Settle With Gurstel Law Firm: 3-Step Settlement Guide

Have you received a notice from Gurstel Law Firm about a debt? You need to respond and work towards a resolution. Taking action protects your credit and prevents wage garnishment.

Here’s everything you need to know about settling with Gurstel Law Firm.

Respond to Gurstel Before Your Deadline Expires

Don't lose by default judgment. Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer to Gurstel's lawsuit quickly. Protect your wages and bank account from garnishment.

File Your Answer Now

Gurstel Law Firm Specializes in Debt Collection

Gurstel Law Firm P.C. is a legitimate law firm focused on debt collection. The firm operates offices across Minnesota, Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and Wisconsin. Their main office is in Golden Valley, Minneapolis.

If you receive a letter from “Gurstel Chargo Attorney at Law,” don’t be confused. That’s the same company using a different name for their Omaha office.

You can contact Gurstel Law Firm at:

Address: 6681 Country Club Dr, Golden Valley, MN 55427-4601
Phone: (877) 344-4002
Website: https://www.gurstel.com

Read Gurstel Law Firm Reviews Online

Want to learn more about how Gurstel operates? Check their Better Business Bureau profile for consumer feedback. You can also read complaints on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s database. Google reviews are available for their Arizona, California, Minnesota, and Nebraska locations.

Who Does Gurstel Law Firm Collect For?

Gurstel Law Firm collects for many creditors and debt buyers, including:

Absolute Resolutions Investments, LLC
Barclays Bank Delaware
Cavalry SPV I, LLC
Discover Bank
LVNV Funding LLC
Synchrony Bank

More creditors work with Gurstel beyond this list. You might owe the original creditor or a debt buyer.

Settle Debt With Gurstel Law in Three Steps

When your account goes to collections, settlement offers the best path forward. Here are three steps to settle debt with Gurstel Law Firm PC:

Step 1: File an Answer to Any Pending Lawsuits

If Gurstel has sued you, respond with a written Answer immediately. Your Answer blocks a default judgment and gives you negotiating time. File your Answer before your state’s deadline with the court. Send a copy to Gurstel as well.

Most states require your Answer within 20 to 30 days of receiving the lawsuit. Missing this deadline means you automatically lose. Our partner Solo can help you draft and file your response quickly.

Step 2: Contact Gurstel to Make Your First Offer

Calculate how much you can realistically afford to pay. You can likely settle for less than the full amount. Start with a lower offer to leave room for negotiation.

Call Gurstel Law Firm with your file number or court case number ready. Explain your situation honestly and make your initial offer. Expect a counteroffer in response.

Intimidated by calling a law firm? Our partner Solo helps you negotiate settlements online without stressful phone calls.

Step 3: Get the Settlement Agreement in Writing

Work with Gurstel to document your settlement agreement in writing. Your agreement should outline the settled amount, payment deadline, and payment plan details. Never pay without a signed written agreement.

Review the agreement carefully before signing. Make sure all terms match what you negotiated.

Defend Yourself When Gurstel Law Firm Sues You

If Gurstel files a lawsuit against you, prepare an Answer immediately. File your response with the correct court before the deadline. Failing to respond means Gurstel wins by default.

Once Gurstel wins, they can garnish your wages or freeze your bank account. They can also place liens on your property. Don’t let this happen.

Here are tips to respond properly to Gurstel Law Firm:

Find out if your court requires special local forms
Sign your Answer and file it at the courthouse where the case was filed
Open your mail every day to catch the lawsuit quickly
Respond to each paragraph of the Complaint
Never admit you owe the debt unless you’re absolutely certain
Send a copy of your Answer to Gurstel
Confirm with the court that your Answer was received and filed

Use Affirmative Defenses in Your Answer

When you respond to Gurstel’s lawsuit, you can challenge their legal arguments. Gurstel must prove you’re the person who owes the debt. They must also prove the amount is correct.

Gurstel must prove:

The plaintiff owns the debt
You are the person who owes the debt
The lawsuit was filed within the statute of limitations
The amount claimed is accurate

If Gurstel can’t prove any of these, you can beat them in court.

Affirmative defenses give you reasons why you shouldn’t have to pay. Consider using these defenses:

Statute of Limitations: The lawsuit may be too old. Most states allow 3-5 years from your last payment.
Accord and Satisfaction: You already settled or resolved the debt.
Mistaken Identity: The debt belongs to someone else with a similar name.
Improper Venue: Gurstel filed the lawsuit in the wrong court.
Debt Already Paid or Discharged: You paid the debt or discharged it in bankruptcy.

Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive debt collectors. Gurstel Law Firm must follow strict federal guidelines when contacting you.

Debt collectors cannot:

Contact you at work more than once without permission
Call repeatedly to harass or annoy you
Use threats of violence or harm
Contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
Use profane or abusive language
Threaten lawsuits they don’t intend to file
Lie about the amount you owe
Contact you if you have an attorney
Threaten you with arrest or jail

Debt collectors must identify themselves as debt collectors. They must also state that information will be used for debt collection purposes.

If Gurstel violates the FDCPA, you may be entitled to compensation. You could receive up to $1,000 per violation.

Take Action If Gurstel Law Firm Sues You

Here’s a quick recap of what to do:

File an Answer within the required timeframe to avoid default judgment
Contact Gurstel to make your first settlement offer
Negotiate until you reach an agreement you can afford
Get the settlement agreement in writing before paying
Raise affirmative defenses like the statute of limitations
Demand proof that you owe the debt and the amount is correct

Debt collection lawsuits feel overwhelming, but you have options. You can defend yourself and reach a fair settlement. Our partner Solo provides the tools you need to respond to lawsuits and negotiate settlements successfully.

Take action today to protect your rights and resolve your debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gurstel Law Firm?

Gurstel Law Firm P.C. is a legitimate law firm that specializes in debt collection. They operate offices across Minnesota, Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and Wisconsin. The firm collects debts on behalf of creditors like Discover Bank, Synchrony Bank, and LVNV Funding LLC.

How do I respond to a lawsuit from Gurstel Law Firm?

File a written Answer with the court where the lawsuit was filed within your state's deadline (usually 20-30 days). Sign your Answer and respond to each paragraph of the Complaint. Send a copy to Gurstel Law Firm and confirm with the court that your Answer was filed. Never admit you owe the debt unless you're certain of the amount.

Can I settle with Gurstel Law Firm for less than I owe?

Yes, you can typically settle for less than the full debt amount. Calculate what you can afford and make your first offer to Gurstel. Be prepared to negotiate with counteroffers. Always get the final settlement agreement in writing before making any payments.

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

If you don't file an Answer within the required timeframe, Gurstel wins by default judgment. They can then garnish your wages, freeze your bank account, or place liens on your property. Always respond to debt collection lawsuits to protect your rights and assets.

What are my rights when Gurstel contacts me?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from harassment and abuse. Gurstel cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., use threats or profane language, or contact you at work repeatedly. They must identify themselves as debt collectors and cannot lie about the debt amount. If they violate the FDCPA, you may be entitled to up to $1,000 per violation.

How to Settle With Gurstel Law Firm: Defend Your Rights