Being contacted by a debt collector or served with a lawsuit over a debt can be stressful and overwhelming. Whether the debt is real, inflated, or simply not yours, you have legal rights. Many individuals are unaware that debt collectors must follow strict rules—and that defenses may be available even if some money is owed.
Our firm represents individuals and consumers who are facing collection efforts, lawsuits, or judgments. We work to protect your rights, ensure that collection practices are lawful, and explore all available options to resolve the matter fairly and responsibly.
Debt collection defense involves representing individuals who have been sued by creditors, debt buyers, or collection agencies. These cases often involve:
Credit card debt
Medical bills
Personal loans
Auto deficiencies
Old or "zombie" debt
Debt buyer lawsuits
Many lawsuits are filed by companies that purchased the debt for pennies on the dollar and may lack the documentation necessary to prove the claim. In some cases, the debt may be too old to legally collect. We help clients evaluate the claim, respond appropriately, and defend against collection when the lawsuit lacks merit.
Consumers have protections under federal and Florida law, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA). These laws prohibit:
Harassment or abusive language by collectors
Misrepresenting the amount or legal status of a debt
Threats of legal action they can't take or don't intend to take
Contacting you at work (after being told not to)
Attempting to collect debts not owed
If a debt collector violates your rights, you may be entitled to take legal action against them—and in some cases, recover damages.
Our firm assists clients with a wide range of debt-related matters, including:
Responding to collection lawsuits: If you’ve been served, it’s important to act quickly. We help you respond within the required time frame and evaluate your legal defenses.
Negotiating settlements: If resolution is appropriate, we can negotiate with creditors to reach manageable payment arrangements or reduced settlements.
Challenging improper claims: We review the creditor’s documentation and challenge claims that lack proper proof, are time-barred, or involve mistaken identity.
Protecting exempt income and assets: We advise clients on Florida exemptions (such as wages, homestead, and retirement accounts) and help protect income from improper garnishment.
Vacating default judgments (when possible): If a judgment was entered against you without notice or proper procedure, we may be able to ask the court to set it aside.
If you ignore a collection lawsuit, the court may enter a default judgment against you, which could lead to wage garnishment, frozen bank accounts, or liens on property. Even if you believe you owe the debt, there may be legal defenses or opportunities to resolve the matter on better terms. The sooner you act, the more options you may have.