Herzlich & Blum doesn’t just make phone calls about a past-due account. This Encino firm has represented creditors in California since 1984, and part of their practice is litigation, meaning they file lawsuits, enforce judgments, and pursue liens when an account goes unresolved. If you’ve been sued by them, that’s the stage you’re at now, and it comes with a real deadline attached.
Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC helps people who’ve been named in a Herzlich & Blum lawsuit understand what’s being claimed and how to respond before their window closes.
Who Is Herzlich & Blum, LLP?
Herzlich & Blum, LLP is a small, established collections firm based in Encino, founded in 1984. Its attorneys, including Allan Herzlich and Jerome Blum, handle commercial collections, business litigation, judgment enforcement, and fraudulent transfer claims on behalf of creditor clients. If you’ve been sued, a creditor decided your account was worth pursuing through the courts rather than continued informal contact.
Address: 15760 Ventura Blvd #850, Encino, CA 91436
Phone: (818) 783-8991
Confirming Your Response Deadline
California generally gives you 30 days from personal service to file a written response with the court. If you were served by substituted service, meaning papers were left with someone else and a copy mailed to you, that window extends to 40 days from the mailing date. Miss it, and the court can enter judgment against you without ever hearing whether the amount claimed was accurate.
What the Complaint Should Actually Show You
Before deciding how to respond, request the original creditor’s name, the account history, and the math behind the amount claimed. If Herzlich & Blum is suing on behalf of a party that bought the debt rather than the original creditor, you’re also entitled to documentation showing it was properly transferred. Gaps here aren’t guaranteed, but they’re worth checking rather than assuming away.
Weighing Whether the Debt Is Still Enforceable
California sets time limits on how long a creditor can wait before suing, and the applicable period depends on the type of debt involved. Cornell Law School’s overview of statutes of limitations explains the general concept, though whether it applies to your account needs to be checked against California law directly.
If Contact Before the Lawsuit Felt Like Too Much
Some people sued by Herzlich & Blum were also contacted repeatedly beforehand. If that contact involved calls outside 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., continued after a written request to stop, or misstated the amount owed, that may be a separate issue under the FDCPA or California’s Rosenthal Act. It’s worth having reviewed. It can support your position, but it won’t make a valid debt disappear on its own, and whether it applies here is something an attorney should evaluate.
Negotiating After Being Served Is Still an Option
Firms handling creditor litigation generally want repayment, not necessarily a trial. Many lawsuits are resolved through negotiation after filing, sometimes for less than the amount claimed. That said, settlement talks don’t pause your deadline. If nothing is signed and filed by your due date, you still need to submit something to the court.
Why Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC?
Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC has worked with consumers since 2010 and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We are independent of Herzlich & Blum and the creditors it represents. If you’ve been sued or are facing collection efforts from the firm, we can review the debt, amount claimed, payment records, and court documents to help identify potential issues and explain your available options.
How Our Attoneys Can Help
- Checking What the Lawsuit Is Based On
We look at the debt, the amount claimed, and the records supporting it. If the account changed hands, we also check whether the ownership and assignment are properly documented.
- Looking for Issues in the Account
Payment history, added fees, an expired statute of limitations, or an account that doesn’t match your records can all matter. We identify the issues that are actually relevant to your case.
- Going Back to What Happened Before the Lawsuit
Earlier calls, letters, or collection attempts may provide important context. Where appropriate, we review that history for potential FDCPA or Rosenthal Act concerns.
- Taking Over the Legal Conversation
If you become a client, you don’t have to handle every communication with Herzlich & Blum yourself. We can communicate with the firm and represent you in court when appropriate.
- Finding a Practical Way Forward
If the debt is supported, we can discuss whether settlement or another resolution makes sense for your circumstances. A free case review gives you a chance to understand your options first.
Your Deadline Doesn’t Pause While You Decide
It’s normal to want time to think this through. Just don’t let that time run past your response deadline. Confirming your exact date today keeps every option on the table.
Call 877-700-5790 for a free case review before your deadline passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herzlich & Blum a debt collector or a litigation firm?
Both, in practice. They represent creditors directly and handle litigation, judgment enforcement, and fraudulent transfer claims, not just calls and letters. If you’ve been sued, litigation is exactly what’s happening.
What happens if I miss my 30-day deadline?
The court can enter a default judgment against you without any hearing on whether the debt or amount is accurate. From there, the creditor can pursue wage garnishment or a bank levy under California law.
Can they sue me if I already paid this debt off?
Possibly, if the payment wasn’t properly recorded or applied. Keep any receipts or confirmation numbers and bring them to an attorney immediately.
The amount in the complaint seems higher than I remember owing. Is that normal?
It happens. Amounts sometimes include added fees or interest that aren’t clearly documented. Requesting the account history is how you’d catch that.
What is a fraudulent transfer claim, and could it apply to me?
It’s a claim that assets were moved specifically to avoid paying a debt. It’s a serious escalation beyond a standard collection suit, and if it’s been raised against you, the timeline of any transfers matters a great deal.
Do I have to appear in court myself if I hire an attorney?
No. Once retained, we can file your response, communicate with Herzlich & Blum directly, and appear on your behalf if the case proceeds.
Can I negotiate directly with the firm without a lawyer?
You can, but anything you say may become part of the record. Many people prefer having an attorney handle that conversation so nothing is used against them later.
What if I’m not sure the debt is actually mine?
Say so directly and request documentation connecting the account to you. Mistaken identity and mixed-up accounts do happen, especially with older or transferred debts.
Will a judgment from this lawsuit show up on my credit report?
Credit reporting of civil judgments has changed over the years and depends on current reporting rules. Reviewing your own credit reports for the specific account is the most reliable way to know what’s showing.
How much does it cost to find out my options?
Nothing upfront. Consumer Rights Law Firm offers free case review that looks at your specific summons and account details and explains what’s realistic before you commit to anything.