Sued By Valentine and Kebartas? How to Settle Your Debt

You received a notice from Valentine and Kebartas. Your stomach dropped. You feel stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed.

Take a deep breath. You have options to resolve your debt issue.

You can negotiate a settlement with Valentine and Kebartas. You can respond to their lawsuit and win. You can protect yourself using federal law.

What Is Valentine and Kebartas?

Valentine and Kebartas is a debt collection agency based in Massachusetts. The company has operated for over 30 years.

• Phone: (800) 731-7766
• Address: 15 Union St Ste 202, Lawrence, MA 01840-1823
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 325, Lawrence, MA 01842

Who Does Valentine and Kebartas Collect For?

Valentine and Kebartas specializes in education debt collection. The agency has collected on behalf of Navient Solutions, Inc. (formerly Sallie Mae).

Navient is one of the largest federal and private student loan servicers.

The agency also collects for credit card companies, insurance companies, utility companies, and retailers.

Valentine and Kebartas Consumer Reviews

Consumer reviews for Valentine and Kebartas show mixed experiences. Some people report positive interactions. Others describe negative encounters.

You can read reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and the CFPB consumer database.

Your experience can be positive. Effective communication makes the difference.

Valentine and Kebartas collectors often work with consumers to create payment arrangements. You just need to communicate clearly about your financial situation.

If calling a debt collector feels overwhelming, our partner Solo offers digital settlement tools. You can negotiate online without stressful phone calls.

How to Negotiate Debt Settlement With Valentine and Kebartas

Debt settlement means paying less than the full amount owed. You pay a lump sum to clear the debt.

Many creditors accept settlements, especially if you face genuine financial hardship.

Calculate how much you can realistically afford. Contact Valentine and Kebartas with your offer.

A settlement offer of 60 percent or more typically gets accepted. If you have extenuating circumstances, you might negotiate 40 to 60 percent.

Expect some back-and-forth negotiation. Stay patient and persistent.

Settlement Negotiation Tips

• Know your budget before you call
• Start with a reasonable offer based on your finances
• Get any agreement in writing before you pay
• Keep records of all communications
• Never give access to your bank account

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive debt collectors. You have specific rights under federal law.

Valentine and Kebartas must follow these rules:

• Cannot call you at work
• Cannot use rude or vulgar language
• Cannot threaten to sue unless they actually intend to file suit
• Cannot contact you before 8 am or after 9 pm
• Must stop contacting you if you request it in writing
• Cannot harass or abuse you

Document any violations. You can sue collectors who break these rules.

How to Respond to a Valentine and Kebartas Lawsuit

Valentine and Kebartas probably will not sue you directly. The company is not a law firm.

If another collector or law firm sues you over a Valentine and Kebartas debt, you must respond.

Do not ignore the lawsuit. Ignoring it guarantees you lose.

You need to file an Answer with the court. Your Answer challenges the claims against you.

Answer Filing Steps

• Read the deadline on your lawsuit papers carefully
• Draft your Answer addressing each claim in the complaint
• File your Answer with the clerk of court before the deadline
• Mail a copy to the plaintiff’s attorney
• Keep copies of everything for your records

Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer correctly. You respond to the lawsuit without hiring an expensive attorney.

Never Admit You Owe the Debt

The collector must prove you owe the debt. Do not make their job easier.

In your Answer, deny owing the debt as stated. Make them prove three things:

• They have the legal right to sue you
• You are the correct debtor
• The amount claimed is accurate

If they cannot prove these elements, you can win your case.

Powerful Affirmative Defenses to Use

Affirmative defenses challenge the collector’s right to collect. These defenses can get your case dismissed.

Statute of Limitations Defense

Every state sets a time limit for filing debt lawsuits. The statute of limitations ranges from one to five years.

If the collector sued you after the deadline passed, the case must be dismissed.

Check when you last made a payment on the debt. Calculate whether the statute of limitations expired.

Lack of Standing Defense

The collector must prove they own your debt or have authority to collect it.

Demand they provide documentation showing the chain of ownership. Many collectors cannot prove standing.

Improper Service Defense

You must be properly served with lawsuit papers according to your state’s rules.

If service was improper, you can challenge the lawsuit on procedural grounds.

Consider Filing a Counterclaim

Did Valentine and Kebartas violate the FDCPA? You can sue them back.

FDCPA violations include harassment, false statements, and improper collection tactics.

If you win a counterclaim, you can recover damages. The collector may have to pay your attorney fees.

Document every violation. Save voicemails, letters, and detailed notes about phone calls.

Settlement During Litigation

You can still settle after a lawsuit gets filed. Many cases settle before trial.

Settlement during litigation often works in your favor. The collector wants to avoid court costs.

Negotiate from a position of strength. Point out weaknesses in their case.

Get the settlement agreement in writing. The agreement should dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice.

Settlement Agreement Must-Haves

• Total settlement amount clearly stated
• Payment terms and deadline
• Agreement to dismiss the lawsuit
• Statement that this resolves the full debt
• No admission of liability on your part

What Happens If You Lose Your Case

If you lose, the collector gets a judgment against you. A judgment allows them to garnish wages or levy bank accounts.

You can still negotiate after a judgment. Collectors often accept reduced payments on judgments.

Some states protect certain income from garnishment. Social Security benefits are usually protected.

You might also consider bankruptcy if you face multiple judgments. Bankruptcy can discharge most debt collection judgments.

Keep Records of Everything

Documentation protects you. Create a file for all debt collection activity.

Save these items:

• All letters from Valentine and Kebartas
• Notes from phone calls with dates and times
• Copies of checks or payment confirmations
• Your Answer and court filings
• Settlement agreements

Good records help you prove FDCPA violations. Records also help you track settlement terms.

Getting Legal Help

Consumer protection attorneys often work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront.

An attorney can help you respond to lawsuits and negotiate settlements. They can also sue collectors who violate your rights.

Many attorneys offer free consultations. Ask about their experience with debt collection cases.

Our partner Solo provides affordable alternatives to hiring an attorney. You get step-by-step guidance to respond to debt collectors and settle your case.