How to Settle Debt With Estate Information Services

Losing a loved one is devastating. Grief makes everything harder.

You’re managing funeral arrangements. You’re notifying family and friends. You’re handling endless paperwork.

Then Estate Information Services calls about unpaid debts. The timing couldn’t be worse.

You need to know your rights. You need to know how to respond. Most importantly, you need to protect yourself from paying debts you don’t owe.

What Is Estate Information Services?

Estate Information Services is a debt collection agency founded in 2000. The company operates from Columbus, Ohio.

Unlike many collectors, they claim to operate above board. They hold BBB accreditation with an A+ rating.

Here’s their contact information:

• Phone: 855-526-9324
• Email: info@eismgmt.com
• Address: 670 Morrison Road Suite 300, Gahanna, OH 43230
• Website: https://eismgmt.com/

Who Does Estate Information Services Collect For?

Estate Information Services handles various debt types. Credit card debt, bank debt, auto loans, and student loans all fall under their umbrella.

But they specialize in one area: deceased debtor collections.

If they contacted you, it’s likely about a deceased relative’s debt. Understanding this focus helps you respond appropriately.

Estate Information Services Reviews: What Others Say

Reviews for Estate Information Services present a mixed picture. Some consumers report positive experiences.

One reviewer named Mearaya wrote: “Everyone there is very understanding. They listen to everything that goes on and does the best they can to help!”

Check their reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau. You’ll find varied experiences.

Some people successfully negotiated settlements. Others faced persistent contact attempts.

Rather than playing phone tag during your grief, consider using our partner Solo to negotiate online. Digital settlement platforms remove the emotional drain of repeated phone calls.

Are You Liable for a Deceased Relative’s Debts?

Here’s the crucial point: you’re generally NOT liable for deceased relatives’ debts.

The only exception is if you co-signed the debt. Without your signature on the original agreement, you owe nothing.

Debt collectors should only seek payment from the deceased person’s estate. They should work with the estate executor, not family members.

Federal Laws Protect You

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets strict rules. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) adds more protection.

Debt collectors can only contact specific people:

• The deceased person’s spouse
• The deceased person’s parent or guardian
• The executor of the estate

Collectors can contact other family members for one purpose only: locating the estate executor.

What Debt Collectors Cannot Do

Federal law prohibits debt collectors from:

• Making misleading statements about your obligation to pay
• Failing to inform you that you’re not liable (unless you co-signed)
• Contacting you at inappropriate times or inconvenient places
• Threatening lawsuits, credit damage, or arrest
• Using obscene or abusive language

If Estate Information Services violates these rules, document everything. You may have grounds for a countersuit.

When You Might Actually Owe the Debt

Co-signing a loan creates joint liability. Both parties become responsible for repayment.

Death doesn’t erase co-signer obligations. If your loved one dies, you remain liable as co-signer.

Community property states add complexity. Nine states follow community property laws. In these states, surviving spouses may inherit certain debts.

Check your state’s laws. Consult an attorney if you’re unsure about your liability.

How to Negotiate With Estate Information Services

If you co-signed and are truly liable, negotiation becomes important. You can often settle for less than the full amount.

Calculate Your Settlement Offer

Determine what you can realistically pay. Review your income and expenses honestly.

Most debts settle between 40% and 60% of the total. Older debts or those sold to debt buyers may settle for 10% to 30%.

Start your offer below 50% of the total debt. Starting low gives you negotiation room.

Contact Estate Information Services

Call the number above or send an email. State that you want to discuss settlement.

Present your offer clearly. Explain what you can afford and why.

Be prepared for counteroffers. Negotiation involves back-and-forth discussion.

Consider Lump Sum vs. Payment Plans

Lump sum payments often secure bigger discounts. Collectors prefer immediate payment.

Payment plans work when cash is tight. Expect an upfront payment plus monthly installments.

Payment plans may yield smaller discounts. Collectors charge more for extended payment terms.

Get Everything in Writing

Never make payments without written agreement. Verbal promises mean nothing in debt collection.

Your settlement agreement should include:

• The total amount you’ll pay
• The payment schedule (lump sum or installments)
• Confirmation that payment satisfies the debt completely
• Agreement that they’ll update credit bureaus appropriately

Both parties must sign the agreement. Keep copies for your records.

Use Technology to Simplify Negotiation

Phone negotiations drain you emotionally. You’re already dealing with grief.

Our partner Solo offers digital settlement tools. The platform sends and receives offers automatically.

You avoid stressful phone calls. You negotiate on your timeline. You reach settlement faster and more efficiently.

What to Do If Estate Information Services Sues You

Ignoring a lawsuit guarantees disaster. Courts will enter default judgments against you.

Default judgments give collectors powerful tools. They can garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, and place liens on property.

You must respond to any lawsuit. Here’s your action plan:

Step 1: File an Answer to the Lawsuit

You typically have 20-30 days to respond. Check your summons for the exact deadline.

Your Answer is a formal court document. It responds to each claim in the collector’s complaint.

Our partner Solo helps you draft proper Answers. The platform walks you through each required element.

