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Modlin Slinsky, P.A is one of the smaller law firms in Florida that represent debt collectors. They are located in Sunrise, Florida, and currently only have five employees operating out of their office. Although they are not one of the biggest law firms representing debt collection companies, it does not mean they do not pursue lawsuits aggressively. They do so in the hopes that they will be able to collect on the debt for their client and many times, they are successful.
It is very intimidating to have a law firm contact you, particularly if they have included notice of a lawsuit they are going to file, or have already filed, against you. People often panic once a law firm starts contacting them, but it is important you do not. This is a time that calls for a cool head so you can take the necessary steps and proceed in a way that will protect you and your financial future.
Why is Modlin Slinsky, P.A Contacting Me?
Modlin Slinsky, P.A will typically only contact you if they are planning on filing a lawsuit against you, or if the paperwork has already been filed. They are likely going to take legal action regarding a debt you owe. Modlin Slinsky, P.A does largely represent debt collectors and if you owe a debt you have not paid, the collection agency has likely already tried to contact you several times about the debt. Modlin Slinksy, P.A. does not spend a great deal of time trying to collect on the debt themselves, although they may be willing to work out a settlement before they file their lawsuit.
In either case, if Modlin Slinsky, P.A, contacts you, it is likely that you will face legal action at some point in the near future.
Does Modlin Slinsky, P.A Have Any Complaints Against Them?
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) lists Modlin Slinsky, P.A on their website. That listing does include 1 complaint against the firm. A previous listing under a former business name has since been taken down. Modlin & Associates, P.A. is what the business used to go by. That listing had several complaints, including one that claimed a borrower was being pursued by the agency for a debt that was not theirs.
Another story that can still be found online is that of a man who filed a countersuit against Modlin Slinsky, P.A. Within the countersuit, the man alleged the law firm sued him about an illegitimate debt. The man is claiming that the original creditor’s name was not included in the lawsuit filed against him, nor was the amount of the debt that he owed. The lawsuit the man filed against the law firm is a class action, meaning other borrowers have likely also joined it.
Responding to the Lawsuit is of Critical Importance
After Modlin Slinsky, P.A. has contacted you, your first instinct may be to ignore the lawsuit. Unfortunately, ignoring it will not make it go away. On the contrary, it will have serious repercussions and will only work against you. You should always answer a lawsuit if you have received the notification.
If you do not respond to the lawsuit, you cannot defend yourself against it. There are many defenses to debt-collection lawsuits. The debt collector Modlin Slinsky, P.A. is representing may not be able to show that they own the debt, or that you, in fact, owe it. Even a small mistake, such as misrepresenting the amount you owe can serve as a defense.
You also may not have been served with the lawsuit properly, and that can also serve as a defense. If the statute of limitations has expired, the debt collector no longer has any right to take legal action regarding the debt. In Florida, the statute of limitations on debt collection cases is just five years.
Clearly, there are many defenses available in debt-collection lawsuits. Unfortunately, if you ignore the lawsuit, you cannot use any of them. Once you are properly served with the lawsuit, you will receive the complaint, as well as the summons which tells you of the hearing date, and where you are to appear in court. Ignoring the lawsuit will mean you do not know any of this information and therefore, will not be present at the hearing to defend yourself. In turn, Modlin Slinsky, P.A. will ask the judge to issue a default judgment against you, and they will likely be successful with the request.
Once a default judgment is issued against you, Modlin Slinsky, P.A. then has the right to take whatever legal action the judge has approved. This could mean a garnishment of wages, a levy on your bank account, or other serious consequences.
Know Your Options in a Debt Lawsuit
Even if you do not have a defense in the lawsuit filed by Modlin Slinsky, P.A., it is important to know you still have options. You can try to negotiate for a smaller amount than what you owe. A Fort Lauderdale debt defense lawyer can help with these negotiations and give you the best chance of a successful outcome. While negotiation will mean you still have to pay a portion of the debt, it will be significantly less than the amount being pursued in the lawsuit.
If you cannot defend against the lawsuit and you feel as though you cannot afford to pay a smaller amount, you may want to consider bankruptcy. Immediately after you file bankruptcy, the judge will issue an automatic stay. This will prohibit debt collectors from contacting you. If you are successful with your bankruptcy, the debt you owe may even be discharged, meaning you will no longer be responsible for paying it.
Our Debt Defense Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale Can Help with Your Case
Regardless of whether you need a foreclosure attorney near you, a defense against a lawsuit, or to file bankruptcy, our Fort Lauderdale bankruptcy lawyers can help. At Loan Lawyers, we can provide the sound legal advice you need, outline your options, and help determine which one is right for you. Call our Florida bankruptcy lawyer today at (954) 523-4357 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case.
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Loan Lawyers is made up of experienced consumer rights attorneys who use every available resource to develop comprehensive debt solution strategies. Our goal is to take on those burdens, resolve those problems, and allow our clients to sleep soundly knowing they are on the path to a better future.
