DEFENSE AGAINST DEBT COLLECTION LAWSUITS
Sued by a debtor buyer? We sue back under the FDCPA
Sued by Midland Credit, LVNV Funding, or Portfolio Recovery in District Court? Don't let them take a default judgment or garnish your paycheck. We force debt buyers to prove their case—or pay you under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Do Not Ignore a Court Summons!
When a debt collector or debt buyer sues you in a Michigan District Court, you typically have 21 days to file a formal legal response (28 days if served by mail).
If you ignore the lawsuit, the debt collector automatically wins a Default Judgment. Once they have a default judgment against you, they can legally:
- Garnish Your Paycheck: Seize up to 25% of your disposable earnings directly from your employer.
- Freeze & Levy Your Bank Account: Drain money straight out of your checking or savings account.
- Place Liens on Your Property: Put a cloud on your real estate title so you can't sell or refinance your home.
We stop them before they get to your money.
We Defend Against All Major Debt Buyers in Michigan
Who Sued You? We Know Their Playbook.
Debt buyers purchase thousands of old, unverified credit card debts for pennies on the dollar and file mass lawsuits hoping you won't show up. Attorney Doug Dern routinely defends consumers against aggressive collection law firms and debt buyers including:
Midland Credit Management / Midland Funding
LVNV Funding
Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA)
Crown Asset Management
Unifund CCR
Cavalry SPV I
Jefferson Capital SystemsJust because they filed a lawsuit does not mean they can prove you owe the money. We demand strict proof of ownership, complete chain of assignment, and original contract documentation.
Turning Defense Into a Counter-Claim (FDCPA)
WE DON'T JUST DEFEND—WE SUE BACK
Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors must follow strict laws. If a debt buyer or collection attorney used illegal tactics, lied about what you owed, or sued you after the statute of limitations expired, we flip the script:
File a Counter-Claim: We turn your lawsuit defense into an affirmative claim against the collector.
Recover Statutory Cash Damages: You could be awarded up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus compensation for any financial harm.
Zero Out-of-Pocket Legal Fees: Under the FDCPA, when we prove the collector violated your rights, they are legally required to pay our attorney fees.
GET A FREE LAWSUIT DEFENSE EVALUATION
Law Office of Doug Dern. We do debt defense. You can avoid bankruptcy. Located in Highland MI.