Sued by Stenger and Stenger? How to Settle & Respond

You received a call or letter from Stenger & Stenger, P.C. You’re not alone. Many consumers hear from this Michigan debt collection law firm each year.

Whether you’re being contacted about an old account or served with a lawsuit, you need to respond. Knowing your rights and options makes all the difference.

Draft Your Answer to Stenger and Stenger in 15 Minutes

Don't let Stenger and Stenger win by default. Our partner Solo helps you respond to your lawsuit quickly and correctly. Avoid wage garnishment and protect your rights today.

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You can verify, dispute, or settle your debt legally and fairly. Here’s how.

What is Stenger and Stenger?

Stenger and Stenger is a debt collection law firm. They operate out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The firm provides debt collection and legal services across multiple states. These include Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Banks and creditors hire Stenger and Stenger to collect debts. They also sue people who fail to respond to collection efforts.

Who Does Stenger Law Collect For?

The Stenger and Stenger law firm represents many creditors and debt collectors. Their clients include:

Absolute Resolution Investments
CACH, LLC
Capital One
Citibank
Credit Corp Solutions
LVNV Funding
Midland Credit Management
Resurgent Receivables
WebBank

Note that this is not an exhaustive list. Stenger and Stenger collects for other agencies and creditors too.

How to Contact Stenger & Stenger

You need to verify a debt, discuss settlement, or respond to a case. You can reach Stenger & Stenger at:

Stenger & Stenger, P.C.
2618 East Paris Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (616) 940-1190 or (888) 305-7775
Email: info@stengerlaw.com

They offer an online payment portal on their website. You’ll need your file number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Negotiate a Debt Settlement with Stenger and Stenger

Debt settlement is a common resolution option for debt lawsuits. If life challenges led to debt problems, you should consider settling outside of court.

You may need to pay a lump sum to save money. If you can’t afford a lump sum payment, set up a monthly payment plan.

You can begin negotiating at any stage of the lawsuit process. Stenger and Stenger will likely settle for a percentage of the debt.

Our partner Solo can help you negotiate and settle with Stenger and Stenger digitally.

Negotiation Tips from a Lawyer

Be honest about your debt situation. Tell Stenger and Stenger about your current obligations. Paint a picture of your financial situation so they understand settlement is win-win. Present documentation to prove you’re serious about resolving the matter.
Don’t make empty threats of bankruptcy. If you’re actually considering bankruptcy, communicate this to Stenger and Stenger. Most creditors prefer settlement over losing everything in bankruptcy discharge. Don’t threaten bankruptcy unless you’re really considering filing.
Make a realistic offer. Your initial offer should be low enough for negotiation room. Start with 40%-60% of the debt amount. Most importantly, only offer what you can actually afford to pay.
Keep records of your communications. Consider recording phone calls or writing down key points. Once you reach an agreement, get it in writing. Review and sign it, then file it with the court.

How to Pay Stenger and Stenger

You’ve settled your debt. You can pay Stenger and Stenger on their online payment portal.

To log in, you’ll need the following information:

Your Stenger and Stenger file number
The last 4 digits of your SSN

Paying your debt is typically the best option for resolution. It will improve your credit score and stop collection calls.

If you have login issues, call 877-382-2216. You may work out payment over the phone. Request a receipt and keep records of all payments.

How to Respond to a Lawsuit from Stenger and Stenger

You can save yourself time, money, and stress by responding properly. You don’t necessarily need an attorney to prepare your response.

Follow these three steps to respond to a debt lawsuit:

Answer each claim listed in the Complaint.
Assert your affirmative defenses.
File the Answer with the court and send a copy to Stenger and Stenger.

Our partner Solo can help you draft an Answer in 15 minutes.

Step 1: Answer Each Claim Listed in the Complaint

Your Answer document should respond to specific claims in the Complaint. You received allegations, and you must respond to each one.

In response to each allegation, you can admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge.

When you admit a claim, you’re saying “This is true.” Admitting all claims would likely lead to judgment against you.
When you deny a claim, you’re saying “Prove it.” Denying a claim refuses to admit it as truth before a court.
When you deny due to lack of knowledge, you’re saying “I don’t know.” Use this response if you aren’t sure about the allegations.

Most attorneys recommend denying as many claims as possible. Doing so blocks default judgment and prompts Stenger and Stenger to prove their case.

If they don’t have proper documentation, their case won’t stand. They may be more likely to accept a settlement.

Step 2: Assert Your Affirmative Defenses

The plaintiff in a collections lawsuit holds the burden of proof. They must establish the right to collect the debt you owe.

