How to Settle Debt With Dodeka LLC and Avoid Wage Garnishment

By Talk About Debt Team
Reviewed by Ben Jackson
Last Updated: February 16, 2026
6 min read
The Bottom Line

Dodeka LLC purchases charged-off debts and sues consumers to collect. You must respond to their lawsuit within 20-30 days to avoid default judgment and wage garnishment. Settle by verifying the debt, negotiating in writing, and getting a signed settlement agreement before making any payment.

Answer Your Lawsuit

Dodeka LLC filed a lawsuit against you. You need to act fast and smart.

Ignoring the lawsuit won’t make it disappear. Without a response, you’ll face a default judgment. That means wage garnishment and bank levies.

Respond to Dodeka LLC in 15 Minutes

Your deadline to answer the lawsuit is approaching fast. Draft a proper legal Answer that protects your rights and strengthens your negotiating position before it's too late.

Create Your Answer Now

You have options to fight back and settle this debt. Here’s everything you need to know.

What You Need to Know About Dodeka LLC

Dodeka LLC is a third-party debt buyer. They work closely with Weinstein & Riley, PS, a law firm specializing in debt collection litigation.

The law firm has been BBB accredited since 1985. They maintain an A+ rating. You can find consumer complaints at the CFPB website.

Dodeka typically purchases charged-off debts from original creditors. They buy these debts for pennies on the dollar. Then they sue consumers to collect the full amount.

Types of Debts Dodeka LLC Collects

Dodeka LLC pursues several types of consumer debts:

  • Credit card debt
  • Car loans
  • Personal loans
  • Retail lines of credit

Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Dodeka LLC Sues You

Don’t Ignore the Lawsuit Deadline

You have 20 to 30 days to respond. Your Summons and Complaint states the exact deadline.

Start preparing your Answer immediately. Rushing leads to mistakes you can’t fix later.

Missing the deadline triggers an automatic default judgment. The court will rule against you without hearing your side.

Don’t Share Financial Information Directly

Stress makes people talk too much. Debt collectors know this and use it against you.

Never provide these documents directly to Dodeka LLC:

  • Tax returns
  • Bank statements
  • Investment account information
  • Retirement account details
  • Life insurance policies
  • Alimony or child support records

All communication should go through the court. Protect your financial privacy.

Put everything in writing once you’re sued. Phone calls leave no paper trail.

Verbal agreements mean nothing in court. You need documented proof of every interaction.

Our partner Solo helps you respond to lawsuits properly. They keep everything documented and court-ready.

Don’t Make Payments Without a Written Settlement

Dodeka LLC sometimes sues for debts already paid. They also pursue debts past the statute of limitations.

Making any payment restarts the statute of limitations clock. You could become liable for a debt that was legally uncollectible.

Never pay a penny without a signed settlement agreement first.

Don’t Confirm Debt Details Prematurely

Admitting you owe a specific amount locks you into that liability. You lose the ability to dispute it later.

The debt collector must prove the debt belongs to you. They must verify the exact amount owed.

Send a debt validation letter instead. Make them provide documentation before you acknowledge anything.

Don’t Skip Debt Verification

Debt verification is your legal right. Debt collectors must prove their claims.

Third-party buyers often purchase debts with incomplete records. They may lack the documents needed to win in court.

If they can’t verify the debt properly, they’ll have to settle or dismiss. Request verification in writing as part of your Answer.

How to Respond to a Dodeka LLC Lawsuit

Your Answer is a legal document responding to each claim. You must file it with the court and serve it to Dodeka LLC.

Include affirmative defenses in your Answer. Common defenses include:

  • Statute of limitations expired
  • Insufficient evidence of debt ownership
  • Incorrect debt amount
  • Lack of proper documentation
  • Identity theft or fraud

Each paragraph in the Complaint requires a specific response. Admit, deny, or state you lack sufficient information.

Our partner Solo walks you through creating a proper Answer. You can respond to the lawsuit in 15 minutes.

Four Steps to Settle Debt With Dodeka LLC

Settlement can stop the lawsuit and save you money. Follow these steps for the best results.

Step 1: Calculate Your Settlement Offer

Review your finances honestly. Determine how much you can afford as a lump sum.

