Sued by Works and Lentz? Here’s How to Respond
If Works and Lentz sues you, respond within Oklahoma's 20-day deadline to avoid default judgment. File an Answer addressing each allegation and listing affirmative defenses. You can still negotiate a settlement even after being sued.
Answer Your LawsuitGetting sued by a debt collector can feel terrifying. You might want to ignore the notice and hope it disappears.
That’s the worst thing you can do.
Don't Let Works and Lentz Win by Default
You have only 20 days to respond to your lawsuit in Oklahoma. Get professional help to file your Answer and negotiate a settlement before it's too late.
Respond to Works and LentzIf Works and Lentz has sued you, you need to act fast. Here’s exactly how to respond and protect yourself.
What Is Works and Lentz?
Works and Lentz is a debt collection law firm, not just a collection agency. The company was founded in 1990 and operates offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Debt collection law firms are different from regular collectors. When you ignore a debt long enough, the collector often sues you. They need an attorney to do that. Works and Lentz provides that legal firepower.
The firm handles multiple types of collection activities:
- Standard collections
- Insurance follow-up
- Skip tracing
- Post-judgment collections
- Legal collections
Don’t assume every letter from Works and Lentz is a lawsuit. The firm sends collection letters too. Read your documents carefully to understand what you’re dealing with.
Who Does Works and Lentz Collect For?
Works and Lentz represents various creditors across multiple industries. The firm is nationally recognized and works with companies in different economic sectors.
They collect medical bills, credit card debts, personal loans, and other consumer debts.
What People Say About Works and Lentz
Online reviews for Works and Lentz are mixed. But one pattern emerges clearly: borrowers who communicate openly get better results.
Consider this review from a borrower named Autumn:
“Honestly, this has been one of the best debt collection agencies I have ever worked with. Mandy, my account manager, is the best. She is nice and understanding. After being unemployed for over a year, she worked with me to set up small payments. If I have to miss a payment, they don’t make me feel bad about it.”
Communication makes the difference. Works and Lentz will work with you if you engage with them honestly.
If calling a debt collector sounds intimidating, our partner Solo can help you negotiate online through a digital settlement platform.
How to Negotiate With Works and Lentz
You can negotiate a settlement at any stage. Even after being sued, you can still work out a deal.
Debt settlement means Works and Lentz agrees to accept less than you owe. Many collectors prefer this to dragging out a lawsuit.
Follow These Steps to Settle Your Debt
- Calculate what you can actually pay. Can you reasonably pay half the balance and still cover living expenses? This gives you a starting point for negotiations.
- Make your first offer in writing. Send a debt settlement letter with an offer lower than your calculated amount. You’ll need room to negotiate upward if they counter.
- Keep everything in writing. Don’t rely on phone conversations. Get all communications documented.
- Get a signed agreement. If you reach a settlement, draft a debt settlement agreement for both parties to sign.
- Pay on time. Honor the agreed amount and deadline.
Written documentation protects you throughout the process. Never rely on verbal promises from collectors.
What to Do If Works and Lentz Sued You
You’ll know if you’ve been sued. Works and Lentz will send two documents: a Petition and a Summons.
The Summons tells you someone is suing you. The Petition explains why.
In Oklahoma, you have only 20 days to respond. The clock starts ticking from the filing date on your documents.
Missing this deadline is devastating. The court enters a default judgment against you. Works and Lentz wins automatically, and you lose your chance to fight back.
Example: Quinn receives a Summons on February 1 saying she owes $500. She has until February 21 to respond. Quinn misses the deadline. The court rules she must pay $500 plus additional costs. If she had responded, she could have disputed the debt or negotiated a settlement.
A default judgment gives Works and Lentz serious power over you. They can garnish your wages or freeze your bank account.
Worse yet, you can no longer dispute the debt or set up a payment plan.
Our partner Solo can help you respond to your lawsuit quickly and avoid default judgment.
How to Draft and File Your Answer
An Answer is your official response to the lawsuit. You’re telling the court you intend to defend yourself.
Here’s how to prepare your Answer:
1. Respond to Each Allegation
Go through every claim in the Petition. Admit or deny each one.
You can also admit with an explanation. If they claim you refused to pay a medical bill, you could admit it but explain you’d just lost your job.
2. List Affirmative Defenses
Affirmative defenses explain why Works and Lentz doesn’t have a valid case. Common defenses include:
- Payment: You already paid the debt
- Statute of limitations: Too much time has passed for them to sue you
- Lack of standing: They don’t own the debt or can’t prove ownership
- Identity mistake: The debt belongs to someone else
Oklahoma law provides many affirmative defenses you can use. Choose the ones that apply to your situation.
3. File and Serve Your Answer
File one copy with the court listed on your Summons. Send another copy to Works and Lentz at the address shown on your documents.
You must complete both steps. Filing alone isn’t enough.
Get Help Responding to Your Lawsuit
Preparing legal documents is stressful without experience. Our partner Solo simplifies the process:
- Answer questions about your case online
- An attorney reviews your information
- Solo completes your Answer, files it with the court, and serves Works and Lentz
Many law firms drop cases after receiving an Answer. Most people ignore the Summons and lose by default. Fighting back changes the equation.
Collection firms would rather pursue easy default judgments than battle defendants who respond.
Settle Your Debt After Filing Your Answer
Filing an Answer is just the beginning. You still need to resolve the underlying debt.
Settlement is often your best option. Works and Lentz will negotiate with you. They often accept less than the full amount.
You don’t need endless phone calls and voicemails. Our partner Solo helps you negotiate online and reach a settlement agreement faster.
Dealing with debt collectors and lawsuits is overwhelming. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Get professional help to respond to your lawsuit and settle your debt.
The key is acting quickly. Every day counts when you’re facing a lawsuit deadline.