavit of service claims they delivered to me personally at my apt. I've spoken with 3 attorneys that say there's no legal recourse and judge will not dismiss based on improper service. Is this true?

The attorneys have no reason to lie to you about whether the service was legal or how the courts will rule on a MTD.  The problem you have is few states require that the papers be placed in your hand for personal service.  Leaving them at your known residence is sufficient and known as "tack and nail" even if they did leave it in the planter.

8 hours ago, NextSteps said:

I filed appearance to avoid default judgment because I didn't know about motion to delay appearance until I could hire an attorney or Motion to Quash based on improper service.

Even if you did manager to get that service quashed they will only serve you again.  It is nothing more than a delaying tactic it will not make the suit go away permanently.

8 hours ago, NextSteps said:

What options do I have?

Who is suing you and for how much?  If it is a junk debt buyer who was the original creditor they say they bought the account from?

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10 hours ago, NextSteps said:

I filed appearance to avoid default judgment

By filing an appearance, you waived your right to personal service. If you wanted to argue improper service, you would have had to let the default judgment happen, and then file a motion to set aside judgment for improper service. 

10 hours ago, NextSteps said:

I'm being sued by Cavalry for Citibank debt of 18K.

You're in good shape. Use arbitration and Cavalry will dismiss their case against you once the court grants the MTC and you pay the $200 arb filing fee.

https://www.creditinfocenter.com/community/topic/329436-arbitration-overview-and-strategy-2018-most-up-to-date-info/

 

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4 hours ago, Harry Seaward said:

You're in good shape. Use arbitration and Cavalry will dismiss their case against you once the court grants the MTC and you pay the $200 arb filing fee.

https://www.creditinfocenter.com/community/topic/329436-arbitration-overview-and-strategy-2018-most-up-to-date-info/

 

They might be more willing to follow the OP into Arb for $18K

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8 hours ago, Clydesmom said:

The attorneys have no reason to lie to you about whether the service was legal or how the courts will rule on a MTD.  The problem you have is few states require that the papers be placed in your hand for personal service.  Leaving them at your known residence is sufficient and known as "tack and nail" even if they did leave it in the planter.

Even if you did manager to get that service quashed they will only serve you again.  It is nothing more than a delaying tactic it will not make the suit go away permanently.

Who is suing you and for how much?  If it is a junk debt buyer who was the original creditor they say they bought the account from?

Thanks for your input. The attorneys all said that service must be delivered personally in IL, unless they request a specific service to post/mail from judge, which they did not. What attorneys basically said it was immaterial and not worth fighting, which I didn't understand. If the suit can be dismissed or counter suit filed based on a technicality such as incorrect amount or some other mistake made by JDB, why wouldn't improper service be important. I was hoping there would be some precedent for IL for cases being dismissed on that basis.

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