Is Aldous and Associates Legit? How to Settle Your Debt

Aldous and Associates is a legitimate debt collection agency. They specialize in collecting gym membership debts and other consumer accounts. If they contact you, take action quickly to protect your rights.

You can resolve this debt and move forward. Understanding your options makes all the difference when dealing with debt collectors.

What Is Aldous and Associates?

Aldous & Associates is a law firm specializing in 90-day past-due consumer collections. They focus primarily on the fitness industry but also collect telecommunications and property management debts.

The firm was incorporated on September 8, 2015, in Salt Lake City. They offer gym-friendly service practices including no reinstatement costs and comprehensive credit reporting flexibility.

Aldous and Associates has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau. The firm is licensed in several states and operates as a legitimate collection agency.

Contact Information for Aldous and Associates

You can reach Aldous and Associates using the following contact details:

• Phone: 385-388-8005
• Headquarters: Holladay, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117, US
• Website: https://www.aldouslegal.com/

Keep all communication in writing whenever possible. A paper trail protects you if the debt collector files a lawsuit. Written communication also helps when negotiating a settlement agreement.

Who Does Aldous and Associates Collect For?

Aldous and Associates primarily collects for fitness industry companies. They work with major gym chains and fitness centers nationwide.

Their major clients include:

• Crunch Fitness
• Gold’s Gyms
• Blink Fitness
• VASA Fitness

The firm is an ABC Financial Gold Partner and Crunch Franchise partner. They also serve as a Paramount Acceptance Preferred Vendor.

Why Is Aldous and Associates Calling You?

Aldous and Associates calls because they believe you owe an unpaid debt. Most likely, you have an unpaid gym subscription or fitness membership.

You have rights when a debt collector contacts you. Send them a debt validation letter to confirm the debt is legitimate. If they’ve sued you, respond immediately to avoid a default judgment.

Our partner Solo can help you respond to lawsuits and negotiate settlements.

How to Verify the Debt Is Yours

Debt collectors must provide specific information when they contact you. They must disclose details at initial contact or within five days afterward.

Request verification of the following details:

• The creditor’s name
• The debt amount
• Verification if you challenge the debt within 30 days
• Name and address of the original creditor

Send a Debt Verification Letter to confirm the debt belongs to you. You have legal rights under federal law to verify any debt.

Should You Dispute the Debt?

Send a written dispute if you believe you don’t owe the debt. You have 30 days from receiving information to contest the debt.

After you dispute, Aldous & Associates cannot contact you until providing written documentation. Date your letter and keep a copy for your records.

Send your dispute via certified mail with return receipt requested. You’ll have proof the debt collector received your letter.

File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if problems arise. You can submit complaints online or call (855) 411-2372.

How This Debt Affects Your Credit Report

Negative information typically stays on your credit report for seven years. Outstanding debts damage your credit history and lower your credit score.

Payment history is the most important factor in your credit score. Delinquent accounts significantly impact your FICO and VantageScore ratings.

Check your credit reports from all three major bureaus annually. You can get free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Paying a collection account doesn’t remove it from your credit report. The debt appears as a paid collection for up to seven years.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations determines how long collectors can sue you. After this period expires, they cannot take legal action for collection.

Most statutes of limitations last between three and six years. The timeframe depends on your state and the type of debt.

Debt collectors may still contact you after the statute expires. However, they cannot successfully sue you for payment in court.

Will Aldous Delete the Debt After Payment?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act ensures accurate information on your credit report. You can dispute any errors you find through all three bureaus.

Aldous & Associates may offer “pay for delete” arrangements. They remove the debt from your credit report if you pay.

Get any pay-for-delete agreement in writing before making payment. Written agreements protect you if the company doesn’t follow through.

Customer Reviews of Aldous and Associates

Aldous is a legitimate law firm licensed in multiple states. Customer reviews appear on several consumer protection websites.

You can read reviews on these platforms:

• Better Business Bureau customer review section
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau consumer complaint database

Reviews help you understand how the company treats consumers. Research their reputation before engaging in settlement negotiations.

How to Respond to a Lawsuit

Responding to the lawsuit is your first priority if sued. Avoid a default judgment by filing an Answer to the Summons.

Follow these three essential steps:

• Respond to each claim listed in the Complaint
• Assert your affirmative defenses
• File the Answer with the court and send a copy to the plaintiff

Our partner Solo simplifies the Answer process and helps you respond correctly.

A lawsuit involves multiple steps including hearings and court appearances. Filing an Answer is just the beginning of the process.

Stay involved until you’ve resolved the matter completely. Settlement or case dismissal are the two ways to end the lawsuit.

How to Settle Debt With Aldous and Associates

Settlement saves you money and resolves the debt permanently. You can negotiate whether or not a lawsuit is pending.

Follow these steps to reach a successful settlement agreement.

Step 1: Respond to Any Pending Lawsuits

File an Answer immediately if you’ve been sued for debt. You typically have 14-30 days to respond depending on your jurisdiction.

Missing the deadline results in an automatic default judgment. Default judgments allow wage garnishment and bank account levies.

Respond within your state’s required timeframe to preserve your rights. An Answer keeps you in the case and eligible for settlement.

Step 2: Determine Your Settlement Budget

Calculate how much you can realistically afford to settle. Check your finances and available funds before making an offer.

Start by offering 30-50% of the total debt amount. Be prepared to negotiate upward during the settlement process.

Collectors often accept less than the full amount owed. Settlement saves them time and money compared to continued litigation.

Step 3: Get the Settlement in Writing

Never pay without a written settlement agreement first. Verbal agreements don’t protect you if the collector changes terms.

The agreement should specify the settlement amount and payment terms. It must also confirm the debt will be marked as settled.

Keep copies of all settlement documents for your records. You’ll need proof if any disputes arise after payment.

Take Action on Your Aldous and Associates Debt

You have options when dealing with Aldous and Associates. Validate the debt, respond to any lawsuits, and negotiate a settlement.

Don’t ignore collection calls or legal documents. Taking action protects your rights and helps you resolve the debt faster.

Get help responding to lawsuits and settling your debt today. Professional assistance increases your chances of a favorable outcome.