Sued by Howard Lee Schiff? How to Respond & Settle

Getting sued is stressful. Debt collector calls make it worse. You’re not alone in this situation. Many Americans face debt lawsuits every year.

Ignoring the problem won’t make it disappear. In fact, silence is your worst move. It could lead to wage garnishment and bank levies.

Respond to Howard Lee Schiff in Minutes

Don't let your deadline pass. Answer your lawsuit correctly and protect yourself from default judgment. Start your response now before it's too late.

Create Your Answer

The Office of Howard Lee Schiff, PC, is pursuing you for payment. You have options to fight back and resolve this debt. We’ll show you exactly what to do.

About Howard Lee Schiff, PC

The Law Offices Howard Lee Schiff, PC, operates from Hartford, Connecticut. They’ve collected debts since 1959 through multiple offices nationwide.

The firm specializes in consumer legal collections for corporations. They work exclusively on debt collection cases.

Who Howard Lee Schiff Collects For

Howard Lee Schiff focuses on retail debt collection across the country. They pursue debts from department stores, credit cards, and debt buyers.

Confirmed clients include:

Danbury Hospital
Norwalk Hospital
Portfolio Recovery Associates
TD Bank, USA

Your lawsuit papers should name the original creditor. Read your summons carefully to identify who claims you owe money.

Your Rights Under Federal Law

Never agree to payment plans you can’t afford. Know your protections under the law first.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from harassment. The FDCPA sets clear boundaries for debt collectors.

Debt collectors cannot:

Use threatening language or yell at you
Contact you at work after you’ve said it’s prohibited
Call before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm
Falsely claim you’ll be arrested for unpaid debt
Share your debt details with uninvolved parties
Continue contacting you after you request they stop

How to Respond to a Howard Lee Schiff Lawsuit

Many people have successfully defended against Howard Lee Schiff lawsuits. You can settle the debt or fight in court.

Your strategy depends on your financial situation and the debt details. Both paths start with a proper response.

File Your Answer Immediately

Ignoring a lawsuit is the biggest mistake you can make. You received a Summons and Complaint for a reason.

Failing to respond gives Howard Lee Schiff an automatic default judgment. They can then garnish your wages and freeze your bank accounts. They’ll also add court costs, attorney fees, and mounting interest.

You must file an Answer within your deadline. Most states give you 14 to 30 days to respond. Our partner Solo helps you create and file your Answer quickly.

Follow these critical steps:

Never admit you owe the debt in your Answer
Make Howard Lee Schiff prove every claim they make
File your Answer with the Clerk of Court
Send a copy to Howard Lee Schiff via certified mail

Assert the Statute of Limitations Defense

Every state limits how long creditors can sue for debts. The statute of limitations typically ranges from four to six years.

The clock starts on the last day you used the account. Activity includes making payments, withdrawals, or purchases.

Stop making payments once you’re sued if the debt might be time-barred. Any payment can restart the statute of limitations clock. Check your state’s specific time limits before taking action.

Challenge Their Legal Standing

Question whether Howard Lee Schiff has the right to sue you. Debts often change hands multiple times between collectors.

Demand two critical documents from them. First, they need your original signed credit agreement. Second, they must prove the chain of ownership from the original creditor.

Many debt collectors can’t produce this paperwork. Missing documentation could get your case dismissed entirely.

Make Them Prove Their Case

Howard Lee Schiff must prove three essential facts in court:

You’re responsible for this specific debt
The amount they claim is accurate
They have legal authority to sue you

Demand detailed proof of the balance they claim. They must show:

How each purchase increased your balance
That all fees were authorized in your agreement
The current balance is mathematically correct
All your previous payments were properly credited

Quick dismissal becomes possible if they can’t provide documentation fast. Courts don’t favor collectors who lack proper records.

Consider Bankruptcy as a Last Resort

Bankruptcy stops all collection activity through an automatic stay. All lawsuits, calls, and garnishments must halt immediately.

Only pursue bankruptcy if you face overwhelming financial problems. Your credit will take a serious hit for years. Bankruptcy should be your last option, not your first.

Settling Your Debt With Howard Lee Schiff

Court battles aren’t for everyone. Debt settlement offers a faster resolution path.

Follow this proven three-step process:

Step 1: Verify the Debt

Send a debt validation letter immediately. Request specific information about the debt:

The original creditor’s name
The exact amount owed
Account records linking you to this debt
The date of last account activity

Step 2: Make Your Settlement Offer

Review your finances honestly. Determine what you can realistically pay right now.

Start with a lower offer than you can afford. Our partner Solo helps you draft professional settlement offers. They also provide secure payment processing once you reach an agreement.

Step 3: Get Everything in Writing

Never send money without a signed settlement agreement. Your agreement must specify the settlement amount clearly.

The document should confirm forgiveness of the remaining balance. It must outline exactly how and when payment occurs. Keep copies of everything for your records.

Research Howard Lee Schiff Reviews

Online reviews reveal how others have dealt with this firm. Past experiences help you build your strategy.

Check consumer reviews at these sources:

Better Business Bureau profile for Law Offices Howard Lee Schiff, PC
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaint database

The firm receives mixed reviews from consumers. They’ve survived six decades in the collection business. You’re dealing with experienced collectors who know the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I ignore a lawsuit from Howard Lee Schiff?

Ignoring the lawsuit results in a default judgment against you. Howard Lee Schiff can then garnish your wages, freeze your bank accounts, and add court costs and attorney fees to your debt. You must respond within your state's deadline, typically 14-30 days.

How do I challenge Howard Lee Schiff's right to sue me?

Demand that Howard Lee Schiff provide your original signed credit agreement and proof of the chain of ownership from the original creditor. Many debt collectors cannot produce this documentation, which could lead to case dismissal.

Can I settle my debt with Howard Lee Schiff instead of going to court?

Yes, you can negotiate a settlement. First, send a debt validation letter requesting proof of the debt. Then make a settlement offer based on what you can afford. Always get a signed settlement agreement before sending any payment.

What is the statute of limitations for debt collection lawsuits?

The statute of limitations varies by state but typically ranges from four to six years. The clock starts from the last date you had activity on the account. If the debt is beyond this period, you can use it as a defense in court.

Who does Howard Lee Schiff, PC collect debts for?

Howard Lee Schiff collects for various creditors including Danbury Hospital, Norwalk Hospital, Portfolio Recovery Associates, and TD Bank USA. They specialize in retail debt, credit cards, and medical bills. Your summons should identify the original creditor.

Sued by Howard Lee Schiff? Here’s How to Respond and Settle