Receiving a call or a lawsuit from a debt collection law firm can feel isolating and overwhelming. You are not without power or options. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step path to understanding your situation, asserting your rights, and strategically resolving a lawsuit from Patenaude & Felix APC.
For immediate guidance on debt collection harassment, you can contact Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC for a confidential case review.
Who Are the Law Offices of Patenaude & Felix?
The Law Offices of Patenaude & Felix is a law firm that specializes in debt collection litigation. They operate as a legitimate legal entity authorized to file lawsuits on behalf of their clients, which are typically banks, credit card issuers, and debt-buying companies. Their involvement signifies that a creditor has moved beyond simple collection calls to formal legal action.
You might first see their name on a caller ID, a demand letter on official letterhead, or, most seriously, a Summons and Complaint delivered to your door. This progression from call to lawsuit is a standard, though stressful, collection timeline.
Is Patenaude and Felix Legit?
Yes, Patenaude & Felix is a legitimate law firm, but legitimacy does not equal invincibility. They are bound by the same federal and state laws as all debt collectors, primarily the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Legitimacy is about their right to operate, not about the absolute validity of their claim against you.
Just as they must operate within the bounds of the law, you possess legitimate rights that counter their actions. Their legal standing requires them to prove their case, just as your consumer rights provide you a legal defense.
Why Is Patenaude and Felix Calling Me?
Patenaude & Felix is calling you because a creditor has assigned them to collect an alleged debt. This call is the start of a formal process that can lead to a lawsuit if unresolved. The goal of the call is to secure payment or acknowledgment of the debt, which can strengthen their position.
Common Call Patterns: Calls may be frequent and occur at inconvenient times. They may use automated dialers.
Voicemail Tactics: Messages often state the call is “urgent” or “regarding a legal matter” and demand a callback, but may disclose little detail to comply with laws about third-party disclosure.
Your first action should be to shift communication to writing. Verbally, only state that you wish to communicate in writing. Then, send a written debt validation request within 30 days of first contact. This legally obligates them to prove you owe the debt and they have the right to collect it. The CFPB provides a sample letter for this purpose.
Who Does Patenaude and Felix Represent?
Patenaude & Felix represent creditors and debt buyers. They are not a neutral party. They are hired as legal advocates for companies seeking to collect consumer debts, such as:
Major credit card issuers
Retail credit card banks
Medical debt purchasers
Personal loan providers
Their fiduciary duty is to their client, not to you. This is why having your own advocate levels the playing field. Understanding their role clarifies the dynamic: this is an adversarial legal proceeding.
Understanding a Patenaude and Felix Lawsuit
A Patenaude and Felix lawsuit is a civil action filed in court to obtain a judgment against you. This is a critical escalation. A judgment allows them to use stronger collection tools like wage garnishment or bank levies.
The single most important step is to NEVER ignore the lawsuit. You typically have 20-30 days to file a formal Answer with the court. Failure to answer results in a default judgment, meaning you lose the case automatically.
The Journey of a Debt Collection Lawsuit
How to Settle a Lawsuit with Patenaude & Felix
Settling a lawsuit with Patenaude & Felix is often the most pragmatic outcome. It stops legal costs, avoids a public judgment, and can reduce what you owe. Settlement is a negotiation, not a surrender.
Step-by-Step Guide to Settlement:
File Your Answer. This is non-negotiable. It stops the default judgment and forces them to prove every part of their case.
Discover Their Evidence. Through the legal discovery process, demand they produce the contract, full payment history, and proof they own the debt. Chain-of-title issues are common.
Calculate Your Leverage. Leverage includes: their cost to go to trial, weaknesses in their documentation, and any FDCPA violations they committed (e.g., harassment, misrepresentation). The FTC enforces these rules.
Make a Strategic Offer. Start with a lump-sum offer for 30-40% of the alleged debt. If you can’t pay lump-sum, propose a structured payment plan.
Get EVERYTHING in Writing. Before sending any payment, ensure you have a signed settlement agreement stating:
The settlement amount as “payment in full.”
That the lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice.
