How to Settle Debt With Universal Credit Services

Universal Credit Services is contacting you about a debt. You can find a resolution. You have rights under federal law. You can respond to a lawsuit if sued. You can negotiate with Universal Credit Services to settle the account.

Debt collectors can be stressful to deal with. Do not throw your hands up in despair. You have options and a pathway forward. Rather than ignoring the debt collector’s outreach, learn how to engage with them. You can work towards an amicable resolution, such as a negotiated debt settlement.

What is Universal Credit Services?

Universal Credit Services is a legitimate business entity. Do not assume their correspondence is a scam. Universal Credit Services is a third-party debt collection agency. They assist in the collection of delinquent accounts on behalf of other businesses.

In some instances, Universal Credit Services purchased a delinquent account from an original creditor. Examples include credit card companies and medical providers.

Universal Credit Services uses an “ethical approach to debt collection.” Working with their collection agents may be less intimidating than normal collectors. Ready to reach out and find a debt resolution? Use the Universal Credit Services contact information below:

• Phone: (800) 931-3711
• Mailing address: P.O. Box 158, Hartland, MI 48353
• Website: https://accessucs.com/

Who Does Universal Credit Services Collect For?

Universal Credit Services pursues delinquent and discharged accounts on behalf of multiple sectors. They work with healthcare companies, financial services firms, utility companies, and state governments. Examples include delinquent tax bills and medical debts.

Read Universal Credit Services Reviews Online

Looking for info about other consumers’ debt collection experiences? Check out real online reviews on Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau.

The online reviews for Universal Credit Services are mixed. Some are good, some are not so good. Nevertheless, there are reviews indicating people can have a positive experience. Many borrowers report productive communication with Universal Credit Services about debt collection matters.

One review posted by a borrower named Brian states:

“I had a medical bill here years ago and was unaware of the bill. I worked with these folks and they were incredibly reasonable and helpful. Now that I am a business owner I am retaining their services in the event that a bill goes unpaid. Very kind staff and very helpful and willing to help setup a payment plan for anyone experiencing hard times.”

Brian’s review shows that debt collectors with Universal Credit Services are open to working with you. Proactive communication is essential and increases your chances of achieving a resolution.

You can contact Universal Credit Services to negotiate the debt. You can work out a settlement plan that is less than the original amount. Keep reading for some negotiation tips.

Negotiate a Debt Settlement With Universal Credit Services

You can take proactive steps to negotiate a debt settlement. You may wind up only paying a portion of what is owed. Many debt collectors, including Universal Credit Services, may accept a settlement for less. Our partner Solo can help you negotiate and settle your Universal Credit Services debt.

Here are recommended steps to settle your debt:

1. File an Answer to the debt collection lawsuit. Avoid getting hit with a default judgment.
2. Determine how much you can realistically afford to pay. Use this formula: Amount available to settle = (monthly income – monthly costs) + savings
3. Make a reasonable settlement offer that is less than the maximum amount.
4. Be ready to go through multiple rounds of negotiating.
5. When you reach a debt settlement agreement, memorialize the terms in writing.
6. Make sure both you and the debt collector sign the agreement.
7. Pay the negotiated amount in a timely manner.

Know Your Rights When Universal Credit Services Contacts You

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act contains several regulations. These rules determine what debt collectors may and may not do to collect a debt. Some of the rules include:

• Universal Credit Services cannot contact you at work.
• Debt collectors cannot use rude and vulgar language when they contact you.
• Universal Credit Services cannot threaten you with lawsuits.
• Universal Credit Services cannot call your house before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Universal Credit Services cannot discuss your debt with anyone but you, your lawyer, and your spouse.

Protect Yourself if Universal Credit Services Sues You

If you are sued by Universal Credit Services, respond to the lawsuit quickly. Do not ignore the lawsuit and hope it goes away. The lawsuit will still be there. The debt collection company will win by default if you ignore it. You can fight the lawsuit and maybe get it dismissed.

Below are some smart actions to take when you write your Answer:

• Never admit that you owe the debt. The debt collection company must prove that you owe the debt.
• File an Answer with the Clerk of Court within 20 or 30 days. Check your specific timeline after receiving the complaint.
• Mail your Answer copy to Universal Credit Services. Make sure it was stamped by the Clerk of Court.

Try These Affirmative Defenses in Your Answer

To beat Universal Credit Services, you need to respond to the lawsuit. You can point out any problems and weaknesses in their allegations. Remember that the debt collector has to prove you owe the money. Universal Credit Services has to show these things before they can say you owe the debt:

• The debt collection agency has the right to sue you.
• You are the one who owes the debt.
• You owe the amount stated by Universal Credit Services in the complaint.

If the debt collection agency does not meet these requirements, you may get the lawsuit thrown out.

Depending on your case circumstances, you could argue a statute of limitations defense. The statute of limitations is the amount of time someone has to file a lawsuit. If the statute of limitations has lapsed, you may file a motion to dismiss.

There are other ways you can beat Universal Credit Services in court. Try filing a countersuit. If you can prove the company violated the FDCPA, you may be eligible for compensation. You may also have your legal bills covered.

Respond to a Debt Lawsuit Against Universal Credit Services

The first step to beating Universal Credit Services in court is to respond. File a written Answer to the lawsuit. You have 14-35 days to respond before a default judgment can be entered. A default judgment gives Universal Credit Services the right to garnish your wages and seize property.

Use these six tips to draft an Answer. These tips will increase your chances of winning the case:

1. Keep it simple. The Answer isn’t the place to tell your story in detail. Your Answer should focus on responding to the claims listed in the Complaint. You can admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge.
2. Deny, deny, deny. Most attorneys recommend that you deny as many claims as possible. Force Universal Credit Services to do more work to prove their case.
3. Include affirmative defenses. An affirmative defense is any legal reason that Universal Credit Services should not win. A common affirmative defense is the statute of limitations. If the debt is past the statute of limitations, the lawsuit is void. There are several other defenses you can bring up in your Answer.
4. Use standard formatting. At the head of the Answer document, include a caption. List the court information, party information, and case number.
5. Include a certificate of service. Serve your Answer to Universal Credit Services. At the end of your Answer document, include a certificate of service. Verify the address you used to serve Universal Credit Services.
6. Sign it. Most courts reject any legal documents without signatures. Your signature is crucial.

Our partner Solo can help you draft and file an Answer in all 50 states.

Overview of Steps to Beat Universal Credit Services in Court

Here’s a fast rundown of what to do if you get sued by Universal Credit Services:

• File an Answer within the proper time frame.
• Attend any and all court hearings. Be prepared to argue your case before a judge.
• File a formal request demanding Universal Credit Services prove you owe the amount. They need to prove you are the person who owes the debt.
• Consider raising at least one affirmative defense in your Answer. Examples include the statute of limitations.
• Remember that filing an Answer is just the beginning. Contact Universal Credit Services directly to negotiate. Resolve the debt outside of court.

You have the power to resolve your debt with Universal Credit Services. Take action today to protect your rights and financial future.