Lloyd & McDaniel Acquires Cooling & Winter: What You Need to Know

By Talk About Debt Team
Reviewed by Ben Jackson
Last Updated: February 17, 2026
5 min read
The Bottom Line

Lloyd & McDaniel PLC acquired Cooling & Winter LLC on January 1, 2024, and now handles all former Cooling & Winter accounts. If you're facing a lawsuit or collection action from either firm, you must respond within your state's deadline and consider negotiating a settlement. Lloyd & McDaniel is willing to work with you to resolve debts, often accepting settlements for less than the full amount owed.

Respond to Lloyd & McDaniel

Starting January 1, 2024, Lloyd & McDaniel PLC acquired Cooling & Winter LLC. If Cooling & Winter previously contacted you about a debt, you now deal with Lloyd & McDaniel.

Any lawsuits or collection accounts previously handled by Cooling & Winter are now under Lloyd & McDaniel’s control. You must work with Lloyd & McDaniel to resolve your debt.

Respond to Lloyd & McDaniel's Lawsuit Before Your Deadline

Don't let Lloyd & McDaniel win by default. Our partner Solo helps you file an Answer and negotiate a settlement before your court date.

Answer the Lawsuit

What Is Lloyd & McDaniel?

Lloyd & McDaniel is a debt collection law firm operating in 13 states. The firm collects debts for national banks, credit card companies, and student loan issuers.

Founded in 1952 in Kentucky, the firm has over 72 years of experience. Lloyd & McDaniel represents creditors in the Midwest and Southern United States.

If your debt reached Lloyd & McDaniel, your creditor has escalated collection efforts. The firm specializes in filing lawsuits and obtaining judgments against consumers.

Contact Lloyd & McDaniel

  • Phone: (866) 548-2486
  • Fax: (502) 585-3054
  • Email: email@lloydmc.com
  • Mailing address: P.O. Box 23200, Louisville, KY 40223-0200
  • Physical address: 700 N Hurstbourne Pkwy Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40222

What Was Cooling & Winter?

Cooling & Winter LLC was a Georgia-based debt collection law firm. Established in 2015, the firm operated from Marietta, Georgia.

The firm used aggressive collection tactics including lawsuits, judgments, and wage garnishments. In 2024, Lloyd & McDaniel acquired all Cooling & Winter accounts and operations.

If Cooling & Winter contacted you before the acquisition, you now communicate with Lloyd & McDaniel. All Cooling & Winter cases transferred to Lloyd & McDaniel on January 1, 2024.

How to Contact the Former Cooling & Winter Accounts

You can reach the Cooling & Winter division at CWinfo@lloydmc.com or (800) 291-5144. However, Lloyd & McDaniel representatives will handle all communications now.

All payment arrangements and settlements go through Lloyd & McDaniel’s standard process. The firm has integrated all Cooling & Winter accounts into its system.

How to Settle Debt With Lloyd & McDaniel

Lloyd & McDaniel is willing to negotiate settlements on most debts. The firm acts as a middleman between you and the original creditor.

For example, if Discover Bank is suing you, Lloyd & McDaniel coordinates with Discover representatives. The firm facilitates agreements between both parties.

Our partner Solo can help you respond to Lloyd & McDaniel’s lawsuit and negotiate a settlement.

Seven Steps to Settle Your Debt

  1. Verify the debt amount: Confirm what you owe, the original creditor, and any added fees. Get written verification before negotiating.
  2. Know your rights: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from abusive collection practices. Debt collectors cannot harass, threaten, or mislead you.
  3. Communicate in writing: Written communication creates a paper trail for disputes. Keep copies of all letters and emails.
  4. Start negotiations low: Collection agencies often settle for 30-50% of the total debt. Begin with a low offer and negotiate upward.
  5. Stay within your budget: Only commit to payments you can afford. Overcommitting leads to more financial problems.
  6. Get written confirmation: Before paying anything, get the settlement terms in writing. The agreement should state the debt is settled once you pay.
  7. Document all payments: Keep bank statements, receipts, and correspondence showing you paid. These protect you from future collection attempts.

Settlement negotiations work best when you understand your financial limits. Lloyd & McDaniel prefers reaching agreements rather than pursuing lengthy court cases.

What to Do If Lloyd & McDaniel Is Suing You

Never ignore a lawsuit from Lloyd & McDaniel. Ignoring the lawsuit results in a default judgment against you.

A default judgment allows the firm to garnish your wages or bank accounts. You must respond to the lawsuit within your state’s deadline.

Five Critical Steps When Facing a Lawsuit

  • File an Answer immediately: You typically have 20-30 days to respond. Missing this deadline gives Lloyd & McDaniel an automatic win.
  • Review the Complaint carefully: Check if they can prove you owe the debt. Look for errors in the amount, dates, or creditor information.
  • Gather your documents: Collect credit card statements, payment records, and any correspondence. These documents support your defense.
  • Check the statute of limitations: Many states prohibit lawsuits on debts older than 3-6 years. If the debt is time-barred, you have a valid defense.
  • Negotiate before court: Lloyd & McDaniel may dismiss the lawsuit if you settle. A lump-sum payment often resolves cases quickly.

Our partner Solo helps you draft a proper Answer to Lloyd & McDaniel’s lawsuit and negotiate settlements before your court date.

Lloyd & McDaniel Payment Portal

Lloyd & McDaniel offers an online payment portal on their website. You can make one-time payments or schedule payment plans up to one year.

The portal allows you to set up automatic payments for settlement agreements. For payment plans longer than one year, you must call (866) 548-2486.

Before making any payment, ensure you have a written settlement agreement. Never pay without documentation stating the debt will be resolved.

Your Rights Against Lloyd & McDaniel

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you specific protections. Lloyd & McDaniel cannot call you before 8 AM or after 9 PM.

The firm cannot contact you at work if your employer prohibits such calls. They cannot threaten arrest or violence.

You can request debt verification within 30 days of first contact. Lloyd & McDaniel must provide proof you owe the debt.

If Lloyd & McDaniel violates the FDCPA, you can sue them. You may recover up to $1,000 plus attorney fees and actual damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to my Cooling & Winter debt after the acquisition?

Lloyd & McDaniel PLC acquired Cooling & Winter LLC on January 1, 2024. All Cooling & Winter accounts transferred to Lloyd & McDaniel, and you must now work with Lloyd & McDaniel to resolve any debts or lawsuits previously handled by Cooling & Winter.

How do I settle a debt with Lloyd & McDaniel?

Contact Lloyd & McDaniel at (866) 548-2486 or email@lloydmc.com to negotiate a settlement. Start with a low offer (30-50% of the debt), get any settlement agreement in writing before paying, and ensure the agreement states the debt will be fully resolved once you pay the settlement amount.

What should I do if Lloyd & McDaniel files a lawsuit against me?

You must file an Answer to the lawsuit within your state's deadline (typically 20-30 days). Gather documents related to the debt, check if the statute of limitations has expired, and consider negotiating a settlement before your court date. Never ignore a lawsuit as this results in a default judgment.

Can I make payments to Lloyd & McDaniel online?

Yes, Lloyd & McDaniel offers an online payment portal where you can make one-time payments or schedule payment plans up to one year. For payment plans longer than one year, you must contact a representative at (866) 548-2486 to discuss options.

What are my rights when dealing with Lloyd & McDaniel?

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Lloyd & McDaniel cannot harass you, call before 8 AM or after 9 PM, contact you at work if prohibited, or threaten arrest. You can request debt verification within 30 days of first contact, and if they violate the FDCPA, you can sue for up to $1,000 plus damages.