Never Pay Collection Agency — Civil Legal Guide. Understanding never pay collection agency and your civil legal options, explained in plain language. If a debt collector is involved, the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you the right to demand written validation of the debt and to stop abusive contact. Every debt also has a statute of limitations, after which it generally cannot be sued on — but never ignore a court summons, because that is how a default judgment happens. Keep every letter, voicemail, and statement. Do you need a lawyer for never pay collection agency? In most cases, no — small claims court is designed for people representing themselves, and a demand letter can often resolve the matter before any filing. How much does it cost? A professional demand letter through PettyLawsuit is $29, and small claims filing fees (if you ever need them) typically run $30 to $200 and are often recoverable if you win. When you're ready, PettyLawsuit turns this into action: a professional demand letter sent by certified mail for $29, and — if it comes to that — the correct small claims forms for your state with step-by-step filing help. Most disputes settle once a formal demand letter arrives, so you may never see a courtroom.