Guided Defense:
Support for Self-Represented Consumer Debtors
Pro Se, Not Alone.
Being sued for a consumer debt is stressful. Court papers arrive, deadlines start ticking, and it can feel like the system is stacked against you—especially if you can’t or don’t want to hire a lawyer to handle the entire case.
At Ginsburg Law Group, our Guided Defense services are designed for pro se (self-represented) consumers. We help you understand the lawsuit, your deadlines, and your options, so you can move forward with more clarity and confidence.
What Is Guided Defense by Ginsburg Law Group?
Guided Defense is a structured, educational service we offer for consumers who are handling their own debt-collection lawsuits but don’t want to navigate the process completely alone.
We focus on:
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Explaining what your court papers actually mean
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Identifying key deadlines and possible next steps
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Helping you stay organized and prepared as your case moves forward
You remain in control of your case. We provide the guidance.
Important: Guided Defense is support for self-represented consumers. It does not automatically make us your attorneys of record in the lawsuit. Before any Guided Defense services begin, you will sign a limited engagement agreement that clearly outlines exactly what services we will provide. This ensures you understand the scope of our assistance and that we are not entering an appearance or acting as your attorneys of record in the lawsuit. If at any point you decide you want the firm to take over full representation, we will discuss your options and prepare a separate full-service agreement for you to review and sign.
Who Is Guided Defense For?
Guided Defense may be a good fit if:
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You’ve been served with a credit card, medical, personal loan, or auto deficiency lawsuit
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You plan to represent yourself, at least for now
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You feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, court language, and deadlines
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You want to understand your options before deciding whether to seek full representation
If you’re not sure whether Guided Defense or Full Service traditional representation makes more sense, we can discuss that with you.
How Guided Defense Works
Step 1 – Lawsuit Review
You share your summons, complaint, and any other court documents, along with dates and deadlines (if known). We review the materials and get a clear picture of where your case stands.
Step 2 – Explanation & Options in Plain English
We walk you through:
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What you’re being sued for and by whom
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What the court is requiring from you
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Key deadlines and what may happen if you miss them
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Common paths similar cases can take (default, settlement, trial, dismissal, etc.)
Step 3 – Practical Roadmap & Next Steps
We provide guidance so you can decide what to do next as a pro se litigant, such as:
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Whether and how you might respond to the complaint
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Issues you may want to pay special attention to
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How to prepare for upcoming hearings or conferences
You remain the one handling filings and court appearances; we help you understand the process.
What You Receive
Depending on the level of service you choose, Guided Defense may include:
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Review of Court Papers
A close look at the summons, complaint, and other key documents so you know who is suing you, how much they claim you owe, and what they are asking the court to do. - Preparation of Responsive Papers
Based on that review, we will prepare a proposed responsive pleading—such as an Answer or other appropriate response—tailored to the information you provide and the requirements of your court. You will have the opportunity to review the draft with us so you understand each section and can make informed decisions before filing. -
Deadline & Process Overview
Identification of important deadlines and a high-level explanation of what to expect in the lawsuit process in your court. -
Plain-Language Guidance
Explanation of legal terms and procedures in everyday language instead of jargon, so you feel less intimidated and more informed. -
Organization & Preparation Support
Suggestions on what to gather (documents, information, correspondence) and how to stay organized as your case moves forward.
If you would like details about specific session types or pricing for Guided Defense, please contact our office directly.
What Guided Defense Is Not
To avoid confusion, it’s important to be clear about what this service does not include:
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We do not automatically file an appearance or become your attorneys of record in the lawsuit.
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We do not guarantee any particular outcome.
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We do not attend court on your behalf unless we separately agree to full representation.
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We do not become your lawyers for all matters unless and until you sign a separate written fee agreement for representation.
Guided Defense is designed as educational guidance and support for self-represented consumers. If, after speaking with us, full representation is appropriate and available, that would be handled through a separate agreement with clearly defined terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you represent me in court through Guided Defense?
Not automatically. Guided Defense is built for pro se consumers. We do not enter an appearance or speak to the judge for you unless we both sign a separate agreement for full representation.
Is this legal advice or just general information?
Guided Defense is intended to provide education and guidance based on your situation. However, simply reading this page or contacting us does not create an attorney–client relationship. That relationship only begins, if at all, once you sign a written agreement with our firm.
What if I’ve already missed a deadline?
You may still have options, but time is critical. If you think you’ve missed a deadline, contact us as soon as possible so we can review what happened and discuss what may still be available.
What if I decide I need a lawyer to handle everything?
If full representation is appropriate and available in your matter, we can discuss that with you and, if we both agree, enter into a separate attorney–client agreement covering traditional representation.
Important Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not legal advice for any specific person or case. Viewing this page or contacting Ginsburg Law Group about Guided Defense does not create an attorney–client relationship.
Court procedures and consumer protection laws vary by state and may change over time. Before taking action in your own case, you should consult with a licensed attorney about your specific situation and jurisdiction.
Limited Engagement
All Guided Defense services are provided under a Limited Scope Representation Agreement. You will sign a fee agreement that clearly defines the tasks we will perform and the tasks that remain your responsibility as a pro se litigant. We do not enter an appearance or provide full representation unless we both sign a separate agreement outlining expanded services.
Ready to Talk About Guided Defense?
If you’ve been sued for a consumer debt and are considering representing yourself, you don’t have to navigate the process in the dark.
You can:
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Call our office at 855-978-6564
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Email us at intake@ginsburglawgroup.com and mention “Guided Defense” in your message
Please let us know if you have an upcoming court date or response deadline so we can understand the urgency.


