How To Win Against MBA Law: Beat Debt Collectors at Their Game

MBA Law contacted you about a debt. You can fight back and win.

You have rights when debt collectors come calling. MBA Law must follow strict rules. You can use those rules to your advantage.

Why MBA Law Is Contacting You

MBA Law reached out because they think you owe medical debt. They work as a third-party collector for healthcare providers.

The Law Offices of Mitchell D. Bluhm and Associates operates differently than most collectors. They don’t usually buy your debt. Instead, medical providers sell debts to collection agencies who hire MBA Law.

MBA Law specializes in past-due medical bills. They work on behalf of the original creditor or debt owner.

Must You Pay MBA Law?

Maybe. It depends on whether the debt is valid.

MBA Law must prove they have the right to collect. They must show the debt amount is correct. They must demonstrate you actually owe it.

You could face consequences if you ignore a valid debt. Your credit score will likely drop. You risk getting sued. Wage garnishment becomes possible if you lose in court.

Can’t afford the full amount? You can negotiate a settlement for less. Debt collectors often accept reduced payments.

How To Negotiate With MBA Law in 3 Steps

Debt collection is a business. MBA Law wants to close your account and get paid.

That motivation gives you leverage. They may accept less than you owe just to settle quickly.

You don’t need to feel intimidated. Follow these steps to negotiate successfully.

Step 1: Validate the Debt First

Never negotiate before confirming the debt is real. You need to verify three things:

• The debt belongs to you
• MBA Law has authorization to collect it
• The amount they claim is accurate

Federal law requires debt collectors to send validation letters. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau enforces this rule.

Validation letters must explain your right to dispute within 30 days. They must tell you how to challenge the debt.

Why does validation matter? Third-party collectors make mistakes. They sometimes pursue debts already paid. They might have wrong account information.

You can request a debt verification letter if MBA Law hasn’t sent validation. Send your request in writing.

Step 2: Calculate Your Payment Capacity

Confirmed the debt is valid? Now figure out what you can realistically pay.

Medical bills can devastate your finances. You’re not alone in struggling with healthcare debt.

Start by reviewing your monthly income from all sources. Subtract your essential expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and other debt payments.

The remaining amount shows what you can afford monthly. Be honest with yourself about this number.

The CFPB offers free budget worksheets and debt worksheets. These tools can simplify the process.

Feeling overwhelmed? Our partner Cambridge Credit Counseling offers free consultations. They can help you budget and explore debt relief options.

Lump Sum vs. Payment Plan: Which Works Better?

The best option is the one you can actually complete. Both approaches have advantages.

Debt collectors prefer lump-sum payments. They’ll often reduce your debt more if you pay everything at once.

Can you access extra money soon? Consider tax refunds, work bonuses, or selling items. These could fund a lump-sum payment.

Can’t scrape together a lump sum? Don’t worry. You can request a monthly payment plan instead.

MBA Law may agree more readily if you authorize automatic bank withdrawals. Make sure any payment plan fits your budget comfortably.

Step 3: Make Your Settlement Offer

You know what you can afford. Time to make your offer.

Start lower than your target amount. Expect MBA Law to counter with a higher number.

Accept their counteroffer if it seems reasonable. Make another counteroffer if it doesn’t.

Put everything in writing. Phone negotiations leave no paper trail. Written agreements protect you.

Written communication also gives you time to think. You won’t feel pressured to accept bad terms on the spot.

Negotiate More Than Just the Amount

The settlement amount matters most. But you can negotiate other terms too.

Negotiate your payment structure. Choose between lump sum or installment plan. Set payment due dates that work for your schedule.

Credit reporting is crucial to negotiate. Settled debts usually appear as “partial payment” or “settled.”

Ask MBA Law to report the account as “paid in full” instead. Your credit score will thank you.

Can You Settle After Getting Sued?

Yes. You can still negotiate even after a lawsuit starts.

Don’t ignore the lawsuit though. Attend all court hearings. Respond to all court filings. Keep doing this until the judge officially closes the case.

Our partner Solo can help you respond to debt collection lawsuits quickly and correctly.

Tips for Successful Debt Settlement

These strategies increase your chances of winning negotiations:

• Always communicate in writing to create a paper trail
• Know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
• Never give access to your bank account until you have a written agreement
• Get all settlement terms in writing before making any payment
• Keep copies of every document and letter you send or receive
• Request a debt deletion from your credit report as part of settlement
• Don’t be afraid to walk away from unreasonable offers
• Stay calm and professional even if collectors get aggressive

Confidence matters in negotiations. Know your rights. Stick to your budget. Don’t let collectors pressure you.

How To Beat MBA Law in Court

MBA Law usually doesn’t sue directly. They collect for other companies. But the original creditor or another collector might sue.

You’ll receive two documents if sued: a summons and complaint. Responding is critical.

Ignore the lawsuit and you’ll lose by default. The court can then order wage garnishment or bank account seizure.

You don’t need an attorney to respond. Follow these steps to defend yourself.

Step 1: Read Every Word of Your Summons

Your summons contains critical information. Read it carefully to find:

• Court name and address
• Plaintiff and defendant contact information
• Case or docket number
• Date the court issued the summons
• Your response deadline
• Consequences of not responding

The complaint accompanies your summons. It explains why you’re being sued.

Claims appear as numbered paragraphs. You’ll need this information for your answer form.

Step 2: Complete Your Answer Form

Most courts provide answer templates for self-representation. These forms are usually free.

Visit the courthouse or check online for forms. Search “court forms” or “answer form” plus your court’s name.

Answer forms include basic instructions. Court clerks can help if you have questions.

Clerks can’t give legal advice. They can’t tell you what to write. But they can explain form requirements and filing rules.

You may need to list defenses in your answer. Common defenses include:

• Statute of limitations has expired
• You already paid the debt
• The amount claimed is incorrect
• The plaintiff can’t prove you owe the debt
• Identity theft or fraud

Some courts require additional forms like certificates of service. Check your court’s website or ask a clerk.

Step 3: File and Serve Your Answer

You must file your answer with the court. You must also serve a copy to the plaintiff.

Filing options vary by court. Most accept in-person filing or mail. Use certified mail if mailing.

Many courts now accept email or online filing. Ask the clerk about your options.

Service means delivering your answer to whoever is suing you. You can usually serve by mail or in-person delivery.

Some courts allow email service. Check your court’s specific rules.

Our partner Solo has helped over 234,000 people respond to debt lawsuits. They offer a 100% money-back guarantee.

Key Takeaways

MBA Law must validate any debt they claim you owe. Demand validation before paying anything.

You can dispute debts you don’t recognize or disagree with. Federal law protects your right to dispute.

Valid debts can often be negotiated down. Debt collectors prefer getting something over nothing.

Getting sued doesn’t end your options. You can still negotiate while defending the lawsuit.

Always respond to lawsuits. Default judgments lead to wage garnishment and bank account seizures.