How to Settle Debt With Forster & Garbus (2024 Guide)

Did you receive a lawsuit notice from Forster & Garbus, LLP? You need to act fast.

Getting sued by a debt collector is scary. Ignoring the lawsuit is the worst mistake you can make.

When you ignore a debt collection lawsuit, the collector wins automatically. They get a default judgment against you. That judgment lets them garnish your wages and freeze your bank accounts.

You can fight back. Responding to the lawsuit improves your chances of winning significantly.

Our partner Solo helps you respond to debt collection lawsuits in minutes. You don’t need an expensive attorney.

Who Is Forster & Garbus?

Forster & Garbus, LLP is a debt collection law firm. The company operates from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.

The firm files lawsuits against consumers who owe money. They work primarily in debt collection.

Forster & Garbus also owns Professional Credit Services, Inc. The collection agency operates from the same address as the law firm.

Like other debt collectors, they buy defaulted accounts for pennies. Then they try to collect the full amount from you.

Forster & Garbus Contact Information

• Phone number: (800) 245-9943
• Address: 60 Motor Parkway, Commack, New York 11725
• Website: https://fggnj.com/

Who Does Forster & Garbus Collect For?

Forster & Garbus collects for major banks and credit card companies. Their clients include Capital One, Citibank, Macy’s, and Discover.

The firm also pursues defaulted student loan debts. They work with National Collegiate Fund, Sallie Mae, and other lenders.

Forster & Garbus Reviews From Real Consumers

Consumers have mixed experiences with Forster & Garbus. You can read reviews on several platforms:

• Better Business Bureau reviews
• Google reviews
• CFPB consumer complaint database

Most complaints involve negative collection experiences. However, some consumers report positive outcomes.

People who communicate with Forster & Garbus typically resolve issues faster. Cooperation leads to better settlements and less stress.

One consumer named Donald shared his positive experience: “I called them to pay off my balance that was owed to Discover which was my fault this fell behind. At first when I got there notice was freaking out. Today Ms Barry which is a kind woman understood where I was tried to offer settlement but I turned that down because paying a debt in full even if it is charged off is better for the credit. Thank You.”

You have more power when you engage in conversation. Avoiding them only makes your situation worse.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive collectors. The FDCPA establishes strict regulations on debt collection practices.

Debt collectors cannot legally do the following:

• Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Threaten you with arrest
• Pretend to be law enforcement or an attorney
• Demand more than you actually owe
• Use profanity or abusive language
• Discuss your debt with family, friends, or coworkers
• Call more than seven times in seven days

If Forster & Garbus violates these rules, you have options. File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the BBB.

You can also file a counterclaim against them. You may recover up to $1,000 per violation.

What to Do When Forster & Garbus Sues You

Forster & Garbus will send you court documents. You’ll receive a Summons and Complaint by mail or in person.

The Summons notifies you of the lawsuit. The Complaint lists the specific claims against you.

You must respond with a document called an Answer. Your Answer is your first defense against the lawsuit.

You have a deadline to respond. Most states give you 20 to 35 days from service.

Missing your deadline is disastrous. Forster & Garbus will request a default judgment automatically.

With a default judgment, they can garnish your wages. They can freeze your bank accounts and put liens on your property.

Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer in all 50 states. You don’t need to hire an expensive attorney.

How to Write Your Answer to Forster & Garbus

You can write your Answer yourself. Follow these six essential tips:

1. Keep Your Answer Simple and Direct

Your Answer responds to claims in the Complaint. Don’t tell your life story or explain everything in detail.

You have three response options for each claim: admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge.

2. Deny as Many Claims as Possible

Most attorneys recommend denying claims whenever possible. Denying forces Forster & Garbus to prove their case.

They must provide evidence for every claim you deny. Many debt collectors struggle to provide proper documentation.

3. Include Affirmative Defenses

Affirmative defenses are legal reasons the lawsuit should fail. The statute of limitations is a common affirmative defense.

The statute of limitations sets a time limit for lawsuits. If your debt is too old, the lawsuit becomes invalid.

4. Use Proper Legal Formatting

Include a caption at the top of your Answer. List the court information, party names, and case number.

5. Add a Certificate of Service

You must serve your Answer to Forster & Garbus. Include a certificate of service that confirms the address you used.

6. Sign Your Answer

Courts reject unsigned documents. Your signature makes your Answer official.

Real-World Example

Brenda got sued by Forster & Garbus in California. She owed an old credit card debt.

After researching online, she discovered the statute of limitations had expired. She used an online service to draft her Answer.

Brenda included the expired statute of limitations as an affirmative defense. When Forster & Garbus realized the debt was invalid, they dismissed the case.

Brenda won without hiring an attorney or going to court.

Can You Beat Forster & Garbus in Court?

Yes, you can beat Forster & Garbus without a lawyer. Many consumers win debt collection lawsuits every year.

They Have the Burden of Proof

Forster & Garbus must prove their case against you. You don’t have to prove your innocence.

They initiated the lawsuit, so they carry the burden of proof. If you deny their claims, they must provide evidence.

Many debt collectors lack proper documentation. They buy old debts without complete records.

If they can’t prove you owe the debt, you win. Responding with an Answer forces them to show their evidence.

Negotiate a Settlement With Forster & Garbus

Debt settlement helps you avoid court entirely. You can settle for less than the full amount.

If you know you owe the debt, contact Forster & Garbus. Discuss settlement options before your court date.

Good faith negotiations often lead to favorable outcomes. You’ll pay only a percentage of the original amount.

Settlement Negotiation Tips

Follow these strategies to negotiate effectively:

• Be honest about your financial situation. Explain why you can’t pay the full amount.
• Determine how much you can realistically afford. Consider lump sum payments versus payment plans.
• Start with a low offer. Offering 45-60% of the debt is often effective.
• Expect a counteroffer. Don’t accept their first counteroffer immediately.
• Get everything in writing. Written agreements prevent future disputes.

Our partner Solo helps you send and receive settlement offers online. The platform manages your agreement documentation and processes payments securely.

Your financial information stays private and protected throughout the process.

Act Fast to Protect Your Rights

You have limited time to respond to a Forster & Garbus lawsuit. Every day counts toward your deadline.

Responding protects your wages, bank accounts, and property. Don’t let fear or confusion cost you a default judgment.

You have the power to fight back. Thousands of consumers successfully defend themselves against debt collectors every year.

Take action today. Your financial future depends on your response.