MURFREESBORO, TN - A part of the holidays in Rutherford County is a familiar pattern that continues to unfold inside General Sessions Court. Many of the cases filling the docket involve residents overwhelmed by consumer debt — a burden that often grows quietly until it suddenly becomes unmanageable.

Flex loans, payday loans, credit cards, medical bills and rent can pile up quickly, especially after a job loss, illness or unexpected emergency. For many people, the seriousness of the situation doesn’t become clear until a lawsuit arrives, a paycheck shrinks due to garnishment or money disappears from a bank account. During a season when budgets are already stretched thin, losing access to wages or savings can be a painful shock.

Most consumer debt follows a predictable path. When payments fall behind, accounts become delinquent. Eventually, creditors may “charge off” the debt, an accounting step that does not erase what is owed. From there, the debt may be collected by the original creditor, assigned to a collection agency or sold to a debt buyer — often without the borrower’s knowledge. If collection efforts fail, a lawsuit is the next step.

Attorneys and judges alike stress that showing up to court is the most important thing a borrower can do. When someone doesn’t appear, the creditor automatically wins, opening the door to wage garnishments or bank account seizures. Simply attending the hearing can keep options open, allow time for negotiation or lead to a rescheduled date.

Even after a judgment, Tennessee law offers protections that many residents don’t realize they have. A personal property exemption allows individuals to shield up to $10,000 in assets — including bank funds and money held in mobile‑banking apps — by filing an Affidavit of Claim Exemptions. Another option, known as a “slow pay” motion, lets borrowers request installment payments that prevent wage garnishment as long as payments are made on time. Both forms can be filed without an attorney.

The Legal Aid Society of Murfreesboro is located at 526 N. Walnut St. works with low‑income residents facing these challenges, especially during the holidays when garnishments can wipe out a year’s worth of careful saving. Staff members say that taking action early can protect income and restore a sense of stability during a stressful season. The local office is open Monday through Tuesday from 8 AM to 4 PM; Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. For information, phone (615) 890-0905.