The nation’s recession has caused a jump in lawsuits filed in New Jersey’s courts over credit card debt, with formerly affluent people increasingly the target of litigation. Lawsuits to recover debts of between $3,000 and $15,000 increased 25 percent from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, to the year ending June 30, 2010, according to court records. Court officials say credit card debt is the main reason for that spike.
“The surge in cases has been astronomical in matters where the economy has a big impact,” said Winnie Comfort, communications director for the state’s judiciary. Read more in Star Ledger.