How to Settle Debt with Zwicker & Associates: Your Action Plan
Zwicker & Associates is a debt collection law firm that files lawsuits quickly. You can settle at any stage by filing an Answer, calculating what you can afford, and negotiating a written settlement agreement. Never ignore a lawsuit or pay without proper documentation.
Answer Zwicker LawsuitZwicker & Associates PC is not a typical debt collector. It’s a law firm that specializes in debt collection lawsuits.
Dealing with Zwicker can feel overwhelming. The good news? The firm is willing to negotiate settlements.
Respond to Zwicker & Associates in 15 Minutes
Don't let Zwicker get a default judgment against you. File your Answer now and protect yourself from wage garnishment and bank levies.
Respond to LawsuitZwicker has a reputation for filing lawsuits quickly. If you’re dealing with them, prepare for the possibility of court action.
You face two main challenges: collection calls and lawsuits. We’ll show you how to overcome both.
Who Does Zwicker & Associates Collect For?
Zwicker & Associates collects for major creditors. American Express, Capital One, Chase, and Discover Bank are common clients.
The law firm represents these companies when they take legal action. They handle the lawsuit process from start to finish.
How to Settle Your Debt with Zwicker & Associates
You can settle at any stage of the lawsuit process. Here’s your action plan.
Step 1: File an Answer to the Lawsuit
Your first step is filing an Answer to the Complaint. Respond to each claim against you.
An Answer prevents a default judgment. Don’t skip this step, even if you plan to settle.
Our partner Solo can help you file your Answer in 15 minutes. You don’t need an attorney to respond.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Finances and Make an Offer
Calculate what you can afford to pay. Use this formula: Amount available = (monthly income – monthly costs) + savings.
Start with a lower offer to give yourself negotiating room. In many cases, 60% of the debt is reasonable.
For example, if you owe $3,000, offer $1,800 to settle. Be realistic but strategic with your initial offer.
Step 3: Negotiate and Get Everything in Writing
Zwicker won’t accept your first offer. Their lawyers typically counter initial proposals.
Negotiating takes time. Be persistent and honest about your financial situation.
Once you reach an agreement, demand written terms. The settlement agreement must be filed with the court.
Never make a payment without a signed settlement agreement. Protect yourself with proper documentation.
Read Zwicker and Associates Reviews
Zwicker and Associates has an A+ BBB rating. Established in 1991, they’re a reputable firm.
However, that doesn’t mean they always play by the rules. Many consumers have submitted negative reviews.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received nearly 600 complaints. Most claim the firm is hard to work with.
One consumer complained: “Zwicker & Associates refused to accept weekly payments online. They informed me that I will have to call each week. It is as though they want me to fail.”
Working with Zwicker & Associates isn’t always easy. You need a solid strategy.
How to Deal with Collection Calls and Letters
Zwicker & Associates frequently purchases debts for pennies on the dollar. They’re looking to profit from your account.
Never offer full payment to Zwicker. The firm will still profit with a much lower settlement.
Follow these steps to stop collection calls:
- Send a Debt Validation Letter to request proof
- Understand your consumer rights and enforce them
- File an Answer to any lawsuit
- Contact Zwicker attorneys to negotiate settlement
Ask Zwicker to Validate the Debt
Just because a collector calls doesn’t mean you owe the debt. Demand validation first.
Your go-to defense weapon is the Debt Validation Letter. Send it within thirty days of first contact.
The letter demands documented proof of the amount and ownership. The collector must verify before continuing collection efforts.
Use certified mail for proof of delivery. Many agencies stop collection when they receive validation requests.
Once validated, check for errors. If you spot any, dispute the debt immediately.
Has Zwicker Violated Your Consumer Rights?
Zwicker calls itself a law firm, not a collection agency. Don’t let that fool you.
They collect debts and must follow FDCPA guidelines. Many collectors still violate these rules.
Under the law, debt collectors may not:
- Call you between 9:00 pm and 8:00 am
- Discuss your debt with family and friends
- Send you postcards about the debt
- Lie to you about anything
- Harass or threaten you with illegal actions
- Shame you for owing money
- Overcharge you or add unauthorized fees
If Zwicker violates these guidelines, you can countersue. You may be entitled to $1,000 per violation plus court costs.
Report violations to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357. You can also contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at 1-855-411-2372.
Is Zwicker & Associates a Scam?
No, Zwicker & Associates is not a scam. It’s a legitimate debt collection law firm.
However, scammers sometimes impersonate them. Real Zwicker employees won’t ask for your personal information.
If someone demands your social security number or address, hang up. Real collectors already have your information.
What Happens If Zwicker Sues You?
Zwicker & Associates files lawsuits frequently. You may receive a court Summons sooner than expected.
You can still resolve the debt before going to court. Here are your options.
Respond to the Summons and Complaint
Never ignore a court Summons and Complaint. Ignoring it leads to a default judgment.
A judgment against you can result in serious consequences. These may include:
- Wage garnishment from your paycheck
- Lien on your non-exempt property
- Freezing of your bank account
A timely Answer can stop Zwicker in its tracks. Our partner Solo makes this process simple and fast.
Settle Out of Court
Zwicker bought your debt for pennies on the dollar. You can negotiate to pay a fraction of the balance.
Many companies settle for 40-60% of the total debt. A 40% settlement saves you thousands of dollars.
You also avoid the stress of multiple court hearings. Settlement is often your best option.
Check Your State’s Statute of Limitations
No debt collector can sue you for time-barred debt. Each state has different statutes of limitations.
These laws protect consumers from lawsuits on extremely old debts. In most cases, debts over seven years are expired.
If the debt is beyond your state’s time limit, you have a strong defense. Raise this in your Answer.
Consider Bankruptcy as a Last Resort
Filing for bankruptcy may be necessary if you truly can’t pay. Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 will dismiss the lawsuit.
Bankruptcy has serious consequences for your credit. Only consider this option after exploring all alternatives.
Speak with a bankruptcy attorney before filing. They can explain which chapter fits your situation.
Take Control of Your Situation
Zwicker and Associates should not control your life. You have options and rights.
Start by demanding debt validation. File a timely Answer to any lawsuit.
Make a reasonable settlement offer before your court date. Most cases settle without a trial.
Our partner Solo guides you through each step. You can respond to Zwicker and protect your rights.