Suttell Hammer & White is a debt collection law firm that sometimes goes by similar names, such as Suttell & Hammer. Because it’s a law firm, debtors may understandably be intimidated by its collection tactics. If you’ve been contacted by Suttell Hammer, you may be unsure as to what rights you have. You may also want to know whether it’s possible to settle the debt and get Suttell Hammer out of your life.
This is where The Fullman Firm comes in. We have helped countless debtors save significant sums of money by negotiating debt settlement payoffs for a fraction of what they originally owed. We’re ready to get started on your matter now.
What To Know About Suttell Hammer & White
As mentioned above, this is a law firm that goes by other, similar names. Their current name appears to be Suttell & Hammer, but the main thing to understand is that this law firm is a debt collector. Suttell Hammer has offices in multiple states, primarily in the West. If you’re a debtor in California, there’s a good chance this firm could sue you.
Suttell Hammer represents creditors, which are typically banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions. Let’s say a borrower is suddenly unable to pay back a credit card bill or defaults on a mortgage. The lender will then retain Suttell Hammer to file a lawsuit against the borrower.
What Should I Expect With A Lawsuit?
Being sued by a debt collector is a serious matter. If you’ve been sued by Suttell Hammer, or the firm is attempting to contact you, it is essential to understand what you could be facing with a lawsuit.
Debt lawsuits begin with a complaint and summons. The complaint will contain allegations concerning the debt that you supposedly owe. For instance, the complaint will state your identity as well as the outstanding balance. Meanwhile, the summons is a document that requires you to answer the lawsuit. Debtors typically have only 30 days to respond to a lawsuit in writing to the court. Ignoring a lawsuit could cause you to suffer wage garnishment, bank levy, or worse.
Some debtors mistakenly believe that if they avoid being served with a lawsuit long enough, the plaintiff will eventually give up. But remember, the plaintiff, in this case, is a law firm. Not only do they know how to properly serve a defendant, they know about other legal options if a defendant refuses to be served. The bottom line is, evading court papers will only delay the inevitable. Eventually, Suttell Hammer will effectuate service against you.
What To Do After You’ve Been Served By Suttell Hammer & White
The first thing to do after being served with court papers is to read them and look for any inaccuracies. Perhaps you are not the individual identified in the complaint (for example, if you have a similar name to the alleged debtor). You also need to check the amount of money for which you are being sued. Is it correct? Check for any and all mistakes and take note of them. If you find an inaccuracy, you should call a debt relief law firm, like the Fullman Firm.
As mentioned above, you have 30 days to respond to the lawsuit. Failing to do so, and in the correct manner, could give Suttell Hammer the chance to obtain a default judgment against you. A default judgment is issued when the defendant in a lawsuit fails to properly answer the complaint on time. The plaintiff will then ask the court to rule on the matter as allowed by law, which in your case will mean the court orders you to pay the amount demanded in the complaint.
After you’ve been served, you have the right to answer the complaint. And you should do so with the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney. The answer is your chance to assert any legal defenses you have or to correct any mistakes in the complaint. Answering the complaint properly also buys you time to negotiate a settlement and avoid a judgment against you.
What Happens After The Judgment?
Whether by default or after adjudicating the matter in court, a judgment entitles Suttell Hammer to take additional action to get money from you. For example, the law firm may be able to seize funds from your bank account, put a lien on your property, or garnish your wages. There are numerous options available to Suttell Hammer to satisfy the judgment against you.
What’s more, you can expect interest to continue accruing after the judgment. The original amount you owed could be compounded by interest, attorney’s fees, and court costs. Suttell Hammer will continue pursuing you and using whatever tools it has to get the money it wants.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. You have your own options, and that includes debt settlement.
How Debt Settlement Can Resolve Your Lawsuit
Even if you’ve already had a judgment entered against you, debt settlement is still an option. Of course, debt settlement is relatively easier if you take action sooner. No matter what stage you are at in the lawsuit, reach out to a debt settlement attorney.
A debt settlement lawyer will negotiate with Suttell Hammer. One possible approach is to make a lump-sum payment for less than what you owe. The larger the lump sum offer, the more negotiating power you have. If you cannot make a substantial lump sum all at once, however, you still have options. The most important thing you can do is retain a law firm skilled in handling debt settlement negotiations. The Fullman Firm is here to help.
Call The Fullman Firm Today To Get Started
Debt is stressful and made more so by a lawsuit. That’s why debt settlement is such a powerful tool. When you retain The Fullman Firm, we immediately get to work for you. We will review the lawsuit against you, check for any inaccuracies, and assert your rights under state and federal law. Then, we will start negotiating a debt settlement payoff that can save you money, time, and headaches. If you’re ready to put Suttell Hammer behind you, contact us today.
