Case Dismissed: Beat Wilber and Associates Lawsuit

Wilber and Associates filed a lawsuit against you. You received a summons in the mail. Don’t panic.

You have options even if you owe the debt. Getting your case dismissed is possible with the right approach.

Stop Wilber and Associates Before Your Deadline

You have limited time to respond to your summons. File your Answer now to avoid default judgment and start negotiating a settlement that could save you thousands.

Respond to Wilber Now

Understanding Wilber and Associates

Wilber and Associates operates as both a debt collection agency and law firm. Founded in 2004, they handle multiple services:

Debt collection and recovery services
Claims administration
Legal services for creditors
Database management

The company also does business as Wilber Group. They primarily represent insurance companies collecting on unpaid claims.

Contact Information

Phone: 800-313-5169
Address: 210 Landmark Dr., Normal, IL 61761
Website: wilbergroup.com

Wilber and Associates Reputation

The Better Business Bureau gives Wilber and Associates an F rating. Their customer reviews average just 1.03 out of 5 stars.

Common complaints include:

Harassment for accidents consumers weren’t involved in
Threats to suspend driver’s licenses
Rude and belittling representatives
Demands for payment without proper proof

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lists hundreds of complaints. Many involve consumers sued after selling vehicles that new owners crashed.

Wilber and Associates can request your state suspend your driver’s license. They need proof you were at fault in an accident and owe money.

Getting the Plaintiff to Dismiss Your Case

Wilber and Associates rarely dismisses cases without good reason. Settling your debt outside court is your best option.

Settlement saves you time and money. It also helps you avoid wage garnishment after a judgment.

Settlement Example

Sarah gets sued by Wilber and Associates for $2,000. She verifies the debt belongs to her. She wants to avoid wage garnishment.

Sarah decides to settle outside court. She works with our partner Solo to file an Answer first. The Answer buys her time to negotiate.

Sarah negotiates with Wilber and Associates. They agree to accept $1,500 instead of $2,000. After Sarah pays, Wilber and Associates files to dismiss the lawsuit.

Filing for Dismissal Yourself

You can file a Request for Dismissal with valid grounds. The court needs legitimate reasons to dismiss a lawsuit.

Valid Reasons for Dismissal

The statute of limitations expired on your debt
The debt doesn’t belong to you (identity mistake)
Wilber and Associates lacks evidence proving you owe
Procedural errors in how they filed the lawsuit

Filing a Request for Dismissal yourself is challenging. You need to follow court procedures exactly. Consider hiring an attorney if you can afford one.

Your First Step: File an Answer

Responding to the lawsuit is critical. You must file an Answer before the deadline on your summons.

Your Answer accomplishes several goals:

Prevents automatic default judgment against you
Buys time to negotiate or prepare your defense
Forces Wilber and Associates to prove their case
Shows the court you’re taking the lawsuit seriously

Our partner Solo helps you prepare a proper Answer. You respond to each claim in the complaint. You raise any defenses that apply to your situation.

Negotiating with Wilber and Associates

Debt collectors often settle for less than the full amount. They know lawsuits are expensive and time-consuming.

Negotiation tips that work:

Start with a lower offer than you can actually pay
Get all settlement terms in writing before paying
Request they dismiss the lawsuit as part of the agreement
Ask for a pay-for-delete on your credit report
Never give bank account access directly

Most debt collectors accept 40-60% of the original debt. Wilber and Associates may negotiate if you show willingness to pay something.

Statute of Limitations Defense

Each state sets time limits for debt collection lawsuits. These are called statutes of limitations.

If Wilber and Associates sued you after the deadline, you have grounds for dismissal. The statute of limitations varies by state and debt type.

Most states allow 3-6 years for credit card debt. Medical debt and other debts have different timelines.

Check when you last made a payment. That often resets the statute of limitations clock. A lawyer can help determine if this defense applies.

Challenging Evidence and Standing

Wilber and Associates must prove you owe the debt. They need documentation showing:

You entered into the original agreement
You failed to pay as agreed
The amount they claim is accurate
They have legal right to collect (standing)

Many debt collectors lack proper documentation. Original creditors don’t always transfer complete records.

Request debt validation in your Answer. Force them to produce evidence before settlement talks.

What Happens After Filing Your Answer

The court sets a timeline after you file. You’ll receive notices about upcoming deadlines and hearings.

Wilber and Associates may contact you to negotiate. They might also send discovery requests asking for information.

Respond to all court documents by the deadlines. Missing deadlines can result in default judgment against you.

Settlement discussions often happen during this period. Most debt lawsuits settle before trial.

Protecting Yourself from Harassment

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive tactics. Wilber and Associates must follow these rules.

They cannot:

Call before 8 AM or after 9 PM
Contact you at work if you tell them not to
Threaten actions they can’t legally take
Use profane or abusive language
Misrepresent the amount you owe

Document every interaction with Wilber and Associates. Keep records of calls, letters, and threats made.

You can sue debt collectors who violate the FDCPA. Violations can result in damages up to $1,000 plus attorney fees.

When to Consider Bankruptcy

Sometimes debt is overwhelming. Multiple lawsuits or judgments might make settlement impossible.

Bankruptcy stops collection lawsuits immediately. The automatic stay prevents creditors from continuing legal action.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate most unsecured debts in 3-4 months. Chapter 13 creates a 3-5 year repayment plan.

Consider bankruptcy if you cannot afford settlements or payment plans. Consult with a bankruptcy attorney about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilber and Associates?

Wilber and Associates is a debt collection law firm founded in 2004 that also operates as Wilber Group. They handle debt collection, claims administration, and legal services primarily for insurance companies.

How do I get Wilber and Associates to dismiss my lawsuit?

The most effective way is settling your debt outside court, usually for 40-60% of the original amount. Once you pay the agreed settlement, Wilber and Associates typically files to dismiss the lawsuit. You can also file a Request for Dismissal if the statute of limitations expired or they lack proper evidence.

Can Wilber and Associates suspend my driver's license?

Wilber and Associates cannot directly suspend your license, but they can request your state suspend it if you were at fault in an accident and owe money. This is one of the tactics they use to pressure consumers into paying.

What happens if I ignore a Wilber and Associates lawsuit?

Ignoring the lawsuit results in default judgment against you. The court will automatically rule in Wilber and Associates' favor, allowing them to garnish your wages, levy your bank account, or place liens on your property.

How long does Wilber and Associates have to sue me for debt?

The statute of limitations varies by state and debt type, typically ranging from 3-6 years for credit card debt. If they sued you after this deadline expired, you have grounds to request case dismissal.

How to Get Your Case Dismissed Against Wilber and Associates