• The information on this website is here to help you understand the law. But it is not legal advice.

    We try to make sure everything is correct and up to date. But we can’t promise that it is complete or always current because sometimes laws change quickly.

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    If you have a legal problem, talk to a lawyer. Only a lawyer can give legal advice for your exact situation. You can get help finding a lawyer at https://indianalegalhelp.org.

    Pro     Bono Indiana and the Bloomington office are not responsible if something bad happens because you only used this website. By using this site, you agree that we are not responsible for any harm or damage.

  • Bank Hold

    When your bank account is frozen and you can’t take money out. This usually happens because someone you owe money to got a court order.

    Collateral or Security

    Something valuable you promise to give the lender if you don’t pay back a loan. For example, your car or house.

    Collection Agency

    A company that tries to collect money you owe, usually for someone else like a credit card company or hospital.

    Creditor

    A person or business you owe money to. For example, a credit card company or hospital.

    Debtor

    A person who owes money to someone else.

    Defendant

    The person who is being sued in court. If someone files a lawsuit against you, you are the defendant.

    Equity

    The part of your house or car that you really own. It is the value after you subtract what you still owe on it.

    Exemption for Garnishment or Bankruptcy (or Property Exempt from Bankruptcy)

    Money or property the law says can’t be taken from you to pay a debt. For example, Social Security money is usually exempt.

    Garnishment

    When money is taken from your paycheck or bank account by court order to pay a debt.

    Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

    A loan that lets you borrow money using the value of your home. You can use the money when you need it, like a credit card.

    Mortgage

    A loan to buy a home. If you don’t make payments, the lender can take the home.

    Motion to Continue

    A paper you file with the court to ask for more time or to move a hearing to a later date.

    Original Creditor

    The first person or company you owed money to. For example, the hospital that gave you care.

    Plaintiff

    The person or company who starts a court case. They are the one suing someone else.

    Proceedings Supplemental

    A court hearing after a judgment is made. The creditor asks how you will pay the debt and may try to take money from your job or bank.

    Spouse

    The person you are legally married to. This is not just someone you live with.