How to Settle a Debt in Arizona

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Few things are as stressful as a lawsuit. If you’re an Arizona resident who’s been sued over debt, you have a limited window in which to act. What are your next steps? How can you settle your debt as quickly as possible? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you settle a debt in Arizona.

Follow these three steps to settle a debt in Arizona

To settle a debt in Arizona, simply follow these three steps:

1. Respond to the debt lawsuit with an Answer.
2. Make a settlement offer to start negotiations.
3. Get the settlement agreement in writing when an offer is accepted.

Below, we’ll discuss each of the steps in detail. You can also watch this video to learn more:

1. Respond to the debt lawsuit with an Answer

An Answer is a legal document that addresses each claim listed in a lawsuit. In your Answer, you can dispute these claims or indicate your plans to contest the lawsuit in court.

Act quickly after you receive a notice of a lawsuit; In Arizona, you only have 20 days to file an Answer with the court. Failure to meet this deadline could lead to a default judgment against you, making you responsible for the entire amount listed in the lawsuit.

If you’ve already contacted the debt collector directly, you should still file an Answer with the court. Otherwise, sneaky collectors can go behind your back and request a default judgment anyway. Having an Answer on file alerts the courts to your wishes and communicates your willingness to fight the lawsuit.

SoloSuit can help you draft and file an Answer in all 50 states.

2. Make a settlement offer to start negotiations

Your first offer should be roughly 60% of the total debt.

In your offer, include the amount you are willing to pay, the case number associated with the lawsuit, and a deadline for the creditor to accept the offer or make a counteroffer.

Don’t expect the debt collector to accept your first offer. They can respond with a counteroffer, which you can accept or decline. The point is to at least start the negotiation process and come to an agreement on how much you can pay to settle the debt.

SoloSettle takes care of the settlement negotiation process for you.

3. Get the settlement agreement in writing when an offer is accepted

Once your offer has been accepted, don’t make a payment until you get the settlement agreement in writing. Otherwise, the debt collector could claim that you still owe the rest of the debt. Save all the supporting documentation and communication with the collector, including any emails that you sent or received.

A typical debt settlement agreement will look something like this:

Now, let’s take a look at an example of how to settle a debt in Arizona.

Arizona’s debt collection and settlement laws can protect you

Arizona debt collectors fall under regulation at the federal level by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and at the state level through a series of requirements and prohibitions. Just be aware that Arizona’s state-level regulations represent criminal statutes, which means that you can’t sue a debt collector for violating these rules.

For example, Arizona law requires debt collectors to obtain a license and have a bond (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 32-1021, § 32-1055). Likewise, collectors cannot engage in unfair, misleading, oppressive, vindictive, or illegal methods when pursuing a debt (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 32-1051).

These laws prevent debt collectors from practices that include:

• Requesting a collection fee, court costs, or other expenses.
• Threatening you with additional charges if the debt is not paid.
• Threatening to sell your debt to another person or business entity.
• Falsifying the amount of debt you owe.
• Falsely claiming to practice law or have a legal department.
• Imitating a government entity or legal representative, including a lawyer.

Since these laws are criminal statutes, you cannot sue the creditor for violating them. However, violation of these rules is a Class 1 misdemeanor (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 32-1056). Report any violation to your local city or county prosecutor immediately.

Finally, the Federal Trade Commission has recently amended the Telemarketing Sales Rule to expand debt settlement regulations to all debt relief organizations and companies. All 50 states, including Louisiana, are governed by this Rule as it relates to debt settlement practice.

Under the new Rule, any company that provides debt relief services, namely debt settlement companies, cannot:

• Charge upfront fees. Debt settlement companies cannot collect any fees from a consumer before the debt has been effectively settled or otherwise resolved.


• Fail to disclose certain information about its services before a consumer enrolls in the program. This includes how much the service costs, how long it takes to see results, how much money must be saved before a settlement offer is made, consequences that may occur if the consumer fails to make payments on time, customer’s rights, and other important terms.


• Misrepresent their services. No false or unsubstantiated claims can be made regarding a debt settlement company’s services.

What’s the best debt settlement company?

When choosing to work with a debt settlement company, be careful. There are several risks that come with debt settlement companies and agencies, including expensive fees, hurting your credit score, and even being scammed.

That being said, you have options when it comes to debt settlement in Arizona. Here are some of today’s top companies to consider.

SoloSettle

SoloSuit is already a trusted brand, and the SoloSettle service is an extension of that good name. What gives SoloSettle an edge over other debt settlement companies?

• No minimum requirements, letting you settle debts of any size.
• SoloSettle works to secure settlement offers.
• SoloSettle has built-in legal defenses to block lawsuits.

In a world full of scams, you deserve a company that focuses on your best interests. SoloSettle helps you settle the debt on your own with a less traditional debt settlement route.

Century Support Services

Accredited by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC), Century Support Services offers a variety of resources and tools through the company website. However, the company also has a reputation for hidden fees, and you’ll need at least $10,000 of debt to qualify.

Freedom Debt Relief

Freedom Debt Relief offers a convenient online client portal and great customer service. Just be aware that you’ll need $7,500 of debt to use its service, and the company has faced lawsuits regarding unlawful charges and a lack of financial transparency.

