How to Settle Debt With Couch Lambert (Formerly Couch Conville & Blitt)

Getting contacted by Couch Lambert can feel overwhelming. You might feel stressed about your financial future. But you have options and legal rights to protect yourself.

Couch Lambert, formerly known as Couch Conville & Blitt, is a debt collection law firm. They represent credit card companies, hospitals, and other creditors. You can negotiate with them and settle your debt for less than you owe.

Here’s how to respond, negotiate, and protect your rights when dealing with Couch Lambert.

What Is Couch Lambert?

Couch Lambert is a debt collection law firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The firm has operated since 2013 under its previous name, Couch Conville & Blitt. They recently rebranded to their current name.

Here’s their contact information:

• Phone: 1-866-282-3853
• Address: 3501 North Causeway Blvd, Ste. 800, Metairie LA 70002
• Website: https://www.gulfsouthlegal.com/

Who Does Couch Lambert Collect For?

Couch Lambert represents various creditors in debt collection matters. These include credit card companies, personal loan lenders, auto loan companies, and hospitals. They collect debts on behalf of these clients.

Check Couch Lambert Reviews Before Engaging

You should research what other consumers say about their experiences with Couch Lambert. Online reviews provide valuable insights into how the firm operates.

You can find reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau website. The reviews are mixed, with both positive and negative experiences reported.

But many positive reviews show that consumers can negotiate successfully with the firm. One borrower named Jackie shared her experience paying off an American Express debt. She made bi-weekly payments and successfully cleared her debt.

Jackie’s experience demonstrates something important. When you proactively communicate with Couch Lambert, they often work with you. You can reach a resolution if you engage openly and honestly.

How to Negotiate a Debt Settlement With Couch Lambert

You may not have funds to pay your entire debt. Debt settlement could be your best option in this situation.

Debt settlement means paying a portion of your total debt. The creditor agrees to accept less than you owe. In exchange, they clear your name and dismiss any lawsuit.

Most creditors work with borrowers facing genuine financial hardship. They may accept a lump sum payment or create a payment plan. Working with our partner Solo can help you navigate the settlement process effectively.

Steps to Settle Your Debt

First, determine how much you can afford to pay. Calculate a realistic amount based on your current financial situation. The more you offer, the more likely Couch Lambert will accept.

Starting with 60 percent of the total debt is generally effective. But you might negotiate a lower amount if you have extenuating circumstances. Expect some back and forth before reaching an agreement.

Even if you plan to settle, file an Answer to the lawsuit first. Your Answer prevents a default judgment against you. It also shows Couch Lambert you’re prepared to fight in court.

Creditors are more willing to settle when they know you’ll defend yourself. Your Answer gives you negotiating leverage.

Your Legal Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive collection practices. Understanding your rights helps you stand up to aggressive collectors.

Here are key protections under the FDCPA:

• Debt collectors cannot call before 8 am or after 9 pm
• They cannot use rude, vulgar, or abusive language
• They cannot threaten you with lawsuits they don’t intend to file
• They cannot call you at your workplace
• They must stop contacting you if you request it in writing

Document any violations of these rules. You may have grounds for a counterclaim if Couch Lambert breaks these laws.

How to Respond If Couch Lambert Sues You

Never ignore a debt collection lawsuit. Ignoring it guarantees you’ll lose. The lawsuit won’t disappear just because you throw away the papers.

You must file a written Answer to the lawsuit. Your Answer is your formal response to the court. It tells the judge you dispute the claims against you.

Critical Tips for Writing Your Answer

Never admit you owe the debt in your Answer. Couch Lambert must prove you owe what they claim. Make them do the work.

File your Answer with the Clerk of Court on time. You typically have 20 to 30 days after receiving the lawsuit. Check your summons for the exact deadline.

Mail a copy of your stamped Answer to Couch Lambert. Keep proof that you sent it. This ensures they receive your response.

Affirmative Defenses to Raise in Your Answer

Your Answer should include affirmative defenses. These are legal reasons why you shouldn’t be held responsible for the debt.

Couch Lambert must prove several things to win their case:

1. They are legally authorized to sue you
2. You are the person who owes the debt
3. You are responsible for this specific debt
4. You owe the exact amount they claim

If they cannot prove all these elements, you can win your case. The lawsuit could be dismissed entirely.

Statute of Limitations Defense

The statute of limitations is a powerful defense. Every state sets time limits for filing debt collection lawsuits. Creditors must sue within this timeframe or lose their right to collect.

If Couch Lambert sued you after the statute of limitations expired, you can file a motion to dismiss. The court should dismiss the case with prejudice. This means they can never sue you again for this debt.

Check your state’s statute of limitations for your type of debt. Credit card debt typically has a three to six year limit, depending on your state.

Consider Filing a Counterclaim

You might have grounds to sue Couch Lambert if they violated the FDCPA. Document any illegal collection practices they used against you.

Common FDCPA violations include calling at inappropriate times, using threats, or harassing you. You can file a counterclaim in your debt lawsuit for these violations.

If you win your counterclaim, Couch Lambert may owe you money. You could receive up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus attorney fees.

Your Action Plan for Resolving Debt With Couch Lambert

Follow these steps to protect yourself and resolve your debt:

• Document all communication from Couch Lambert, including dates and times of calls
• Note any FDCPA violations like calls before 8 am, after 9 pm, or at work
• File your Answer within the court’s deadline
• Raise affirmative defenses like statute of limitations in your Answer
• Demand proof that you owe the debt and that you’re the correct debtor
• Consider negotiating a settlement after filing your Answer
• Keep copies of all documents and correspondence

You can successfully defend yourself against Couch Lambert. Taking action protects your rights and gives you negotiating power. Our partner Solo can help you respond to the lawsuit and negotiate a settlement on your terms.

Why You Should Act Quickly

Time is your enemy in a debt collection lawsuit. You have limited time to file your Answer. Missing the deadline results in a default judgment against you.

A default judgment means you automatically lose. Couch Lambert can then garnish your wages or freeze your bank account. They win without proving you owe anything.

Acting quickly gives you options. You can negotiate from a position of strength. You can raise defenses and potentially win your case.

Don’t let fear or embarrassment prevent you from taking action. Thousands of people successfully fight debt collection lawsuits every year. You can be one of them.