5 Steps to Handling a Lawsuit by Marcadis Singer, PA

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Who is Marcadis Singer, PA?

Marcadis Singer is a Florida debt collection law firm. Their main office is located at 5104 S West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611.

Marcadis Singer’s website states that the firm was founded in 1984. Marcadis Singer is not BBB accredited and has 1 customer complaint in the last 5 years, with 0 customer reviews (as of 06/30/2021).  According to the Florida Bar, Ralph Marcadis was licensed in 1982 and has no 10-year bar discipline history.  Likewise, Gilbert Singer was licensed in 1979, and has no 10-year bar discipline history.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaint database reflects 4 consumer complaints against Marcadis Singer (as of 06/30/2021 – with a 3 year lookback).

Why have I been sued by Marcadis Singer?

Marcadis Singer handles debt collection and subrogation cases. If Marcadis Singer has sued you, they most likely represent a creditor who claims you owe that creditor a debt.

Is there a class action lawsuit against Marcadis Singer?

Consumers have sued Marcadis Singer a handful of times for claims of improper collection practices.  A search of the federal court “PACER” system reflects 4 cases in federal court where Marcadis Singer was listed as a defendant (as of 06/30/2021).  We did not locate any class action lawsuits against Marcadis Singer in our search (as of 06/30/21).

How to beat Marcadis Singer?

1. Show Up

First, do not sit on your hands!  In Florida, any claims up to $8,000 are in Small Claims, up to $30,000 are in county court, and anything more is in circuit court.  In small claims cases, a defendant is required to attend a hearing early on called a “case management conference”; whereas in county court and circuit court, the defendant has 20-days to file a written response from the day the lawsuit papers are served.  If a defendant doesn’t appear (in small claims) or they fail to respond (in county court or circuit court), the court will likely enter a default judgment against them.  Make sure to respond (or hire someone to do so) so you don’t lose off the bat!

2. Review the claim

Next, review the records from the case.  When a lawsuit is based on the records of another company, it may be that the records are inaccurate.  Review the claim and don’t assume it is correct just because they have written it.  See if the claim and the amount are accurate.

3. Consider your options

Evaluate the alleged debt from the lawsuit, along with your other debt and your income.  Is there a defense to the claim?  Can you realistically afford settlement, or does it make more sense to consider bankruptcy?  Here is where you may want to have a free consultation with a debt resolution professional who can help you to objectively review your options.

4. Negotiate

Assuming bankruptcy is not your best option and depending on the merits of your case, negotiation may be the next best step.  If you hire a debt settlement attorney to assist you with the lawsuit, your attorney will negotiate for you.  However, if you are determined to go it alone, you are generally better talking to the opposing firm than doing nothing (*this is a generalization; each situation is different).  Just keep in mind, they are not looking out for your best interest.  They are likely not going to tell you about your defenses to the lawsuit or your protections from collection.  Their job is to get you to pay.

5. Any Settlement Agreement Should be in Writing

Finally, if you reach a settlement agreement, even if you are representing yourself, your agreement should be in writing.

Is Marcadis Singer subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) provides rules for how debts can be collected upon.  Generally, even law firms can be deemed “debt collectors” regulated under the FDCPA if they regularly collect the debts due to another.  Therefore, because Marcadis Singer regularly collects debts, they would likely be subject to FDCPA regulations.

Questions on Your Marcadis Singer Lawsuit?

If you have been sued by Marcadis Singer, we offer a complimentary consultation with our experienced attorneys.  We’ll evaluate your case and review your options with you.