Sued by Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis, PLLC? 5 Steps to Take in Florida
Getting served with a lawsuit signed by Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis, PLLC can feel overwhelming. The good news: you have time to respond, you may have real defenses, and you do not have to handle it alone. This page explains who the firm is, why it sued you, what your Florida deadline is, and the options that may be available. If you want to see the firm’s own description of its practice, its website is andreupalma.com.
Who is Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis, PLLC?
Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis, PLLC is a law firm located in Miami, FL that represents banks, lenders, and other creditors in collection lawsuits. Its own website describes it as a multi-jurisdictional law firm focused on civil litigation, breach of contract claims, debt collection, and judgment enforcement, and lists firm information for Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and New Jersey. The website’s disclaimer states that the firm is considered a debt collector.
According to the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz), as of October 2026:
- Entity: Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis, PLLC, a Florida limited liability company, document number L07000106772, status active
- Effective date: May 5, 2003 (filed as an LLC on October 18, 2007)
- Principal address: 815 NW 57th Ave, Suite 401, Miami, FL 33126
- Managers: Juan G. Andreu and Jorge L. Palma; authorized members: Yulexy Solis and Desiree M. Lavin
The firm’s website lists its phone number as (877) 631-0174. If a letter or caller gives you a different number, compare it against the court filing and the firm’s official website before you pay anything.
You can also search the CFPB complaint database for complaints naming the firm.
Why have I been sued by Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis?
The firm is the lawyer, not the party suing you. Look at the caption at the top of the complaint: the plaintiff named there is the creditor or debt buyer that claims you owe money, and Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis is the law firm its clients hired to file the case. Its website describes the account types it pursues, including credit cards, personal loans, auto deficiency balances after a repossession, business loans and lines of credit, and other contract claims.
Knowing the plaintiff matters. If the plaintiff is the original bank, the case usually turns on the account records and the amount claimed. If the plaintiff bought the account, it must also prove it actually owns your debt.
Why a Miami Law Firm Can Sue You in Pinellas or Hillsborough County
Even though the firm is located in Miami, the lawsuit is usually filed where you live. Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a debt collector suing a consumer must file in the judicial district where the consumer signed the contract or where the consumer lives (15 U.S.C. § 1692i). For people in the Tampa Bay area, that typically means county court in Pinellas, Pasco, or Hillsborough County, so your court dates are local even if the plaintiff’s lawyers are not.
Understanding the Importance of a Timely Response
Florida civil courts handle debt cases at three levels, based on the amount claimed:
- Small claims (up to $8,000): the summons sets a date for a pretrial conference. You must appear; if you do not, the court can enter a default judgment against you.
- County court (over $8,000 up to $50,000) and circuit court (over $50,000): you generally have 20 days from the date you were served to file a written answer with the court (Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.140).
Your answer should admit or deny each allegation in the complaint and raise any affirmative defenses you have. Missing the deadline does not end the case in your favor. It allows the plaintiff to ask for a default judgment, and a judgment can lead to wage garnishment and bank levies.
Evaluating Your Options
Before you call the firm or agree to anything, take stock of your situation:
- The amount claimed, and whether it matches your own records
- Whether you recognize the plaintiff and the account
- Your income and expenses, and what you could realistically pay
- Any potential defenses you may have against the lawsuit
- Whether a settlement, payment plan, or bankruptcy makes more sense for your overall debts
Review the documents attached to the complaint. A plaintiff must prove it has standing to sue, meaning it owns the debt, and must prove the amount owed. If a debt buyer cannot show an unbroken chain of ownership or the correct balance, that can be a defense. Other common issues include the statute of limitations and errors in the amount, interest, or fees claimed.
If you decide to settle, get the terms in writing before you pay, including how the lawsuit will be closed. A written settlement agreement protects you from future collection attempts on the same debt.
Is there a class action lawsuit against Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis?
You can search the federal court PACER system for federal cases naming Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis, PLLC as a party.
The firm has been named in at least one proposed class action. In Harrison v. Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis, PLLC, No. 8:17-cv-02840 (M.D. Fla., filed November 24, 2017), a proposed class action complaint, the plaintiff alleged that the firm’s collection notices violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by failing to clearly identify the creditor to whom the debt was owed. Allegations in a complaint are claims, not findings.
How to Respond to an Andreu Palma Lawsuit
First, don’t ignore the papers. Note your deadline or court date the day you are served, then gather the summons, the complaint and its attachments, and any letters you received about the account. A defense lawyer can review whether the plaintiff can prove ownership and the balance, whether any deadlines have passed, and whether the collection letters or calls violated the FDCPA or the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act, which may give you claims of your own.
Successfully defending against a lawsuit from Andreu Palma Lavin & Solis requires gathering documentation, preparing a timely response, and, where it makes sense, negotiating from an informed position.
Negotiating with Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis
The firm’s website says it works with consumers on resolution agreements, payment plans, and settlements, including after a judgment, and that its creditor clients make the final decision on offers. Negotiating can be a reasonable option, especially when you have a defense or a genuine financial hardship.
When negotiating, it is essential to:
- Know your deadline, and keep it even while talks are going on
- Provide documentation of your financial situation only as needed
- Get any agreement in writing before you pay, including how the case will be dismissed or closed
- Have an attorney review the agreement if possible
Get Legal Help After Being Sued by Andreu Palma
Being sued can be an overwhelming experience, but you don’t have to face it alone. Ziegler Diamond Law defends Florida consumers in debt collection lawsuits and has been serving Floridians since 2012. Our attorneys can review the complaint, explain your options, and help you choose between defending the case, negotiating, or another path such as bankruptcy. Call us at (727) 538-4188 or contact us online for a Free Debt Freedom Strategy Session (a free consultation with an attorney).
This page is general information, not legal advice. For Florida residents, contact Ziegler Diamond Law for a Free Debt Freedom Strategy Session.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does it mean if I’m sued by Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis?
It means a creditor or debt buyer, represented by this law firm, has filed a lawsuit claiming you owe money. The plaintiff named in the complaint is the party suing you.
2. Who is Andreu, Palma, Lavin & Solis, PLLC?
It is a multi-jurisdictional law firm located at 815 NW 57th Ave, Suite 401, Miami, FL 33126 that represents creditors in collection lawsuits and judgment enforcement.
3. How long do I have to respond to a lawsuit from Andreu Palma?
In Florida county or circuit court, you generally have 20 days from service to file a written answer. In small claims, you must appear at the pretrial conference listed on the summons.
4. What happens if I ignore the lawsuit from Andreu Palma?
The plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment, which may lead to wage garnishment or a levy on your bank account.
5. Should I get a lawyer if sued by Andreu Palma?
It is worth talking to one. A debt defense attorney can review your possible defenses, deadlines, and options before you agree to pay or settle.