How to Settle Debt With Daniels, Norelli, Cecere & Tavel P.C.

Receiving a lawsuit notice from a debt collector creates stress and uncertainty. You might not know where to start or what to do next.

Understanding who is suing you is the first step toward resolution. Here’s everything you need to know about Daniels, Norelli, Cecere & Tavel P.C. and how to resolve your debt matter.

Who Is Daniels, Norelli, Cecere & Tavel P.C.?

Daniels, Norelli, Cecere & Tavel P.C. (DNCT) is a legitimate law firm. They handle debt collections and judgments for original creditors.

The firm specializes in debt collection accounts and lawsuits. They work with various corporate clients including financial institutions, healthcare companies, and utilities.

Check DNCT Reviews Before You Respond

Online reviews for Daniels, Norelli, Cecere & Tavel P.C. show mixed experiences. You can find reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and the CFPB consumer database.

Despite varied reviews, you need to take proactive steps. Ignoring their outreach won’t make the debt disappear.

Most DNCT representatives you speak with are debt collection agents, not attorneys. However, they employ licensed attorneys on staff. You need to raise valid legal defenses to any lawsuits they file.

How to Negotiate a Debt Settlement With DNCT

You can still negotiate even after receiving a Summons and Complaint. Responding promptly gives you time for productive settlement negotiations.

Follow these steps to settle your debt:

1. File an Answer to avoid a default judgment against you.
2. Calculate how much you can afford to pay using this formula: Amount available = (monthly income – monthly costs) + savings.
3. Contact DNCT to start settlement talks with an opening offer below your maximum.
4. Prepare for multiple negotiation rounds as they may decline your first offer.
5. Get any settlement agreement in writing with all terms clearly stated.

Our partner Solo can help you respond to the lawsuit and negotiate effectively.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from harassment and unethical collection tactics. Many debt collectors violate FDCPA rules, so you need to know your protections.

Under the FDCPA, Daniels, Norelli, Cecere & Tavel P.C. cannot:

• Call you at work if your employer prohibits it
• Contact you at odd hours
• Discuss your debt with anyone except your lawyer or spouse
• Threaten arrest for nonpayment
• Threaten property seizure without a warrant
• Use obscene language or make threats
• Misstate the amount you owe
• Make false allegations about the debt

You can use FDCPA violations as evidence in court within one year. A successful ruling may award you up to $1,000 plus court and attorney fees.

What Happens When DNCT Sues You

You must respond to a lawsuit within 14-35 days, depending on your state. Failing to respond results in a default judgment against you.

A default judgment can lead to wage garnishment, frozen bank accounts, or property liens. You cannot afford to ignore the lawsuit.

The Summons notifies you of the case and parties involved. The Complaint explains why DNCT is suing you and for how much. The document includes allegations about what you owe, interest, attorney fees, and court costs.

How to Defend Yourself Against DNCT

Verify the Lawsuit Belongs to You

You might be a victim of identity theft if you don’t recognize the debt. Gather proof showing the debt isn’t yours. You can also demand proof that the debt belongs to you.

Gather All Available Information

Your debt may have been sold multiple times before reaching DNCT. Vital information often gets lost when debts change hands.

Collect these important documents:

• Debt verification letters
• Original creditor information
• Proof of accuracy or inaccuracy
• Evidence of actual ownership

Check the Statute of Limitations

Each state sets a statute of limitations on debt, typically four to six years. Collectors cannot sue you after this period expires. The debt becomes “time-barred” once the statute of limitations passes.

The time period starts on the last day you were active on the account. Avoid making payments or borrowing more money, or the clock restarts.

How to Respond to a Lawsuit From DNCT

Filing a written Answer is your first step to winning your case. The Answer responds to the Summons and Complaint DNCT filed against you.

Follow these three steps:

1. Answer each claim in the Complaint: You can admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge. Most attorneys recommend denying as many claims as possible.
2. Assert your affirmative defenses: Include any legal reason DNCT’s case is invalid. Common defenses include the statute of limitations, lack of standing, and failure to state a claim.
3. File with the court and serve DNCT: Submit your Answer before the deadline. Send a copy to DNCT’s attorneys via USPS certified mail.

Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer in just 15 minutes.

Attend Your Hearing or Trial

Skipping your hearing means automatic loss and a default judgment. You must appear in court to defend yourself.

If you owe the debt, you have options. Set up a payment plan before your hearing. Or negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount with a lump-sum payment.

You might have valid reasons not to pay even if you incurred the debt. Maybe the product was defective or never delivered. The debt contract might be unenforceable.

Additional affirmative defenses include:

• Lack of standing: No legal basis for the lawsuit or unclear debt ownership
• Insufficient facts: The complaint failed to state facts sufficient to grant relief
• Statute of limitations: The debt is too old to collect legally
• FDCPA violations: The collector broke federal debt collection laws

Respond within the deadline, assert your defenses, and contact DNCT to negotiate. Your best chance at resolution comes through settlement outside of court.