Free Debt Collection Clinic Thursday

There will be a free debt collection clinic Thursday afternoon.

The Cookeville Legal Aid Society will host the event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at their Jefferson Avenue office.

Managing Attorney Marla Williams said they are often involved in debt cases.

“There are so many individuals who are sued for debts that they are not able to pay,” Williams said. “And we feel like it’s important that they know their rights with regards to protecting their personal property, and just having information that will help them avoid garnishment of their wages.”

Many cases come from third parties who try to collect old debts that individuals may not be aware of, Williams said.

One of the main topics of advice the clinic will provide is protecting personal property.

“Often folks don’t know if there is a judgement entered against them that the judgement creditor at that point can have their only source of transportation, such as their car, attached and taken in and sold by the sheriff,” Williams said.

The Upper Cumberland Young Lawyers Division will provide legal advice at the event.

President Caroline Sapp said this will be her first time participating for this clinic, but she has done other clinics in the past.

“We hope that a lot of people see this, that they’ll get to come out, and hopefully get a lot of their questions answered and can clear up some debt or set up some type of plan or whatever that needs to happen and can move forward with their life,” Sapp said.

The office address is 9 S. Jefferson Avenue Suite 102.