You answer questions about the debt and the lawsuit. The software generates a legally proper Answer document.

You can even have attorneys review and file your Answer. Everything happens online, saving you time and stress.

Step 2: Demand Proof of Your Liability

Make Estate Information Services prove you owe the debt. Remember, you’re not liable without co-signing.

In your Answer, demand that they provide:

• The original signed loan agreement with your signature
• Documentation proving you co-signed the debt
• Complete payment history for the account
• Chain of title showing they own the debt

Many debt collectors cannot provide adequate proof. Without documentation, courts may dismiss their case.

Step 3: Consider Affirmative Defenses

Your Answer should include affirmative defenses. These are legal reasons the collector cannot win.

Common defenses against Estate Information Services include:

• Statute of limitations (debt too old to sue)
• Lack of standing (they don’t own the debt)
• No valid contract (you never signed)
• Payment already made through estate assets

Each state has different statutes of limitations. Research your state’s time limits for debt collection lawsuits.

Step 4: Consult an Attorney About Countersuing

If Estate Information Services violated the FDCPA or TCPA, you may have a case. Consumer protection lawyers often work on contingency.

You pay nothing upfront. Attorneys collect fees from the collector if you win.

Violations worth countersuing over include:

• Calling you repeatedly despite knowing you’re not liable
• Threatening arrest or criminal prosecution
• Using obscene or abusive language
• Misrepresenting your legal obligations
• Calling at unreasonable hours

Document every interaction with Estate Information Services. Save voicemails, letters, and emails.

Note the date, time, and content of every phone call. These records become evidence if you countersue.

Protecting Your Credit Score

Deceased debtors’ accounts shouldn’t appear on your credit report. You’re not the debtor.

Check your credit reports from all three bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Look for accounts belonging to your deceased relative.

If you find incorrect entries, dispute them immediately. Credit bureaus must investigate within 30 days.

Send written disputes explaining the account belongs to someone deceased. Include a copy of the death certificate.

The bureaus must remove incorrect information. Your credit score should not suffer for someone else’s debt.

How to Handle Initial Contact From Estate Information Services

When Estate Information Services first contacts you, stay calm. Remember your rights.

Keep the conversation brief. Ask these key questions:

• What debt are you calling about?
• Who was the original creditor?
• What is the amount owed?
• Why are you contacting me specifically?

Provide only essential information. Give them the estate executor’s contact information.

Say: “I’m not the executor of the estate. Please contact [name] at [phone number]. They handle all estate matters.”

Don’t make any payments. Don’t acknowledge the debt as yours. Don’t provide your financial information.

End the call politely but firmly. You’ve directed them to the proper person.

Request Debt Validation

If Estate Information Services insists you owe the debt, request validation. You have this right under the FDCPA.

Send a debt validation letter within 30 days of first contact. Request written proof of:

• Your obligation to pay the debt
• The original creditor’s name
• The current amount owed
• Documentation showing you co-signed

Send your letter via certified mail with return receipt. This proves they received your request.

Estate Information Services must stop collection activity until they provide validation. If they continue calling without providing proof, they violate federal law.

What Not to Do When Contacted

Avoid these common mistakes:

Don’t make even a small payment. Any payment may restart the statute of limitations. It may also be viewed as acknowledging the debt.

Don’t provide your bank account information. Collectors may use this to withdraw unauthorized payments.

Don’t share your Social Security number. They likely have it already if the claim is legitimate.

Don’t admit the debt is yours. Avoid saying “I owe this” or “I’ll pay what I can.”

Don’t agree to payment plans verbally. All agreements must be in writing before you pay anything.

Understanding Estate Assets and Liability

When someone dies, their estate includes all assets and debts. The estate executor manages this process.

Creditors file claims against the estate. The executor pays valid claims from estate assets.

If estate assets are insufficient, creditors absorb the loss. Debts don’t transfer to family members automatically.

Probate courts oversee this process. Each state has specific probate procedures.

As a family member, you’re not part of this process unless you’re the executor or co-signed the debt.

When Estate Information Services Has a Valid Claim

Sometimes Estate Information Services has a legitimate reason to contact you. Understanding these situations helps you respond appropriately.

You may be liable if you:

• Co-signed the loan or credit card
• Live in a community property state and the debt was incurred during marriage
• Are the estate executor and the estate has sufficient assets
• Made purchases on a joint account after learning of the death

Even with valid claims, you can still negotiate. Settlement remains an option.

Taking Action Now

Don’t let Estate Information Services add stress during your grief. You have rights and options.

If you’re not liable, firmly direct them to the estate executor. Keep conversations brief and documented.

If you did co-sign, negotiate strategically. Use digital tools to remove emotional burden.

If they sue you, respond immediately. Never ignore court documents.

Our partner Solo provides the tools you need. Answer lawsuits correctly. Negotiate settlements efficiently. Protect your rights throughout the process.

Your loved one’s passing is difficult enough. You shouldn’t face illegal collection tactics or pay debts you don’t owe.

Take control of the situation. Know your rights. Use available resources to protect yourself.