The plaintiff must provide admissible evidence that the lawsuit is valid. If you don’t respond to the summons and complaint, they win automatically.

Here are affirmative defenses you might raise in a debt lawsuit:

Stenger and Stenger failed to state the basis of the lawsuit: The debt collector did not cite a violated law. There’s no legal reason to sue you.
The debt is time-barred: The statute of limitations has passed. Statutes typically range from two to 20 years, averaging four to six years.
Plaintiff lacks legal standing: Stenger and Stenger failed to provide evidence they own and can legally collect your debt. This occurs when they cannot prove they purchased or were assigned the debt.

Step 3: File the Answer and Send a Copy

After you’ve drafted your Answer, file it within the court’s deadline. The deadline to respond ranges from 14-35 days, depending on your state.

Make a copy of the Answer. Send it via USPS certified mail to the attorneys at Stenger law.

Our partner Solo can help you file an Answer in all 50 states.

Read Stenger and Stenger Reviews Online

Looking for intel about other people’s experiences with Stenger and Stenger? Read these real online reviews:

Stenger and Stenger reviews on Google
Stenger and Stenger reviews on Better Business Bureau
Stenger and Stenger reviews submitted to the CFPB consumer database

The online reviews for Stenger and Stenger are mixed. Some positive, some negative. Some reviews indicate people have positive experiences communicating with them about debt collection.

One borrower named Jhanay shared:

“I’ve spoken with 3 different representatives over the phone. They all have been great at helping and answering my questions about my collection. Not a bad experience at least with customer service. Thanks for handling my case with care and having great representatives on the phones.”

Jhanay’s review highlights the importance of proactively reaching out. Doing so can improve your odds of reaching an amicable resolution.

The FDCPA Protects Your Rights

Stenger and Stenger trains its attorneys to treat people with respect. But you still need to understand your legal rights when working with debt collectors.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act outlines rules that control how debt collectors can legally treat you. Some restrictions on debt collectors include:

Debt collectors cannot contact you at work.
Debt collectors cannot use bad language and threats.
Debt collectors are not allowed to threaten you with lawsuits.
Debt collectors cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
Debt collectors cannot discuss your debt with anyone except you, your spouse, and your lawyer.

What to Do If Stenger and Stenger Sues You

Here’s a quick summary of actions to take if Stenger and Stenger files a lawsuit:

Respond to the lawsuit with a written Answer. Denying claims forces Stenger and Stenger to collect evidence the debt is valid.
In your Answer, respond to each claim, raise at least one affirmative defense, and ask them to prove you owe the money.
File the Answer before your state’s deadline to respond to a debt lawsuit.
After you’ve filed an Answer, reach out to discuss debt settlement. If you reach an agreement, get it in writing and send payment.

The strategies described above may help you prevail against Stenger and Stenger in court. File a counterclaim if you can prove they violated the FDCPA.

They may owe you compensatory damages if they fail to follow the law.

Being sued by a debt collector isn’t the end of the world. You can take actions to defend yourself in court and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stenger and Stenger PC?

Stenger and Stenger is a debt collection law firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They represent creditors and debt collectors in multiple states including Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, and Tennessee. Banks and creditors hire them to collect debts and file lawsuits against consumers.

How do I respond to a lawsuit from Stenger and Stenger?

Respond with a written Answer within your state's deadline (typically 14-35 days). In your Answer, respond to each claim by admitting, denying, or denying due to lack of knowledge. Assert affirmative defenses like statute of limitations or lack of standing. File your Answer with the court and send a copy to Stenger and Stenger via certified mail.

Can I negotiate a settlement with Stenger and Stenger?

Yes, you can negotiate a debt settlement with Stenger and Stenger at any stage of the lawsuit process. Start with an offer of 40-60% of the debt amount. Be honest about your financial situation, make a realistic offer you can afford, and get any agreement in writing before making payment. Many creditors prefer settlement over bankruptcy discharge.

What happens if I don't respond to a Stenger and Stenger lawsuit?

If you don't respond to the lawsuit within your state's deadline, Stenger and Stenger will win a default judgment against you. This allows them to garnish your wages, freeze your bank account, or place liens on your property. Always respond with a written Answer to protect your rights and avoid default judgment.

How do I pay Stenger and Stenger after settling my debt?

You can pay through Stenger and Stenger's online payment portal using your file number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can also call 877-382-2216 to arrange payment over the phone. Always request a receipt and keep records of all payments for future proof of payment.

Sued by Stenger and Stenger PC? How to Settle and Respond