How the debt will be reported to credit bureaus (ideally, as “paid” or deleted).
A mutual release of claims.
As they seek a formal judgment from the court, you must seek a formal settlement agreement that protects your future. Their procedural pursuit must be met with your procedural defense.
Patenaude & Felix Complaints
Patenaude & Felix complaints commonly revolve around aggressive tactics that may cross into harassment or misrepresentation. Recognizing these patterns is key to building your defense.
Common Alleged Violations Include:
Harassment: Repeated calls intended to annoy, use of obscene language, threats of violence.
False Statements: Misrepresenting the amount owed, falsely claiming to be attorneys if they are not, threatening immediate arrest.
Unfair Practices: Attempting to collect fees not authorized by the original contract, depositing post-dated checks early.
If you experience harassment, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC. Documenting violations not only helps regulators but can form the basis for your own counterclaim in the lawsuit, potentially offsetting the debt or even resulting in a monetary award to you.
Source: BBB Complaints
How Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC May Help
Navigating this process alone against an experienced law firm is a significant burden. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC advocates exclusively for consumers, turning the tables on aggressive collectors.
We help by:
Stopping the Harassment: Once we represent you, all calls must go to us.
Fighting the Lawsuit: We file the Answer, challenge defective evidence, and assert your rights.
Negotiating from Strength: We identify violations and use them as leverage to secure better settlements—often for less than you owe.
Pursuing Your Claims: If your rights were violated, we may pursue claims against the collector, potentially putting money back in your pocket.
As Patenaude & Felix represents the interests of the creditor, Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC represents your interests, your rights, and your financial future.
You have a path forward. If you are facing a lawsuit from Patenaude & Felix or any debt collector, contact Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC for a confidential consultation to discuss your options and defenses.
Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Success Stories
- Did not know what to do about constant collecting phone calls . Made one phone call to Matthew Gazda and he handle everything for me. Now I have no more calls . Just a job well done on his behalf. Thank you
- I found myself in a serious position with an old credit debt. I must say that they were extremely helpful and informative. Solved my problem with quick and effective approach. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND APPRECIATED.
- Words can’t express how incredibly grateful we are for the work that Consumer Rights Law Firm did for us. It was a case of stolen identity that had turned into a 2 year nightmare. Our contact Scott was very supportive and went to bat for us without asking for a dime. In less than 6 months they were able to get fraudulent credit card charges dropped and get our credit restored. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone facing similar circumstances. Reach out to them now. You won’t regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Patenaude & Felix, APC known for in debt collection?
Patenaude & Felix, APC is a law firm that represents creditors and is known for aggressively pursuing unpaid debts on their behalf.
Is Patenaude & Felix, APC legally allowed to contact consumers about debts?
Yes, Patenaude & Felix, APC can legally contact individuals for debt collection, but they must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Can Patenaude & Felix, APC sue for unpaid debts?
Yes, Patenaude & Felix, APC may initiate a lawsuit to recover unpaid debts on behalf of their creditor clients.
What should someone do after receiving a notice from Patenaude & Felix, APC?
It’s recommended to request a debt validation letter and review all details to ensure the debt is accurate and legitimate.
What happens if a notice from Patenaude & Felix, APC is ignored?
Ignoring a notice could result in a default judgment, potentially leading to wage garnishment or bank account levies.
Is it possible to negotiate a settlement with Patenaude & Felix, APC?
Yes, Patenaude & Felix, APC may accept a reduced payment or payment plan if both parties reach a mutual agreement.
Can Patenaude & Felix, APC garnish wages?
If a judgment is issued in their favor, Patenaude & Felix, APC may pursue wage garnishment as a collection method.
Are consumers required to respond in writing to Patenaude & Felix, APC?
Yes, if disputing the debt, the response must be in writing within 30 days of the initial communication.
Should someone hire an attorney when contacted by Patenaude & Felix, APC?
Consulting Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC can help assess the case, negotiate on one’s behalf, and protect consumer rights.
What should I do if I was served a summons from Patenaude & Felix, APC?
If served a summons, contact Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC immediately to discuss legal options and possible representation.