How to Settle Debt With Wakefield and Associates
You have legal rights when Wakefield and Associates contacts you about debt. File an Answer within 14-35 days to avoid default judgment and protect yourself. Negotiate a settlement by offering 60% or more of the debt, or work with a partner who can help you respond to lawsuits and settle on favorable terms.
Answer Your LawsuitGetting contacted by Wakefield and Associates can be stressful. Debt collectors from Wakefield may call you constantly from several numbers. They might try to reach you on social media. You’ll likely receive multiple letters.
You have rights and protections under federal law. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive tactics. You can fight back and win.
Respond to Wakefield's Lawsuit Before the Deadline
You have 14-35 days to file your Answer or face default judgment. Don't let Wakefield garnish your wages or seize your assets. Respond now and protect your rights.
Respond to Lawsuit NowWhat Is Wakefield and Associates?
Wakefield and Associates is a debt collection agency. They focus on collecting debt for financial institutions, educational organizations, and hospitals.
Wakefield operates under various names. You might see “Wakefield Payment Solutions” on your credit report. Other names include Wakeassoc, Wakefield RRC, and Wakefield Collections.
Contact information for Wakefield and Associates:
- Colorado phone number: 1-800-864-3870
- Tennessee phone number: 1-800-264-9399
- Address: 7005 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37909
Who Does Wakefield and Associates Collect For?
Wakefield typically collects for healthcare companies. They work with hospitals, ER and physician groups, and ASCs. They also collect for medical transport facilities and behavioral health centers.
Read Wakefield and Associates Reviews Online
Consumer experiences with Wakefield vary. You can read reviews on Google, WalletHub, and the CFPB consumer database.
Some consumers report positive experiences negotiating with Wakefield collectors. Communication is key to resolving debt issues.
If calling a debt collector sounds intimidating, our partner Solo can help you negotiate online through their digital settlement platform.
Know Your Rights When Wakefield and Associates Contacts You
You have legal rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Congress passed the FDCPA in 1977 to curb abusive debt collection tactics.
The FDCPA restricts what debt collectors can do:
- Wakefield collectors cannot call you at work
- They cannot use rude or offensive language
- They cannot threaten legal action they don’t intend to take
- They cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
Defend Yourself If Wakefield and Associates Sues You
When you answer a lawsuit, you can point out deficiencies. The debt collector must prove you owe the debt.
Wakefield must prove three things:
- They have the right to sue you
- You are the person who incurred the debt
- You owe the exact amount listed in the complaint
If Wakefield cannot produce sufficient evidence, you can win in court. You may get the lawsuit dismissed entirely.
You might argue the statute of limitations expired. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing lawsuits. If Wakefield sued too late, you can file a motion to dismiss.
You could also file a countersuit. If Wakefield violated the FDCPA, you may receive compensatory damages. You might get reimbursement of your legal fees.
How to Respond to a Wakefield and Associates Lawsuit
The first step is responding by filing a written Answer. Follow these three steps to answer the lawsuit.
Step 1: Answer Each Claim in the Complaint
You should receive a Summons and Complaint document. Your Answer must respond to each claim in the Complaint. You can admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge.
Most attorneys recommend denying as many claims as possible. Denying claims forces Wakefield to prove everything. If they can’t prove their case, they might drop it.
Step 2: Assert Your Affirmative Defenses
An affirmative defense is any legal reason Wakefield shouldn’t win. You can raise several affirmative defenses in your Answer. You must include them in your initial response.
The statute of limitations is a common affirmative defense. You cannot bring up new defenses later in the case.
Step 3: File Your Answer and Send a Copy
You have 14-35 days to file your Answer. Missing the deadline results in a default judgment against you. Wakefield can then garnish your wages and place liens on properties.
Send your Answer to the court via mail or in person. Some courts allow electronic filing. After filing, send a copy to Wakefield and Associates. Request a return receipt for proof of delivery.
Our partner Solo can help you respond to debt lawsuits and protect your rights in court.
How to Settle Your Debt With Wakefield and Associates
Want to pay off your debt but lack full funds? Debt settlement might work for you.
Debt settlement involves paying a portion of your total debt. You clear your name and get the lawsuit dismissed. Most creditors work with borrowers experiencing financial hardship.
Determine how much you can afford to pay. Start communicating with Wakefield and Associates. The more you offer, the more likely they’ll accept.
Offering at least 60% of the total debt is a good start. Wakefield may accept less with extenuating circumstances. You may negotiate back and forth before reaching an agreement.
Important: File an Answer even if you plan to settle. An Answer blocks default judgment and buys negotiation time. Collectors settle more readily when you show willingness to fight.
Settlement Negotiation Tips
Make a reasonable opening offer based on your budget. Expect counteroffers from Wakefield and Associates. Keep all communication documented in writing.
Get any settlement agreement in writing before paying. Verify the agreement states the debt will be satisfied in full. Never share bank account details until you have written confirmation.
Example Settlement Case
Robert falls behind on medical bills. Wakefield and Associates contacts him repeatedly. He struggles with health challenges and financial stress.
When Wakefield sues, Robert responds to the lawsuit to buy time. He sends a settlement offer based on his current income. After negotiating, Robert gets a payment plan that works. Within months, his debt is settled.
What to Do If You Go to Court
Follow these steps if Wakefield and Associates sues you:
- Document any FDCPA violations like calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Note if collectors call you at work or use offensive language
- File your Answer within the court’s deadline
- Raise applicable defenses like statute of limitations
- Remember Wakefield must prove you owe the debt
- Consider a countersuit if they violated the FDCPA
Debt collectors like Wakefield rely on intimidation and false promises. They hope to wear you down into agreeing to repayment. Don’t give up without a fight.
With proper strategy and timely response, you can prevail against debt collectors. You have legal protections and viable defenses. Take action today to protect your rights and financial future.