Understanding the Sender and the Purpose of the Mail
The first step in dealing with any legal mail is identifying the sender. Is it a court, a lawyer, a government agency, or a debt collector? Knowing the sender immediately gives you clues about the subject matter. A court summons demands a response; a lawyer’s letter might be an offer to settle; a government agency letter could concern taxes or regulations; and a debt collector’s letter might involve overdue payments. Understanding the sender helps you determine the urgency and appropriate response. Look for letterheads, addresses, and contact information to confirm the