How To Settle Debt With RSIEH: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you being sued by RSIEH for unpaid debt? Finding out about a lawsuit can feel overwhelming. But you can defend yourself in court or resolve the debt outside of it.

RSIEH is a debt collection agency and law firm. They collect debt on behalf of lenders, banks, and credit card issuers.

The worst mistake you can make is ignoring the lawsuit. Ignoring it allows judges to rule against you automatically. You have effective defense strategies available when facing RSIEH in court.

Who Is RSIEH?

RSIEH stands for Rausch, Sturm, Israel, Enerson, and Hornik. You might know them as Rausch Sturm, LLP. The debt collection law firm is based in Wisconsin.

The firm was established in 1997 and incorporated in 2008. They help financial institutions and creditors collect debt. According to their website, RSIEH assists credit issuers and consumers in resolving financial setbacks.

RSIEH has hired a resolution team to work with you. They want to find a mutually acceptable resolution between you and your creditor. No one wants a court battle. Court can be extremely costly and time-consuming for everyone involved.

Ignoring phone calls, letters, and legal papers feels tempting when you feel overwhelmed. However, taking no action produces the worst possible outcome for you. Instead, talk to the resolution team about potential compromises.

Some creditors will settle for less than what you owe. They want to avoid the hassle of going to court. You can explore debt settlement options through our partner Solo.

Settle Debt With RSIEH in 3 Steps

Communication plays a vital role in the settlement process. Open and honest discussions with RSIEH representatives lead to more favorable terms. Transparency about financial limitations helps you negotiate a manageable settlement.

Make sure you communicate in writing and keep copies for your records.

The three steps to debt settlement are:

1. Determine how much you can reasonably afford to pay in a lump sum. Make your first offer less than your maximum. You need room for negotiation when they counter-offer.
2. Make your initial offer and begin negotiations in writing. Keep all documentation organized and dated for your protection.
3. Get the settlement agreement in writing before you pay anything. Ensure both parties sign it before you send the settled amount.

Adhering to the agreement terms is crucial. Consistent payments or fulfilling lump-sum agreements ensures the debt resolution process progresses smoothly.

Completing the settlement process with RSIEH alleviates financial burdens. Settling debt will improve your credit score. A settled debt looks much better than a delinquent debt mark on your credit report.

What Should I Do If RSIEH Sues Me?

Being sued by RSIEH doesn’t mean it’s too late to resolve the debt. You must be open to communicating with the law firm. Negotiating the debt to settle outside of court is still possible.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Respond to the lawsuit. In most states, you must draft a written Answer to the lawsuit. File it with your court within the deadline stated on your summons. Filing an Answer blocks a default judgment. It’s only the first step to resolving your debt lawsuit. Our partner Solo can help you draft and file an Answer in any state.
• Watch for scheduled hearings. After filing the Answer, stay proactive about your case. Attend all scheduled hearings, trials, or arbitration hearings. Missing your court date will likely result in losing the case. A loss could lead to wage garnishment, property seizure, or a frozen bank account.
• Contact RSIEH to settle outside of court. If you want to avoid court, reach out to RSIEH directly. You can call them at 866-456-3744 when you’re ready to negotiate. If negotiating on the phone sounds scary, you’re not alone. Our partner Solo helps you contact collectors like RSIEH to negotiate online. No phone calls or court hearings needed.

Being sued by a debt collector may seem frightening. Knowing your rights as a consumer makes the entire experience less stressful. Using available resources helps you take control of the situation.

Understand the FDCPA To Protect Your Rights

Working with creditors instead of against them resolves outstanding debt faster. However, you must know your rights as a consumer. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) provides legal protections against abusive practices.

The FDCPA is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. Under the act, unfair practices when collecting debts are illegal. Debt collectors are prohibited from:

• Calling you at work if calls aren’t allowed during working hours
• Calling you at inconvenient times like late at night or early morning
• Discussing your debt with anybody other than you, your lawyer, or your spouse
• Falsely claiming you’ll be arrested if you fail to pay the debt
• Threatening to take property unless they have a legal warrant
• Harassing, threatening, or using obscene language when collecting debt
• Lying about your debt, including stating you owe a different amount

If RSIEH violates any of these rules, you can use it as a defense in court. However, you must file within one year from the date the law was violated. Most debt collectors understand consumer protections under the FDCPA. They strive to work with consumers without violating their rights.