National Debt Relief

The National Debt Relief website includes tools and resources that can help debtors, and the company is AFCC-accredited. However, debtors need at least $7,500 of debt to qualify, and the company takes as much as 25% of the settlement amount in fees.

New Era Debt Solutions

New Era Debt Solutions is also AFCC-accredited and offers live chat through the company website. Unfortunately, the company is less than forthright about eligibility requirements and related fees, and it only offers customer support on weekdays.

Choose the best method to contact the collector

How should you submit an offer to the debt collector? Generally speaking, you want a method that offers speed, along with a paper trail that you can use to document the exchange and the final offer.

• Email: This can be a great method since it’s instantaneous, can be used everywhere, and records the conversation in writing. If you can find the debt collector’s email address, this method is preferred for its speed and its paper trail.


• Mail: The postal system can also provide you with a paper trail, especially if you send a certified letter. But mail has its pros and cons. Naturally, paper mail is slow, which can prolong negotiations and take longer for you to reach a settlement. On the other hand, this may give you time to think over any counteroffer you receive and put you in a better position to negotiate.


• Phone: Phone calls can be risky unless you’re able to provide proof of the conversation. Fortunately, Arizona is classified as a one-party consent state, which means that you can legally record a conversation that you’re party to even without the other person’s consent (see AZ Rev Stat § 13-3005). The real danger, though, is facing a trained negotiator who can manipulate you into accepting an offer that’s less than fair. Be wary of collectors who insist on phone calls, and always be ready to record the conversation for your records.

FAQs about how to settle a debt in Arizona

What is a reasonable offer to settle a debt?

Your first offer should be roughly 60% of the total debt that you owe. In most instances, this is a perfectly reasonable offer, though not every debt collector will be satisfied with this amount. Be prepared for a counteroffer, which you can accept or reject. The most important thing is to start the negotiation process to reduce your total obligation.

How long before debt is uncollectible in Arizona?

In Arizona, the statute of limitations varies depending on the type of debt:

• Credit Card Debt: Three years.
• Auto Loan Debt: Four years.
• Medical Debt: Six years.
• State Tax Debt: Ten years.

For example, debt collectors are not allowed to sue you for credit card debt that is over three years old or for medical debt over six years old.

Is it better to settle a debt or pay it off?

Your best option is to pay off your debt. Loan officers will look more favorably on you if they see the words “paid in full” in your financial history.

With that being said, paying off your debt may not be possible, or the financial hardship involved could prevent you from achieving your other financial goals. Settling your debt can be the better option since it reduces your overall burden, removes your debt quickly, and starts you on the road to financial recovery.

Use SoloSuit to get out of debt fast.

How to get debt relief in Arizona

If your own strategies aren’t helping you pay off your debts, you might consider options that are unique to Arizona residents.

To learn more, check out our guides:

• How to Get Debt Relief in Arizona
• Arizona Court Case Search — Find Your Lawsuit
• Statute of Limitations on Debt in Arizona
• How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Arizona

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to answer a summons for debt collection in your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

All 50 states.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.

• Absolute Resolutions Investments LLC
• Accredited Collection Services
• Alliance One
• Amcol Clmbia
• American Recovery Service
• Asset Acceptance LLC
• Asset Recovery Solutions
• Associated Credit Services
• Autovest LLC
• Cach LLC
• Cavalry SPV I LLC
• Cerastes LLC
• Colinfobur
• Covington Credit
• Crown Asset Management
• CTC Debt Collector
• Cypress Financial Recoveries
• Delanor Kemper & Associates
• Eagle Loan of Ohio
• Educap
• Estate Information Services
• FIA Card Services
• Forster & Garbus
• Freshview Solutions
• Fulton Friedman & Gullace LLP
• Harvest Credit Management
• Howard Lee Schiff
• Hudson & Keyse LLC
• Integras Capital Recovery LLC
• Javitch Block
• Jefferson Capital Systems LLC
• LVNV Funding
• Mannbracken
• Mariner Finance
• Medicredit
• Michael J Adams PC
• Michael J Scott
• Midland Funding LLC
• Mullooly, Jeffrey, Rooney & Flynn
• Mountain Land Collections
• MRS Associates
• National Collegiate Trust
• Nationstar Foreclosure
• Northstar Capital Acquisition
• NCEP LLC
• NRC Collection Agency
• OneMain Financial
• Palisades Collection LLC
• Pallida LLC
• Paragon Revenue Group
• Pinnacle Collections Agency
• PMAB LLC
• Portfolio Recovery Associates
• Provest Law
• PYOD LLC
• Reunion Student Loan Finance Corporation
• Revenue Group
• Regents and Associates
• RSIEH
• Salander Enterprises LLC
• Second Round Sub LLC
• Security Credit Services
• Sherman Financial Group
• Suttell and Hammer
• T-Mobile
• Transworld Systems
• Tulsa Teachers Credit Union
• UCB Collection
• Velo Law Office
• Velocity Investments
• Waypoint Resource Group
• Weinberg and Associates
• Wolpoff & Abramson

Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

• Bank of America
• Capital One
• Chase
• Credit One Bank
• PayPal Synchrony Card
• SYNCB/PPEXTR
• Synchrony Bank
• Target National Bank
• Wells Fargo

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