Debt collectors typically accept 30% to 50% of the balance. Start your offer lower to leave negotiation room.

Consider your monthly income, essential expenses, and available savings. Only offer what you can actually pay.

Step 2: Make Your Initial Offer in Writing

Contact Dodeka LLC with a written settlement proposal. Explain your financial hardship briefly.

State your offer clearly. Request that they dismiss the lawsuit upon payment.

Document every communication. Save emails, letters, and certified mail receipts.

Expect counteroffers. Negotiation typically takes several rounds before reaching agreement.

Step 3: Get a Signed Settlement Agreement

Never pay without a written settlement agreement. The agreement must include:

  • Final settlement amount
  • Payment due date
  • Confirmation that this resolves the debt completely
  • Agreement to dismiss the lawsuit
  • No admission of liability

Both parties must sign the agreement. Keep your signed copy permanently.

Step 4: Make Your Payment on Time

Pay exactly what you agreed to pay. Use a method that provides proof of payment.

Cashier’s checks and bank transfers work best. Avoid cash payments without receipts.

Keep payment confirmation with your settlement agreement. Request written confirmation that the debt is satisfied.

Why Dodeka LLC May Agree to Settle

Debt buyers purchase accounts for a fraction of face value. Dodeka likely paid 5% to 15% for your debt.

Litigation costs them money. Attorney fees, court costs, and time add up quickly.

A settlement that covers their purchase price plus some profit beats a long court battle. They’d rather get paid something now than risk losing in court.

You have leverage if you respond properly. Fighting back shows you’re serious about your defenses.

What Happens If You Can’t Settle

Settlement doesn’t always work. Dodeka LLC may refuse reasonable offers.

If settlement fails, prepare for court. Gather evidence supporting your defenses.

Request debt verification again through discovery. Make them prove every element of their claim.

Many debt collection cases settle before trial. Collectors often lack proper documentation to win.

Show up to every court hearing. Dress professionally and bring organized records.

Protect Yourself From Future Collection Actions

Once you settle or win your case, protect that victory. Get dismissal paperwork from the court.

Monitor your credit reports. Ensure Dodeka reports the debt as settled or dismissed.

Save all settlement documents permanently. You may need them if collection attempts restart.

If the same debt resurfaces, you have proof it was resolved. Report violations to the CFPB and your state attorney general.

Take Action Today to Stop Dodeka LLC

Every day counts when you’re facing a debt lawsuit. Your response deadline is approaching fast.

Responding properly protects your wages and bank accounts. You can negotiate from a position of strength.

Don’t let fear or confusion cost you thousands of dollars. You have rights and options to fight back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dodeka LLC and why are they suing me?

Dodeka LLC is a third-party debt buyer that works with Weinstein & Riley, PS law firm. They purchase charged-off debts from original creditors for pennies on the dollar, then sue consumers to collect the full amount plus interest and fees. They typically collect credit card debt, car loans, personal loans, and retail credit lines.

How do I respond to a Dodeka LLC lawsuit?

You must file a legal Answer with the court within 20-30 days of receiving the Summons and Complaint. Your Answer should respond to each claim by admitting, denying, or stating you lack sufficient information. Include affirmative defenses like statute of limitations, insufficient evidence, or incorrect debt amount. Serve a copy to Dodeka LLC's attorneys.

Can I settle with Dodeka LLC after being sued?

Yes, you can negotiate a settlement even after a lawsuit has been filed. Start by offering 30-50% of the claimed debt amount as a lump sum payment. Make all offers in writing and document every communication. Never pay until you have a signed settlement agreement that includes dismissal of the lawsuit and confirms the debt is fully resolved.

What happens if I ignore a Dodeka LLC lawsuit?

Ignoring the lawsuit results in a default judgment against you. The court automatically rules in Dodeka's favor without hearing your side. This allows them to garnish your wages, levy your bank accounts, and place liens on your property. You typically have no recourse once a default judgment is entered.

How much will Dodeka LLC accept to settle my debt?

Dodeka LLC typically accepts 30-60% of the claimed debt as a lump sum settlement. They purchased your debt for only 5-15% of face value, so settling at 40% still gives them profit. Start your offer lower to leave room for negotiation. Your ability to pay a lump sum immediately strengthens your negotiating position.