Here are steps to take to ensure your rights are protected while resolving the debt.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Collect all communication you’ve had with RSIEH. Take notes of any communication, including dates, times, and what was discussed. Documentation protects you and strengthens your negotiating position.

Step 2: Send a Dispute Letter If Necessary

If there’s been a misunderstanding regarding the debt validity, send a Debt Validation Letter. The Debt Validation Letter places the burden on the debt collector. They must prove the debt is yours and the balance information is correct.

You have 30 days from first contact to request debt validation. Send your request via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

Step 3: Consult an Attorney

If you’ve attempted to work with RSIEH without success, consult an attorney. Look for one who specializes in consumer rights. However, legal representation is expensive. Consider this your option of last resort.

You’ve taken a crucial step in facing your concerns instead of ignoring them. Accepting the role of being your own advocate is vital. Following these steps equips you to navigate this situation with confidence and clarity.

Countersuit Case Study: Kelly Fosen vs. RSIEH

Kelly Fosen, a Texas resident, owed Citibank a certain amount of money. The bank wrote to Fosen informing her they would involve a third party. The credit card provider decided to involve RSIEH after Fosen made no payment.

Fosen disputed the debt, asking Citibank to prove she owed money. RSIEH still filed a lawsuit without properly serving her with the petition. Since Fosen didn’t receive papers proving she owed debt, despite disputing it, she filed a countersuit.

In the counterclaim, Fosen alleged both corporations violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Proper service of process is required by law. Failing to serve someone properly violates their due process rights.

Understanding your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act empowers you. Knowledge helps you recognize when a collector crosses the line. You can hold them accountable for violations.

The Statute of Limitations Could Be a Strong Defense

After a certain amount of time, the statute of limitations on debts expires. The expiration prohibits RSIEH debt collectors from filing lawsuits. The statute of limitations sets the period within which collectors can sue for payment.

The timeframe varies by state, type of debt, and contract type. Written contracts often have different time limits than oral agreements.

For example, in Ohio, the statute of limitations for written contracts is eight years. The clock starts from the date the debtor breaches the contract. If you haven’t made a payment on your credit card debt for more than eight years, your creditor can’t take you to court in Ohio.

The statute of limitations begins the day you fail to make payment. If you make a payment or admit guilt after being served, the clock resets. Even when debt is time-barred, you still need to respond to your lawsuit with an Answer.

Once the statute of limitations expires, the debt is time-barred. RSIEH can’t sue you for a time-barred debt. However, they can continue to contact you about it.

Being sued by a law firm may feel unfair. Remember, the worst course of action is taking no action at all. If you fail to respond, RSIEH can obtain a summary judgment against you. They can ask for wage garnishment to collect the debt.

When you receive a Notice of Complaint, file an Answer in a timely manner. Filing an Answer doesn’t end your responsibility. Until you’ve reached a settlement or other resolution, attend all court hearings. Once you’ve reached a settlement agreement, get it in writing. Then pay the agreed-upon amount according to the terms.

Read RSIEH Reviews Online To Learn More

If you want to find ways to negotiate with RSIEH, learn from others’ experiences. Read reviews online to understand how to resolve your debt with the law firm.

You can find RSIEH reviews with the Better Business Bureau. The CFPB consumer database also contains reviews and complaints. Google reviews provide additional insights from actual consumers.

RSIEH reviews are mixed online, but you may be surprised. They have received several positive reviews regarding their collections agents. Many agents work hard to help people resolve debts.

Here’s a real example from a man named Keith:

“I was contacted tonight by Michelle Romero about an outstanding debt I need to clear. She was extremely patient and kind with all her responses to me. She was very understanding of my situation. She explained everything very well and helped me set up an affordable payment plan. She made my day as she was helping me achieve my goals of gaining a good credit report again. This was a step in the right direction. Thank You Michelle! I am very grateful.”

Communication can take you far when you owe a debt. In Keith’s example, he was open to engaging with the RSIEH debt collector. That open communication helped him get back on track. He settled the debt without having to appear in court.

Open dialogue with debt collectors often leads to better outcomes. Many collectors want to help you find a solution. They understand financial hardship happens to good people. Working together toward a resolution benefits everyone involved.