Got court papers from Patenaude & Felix? Don't ignore them.
If Patenaude & Felix's name is on papers you just got, you are being sued over a debt. That feels scary. But you have more power here than you think, and the first step is simple.
First, the most important thing to know: Patenaude & Felix is a law firm, not the company you owe. They are hired by banks and by companies that buy old debts. Their job is to file the lawsuit and push it through court.
Patenaude & Felix is a collection law firm based in San Diego, California. It started in 1991. It has offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington, including one in Scottsdale. It files debt lawsuits for the companies that hire it.
Most courts give you 14 to 30 days to respond. If you do nothing, they win automatically.
How to tell who hired Patenaude & Felix
Pull out the first page of your court papers and look at the top. It will look a lot like this sample:
- 1. The law firm. This is where Patenaude & Felix's name will be, in the top left corner with their lawyer's name and phone number.
- 2. The company suing you. This is the first name in the case title, above the word “vs.” This is who hired Patenaude & Felix.
- 3. You. Your name comes after “vs.”
Name number 2 matters most. If that company bought your old account, they have to prove they own it, and often they can't. If it is the bank that gave you the card, other things matter more. Look up the company suing you to see what usually matters with them.
Before you call Patenaude & Felix
Many people's first move is to pick up the phone. It makes sense. You want to explain, or work something out. But keep two things in mind.
Patenaude & Felix works for the company suing you, not for you. What you say on that call can be used in the case.
And even if they agree to a payment plan, the court's clock keeps running. A phone call does not change your deadline. Only the court can do that. So file your Answer on time, and get any deal in writing.
The rules Patenaude & Felix has to follow
Law firms that collect debts have to follow a federal law called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It isn't only for collection agencies. The U.S. Supreme Court said so in 1995.
Under this law, they generally cannot:
- lie about how much you owe, or who you owe it to,
- threaten to do something they can't legally do, or don't plan to do,
- talk about your debt with your family, friends, or boss, or
- add fees or interest your agreement or the law doesn't allow.
If a collector breaks these rules, you may have your own claim against them. Many consumer lawyers take these cases without charging you up front, because the law can make the collector pay your lawyer's fees.
What to do this week
Find your deadline. It counts from the day you got the papers, not the date printed on them. Write it on a calendar today. Our free deadline calculator can help.
File an Answer. This is the paper you send to the court that says you disagree. It stops them from winning automatically, and it makes them prove their case.
Make them prove it. Ask for the signed agreement, the full account history, and proof that the company suing you really owns the account.
If you want to settle
Many debt lawsuits end with a deal to pay less than the full amount. Filing your Answer first usually helps, because it shows you won't just lose by default. Whatever you agree to, get it in writing before you pay anything.
Common questions
Is Patenaude & Felix the company I owe?
No. Patenaude & Felix is a law firm. It is hired by the company suing you, usually a bank or a company that bought your old account. Look at the first name in the case title on your court papers. That is who is actually suing you.
Does calling Patenaude & Felix stop my deadline?
No. Talking to them, even agreeing to a payment plan over the phone, does not stop the court's clock. Only the court can change your deadline. File your Answer on time, and get any deal in writing.
Can I settle with Patenaude & Felix?
Often, yes. Many debt lawsuits end with a deal to pay less than the full amount. Filing your Answer first usually helps, because it shows you will not just lose by default. Get every settlement in writing before you pay anything.
What happens if I ignore papers from Patenaude & Felix?
The company suing you can ask the court to rule against you without a hearing. This is called a default judgment. After that, they may be able to take money from your paycheck or your bank account.
Papers from a different law firm?
Gurstel Law Firm, Mandarich Law Group, Rausch Sturm, Suttell & Hammer, Hunt & Henriques, Zwicker & Associates, Javitch Block, Weltman, Weinberg & Reis, Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, Mullooly, Jeffrey, Rooney & Flynn.
Patenaude & Felix is named here only so people can find information about their case. CaseDefender is not connected to Patenaude & Felix. CaseDefender is an online provider of legal fill-in-the-blank forms and general information. CaseDefender is not a law firm, does not act as your attorney, is not affiliated with any law firm, and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. CaseDefender's forms, courses, and other products are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. No attorney-client relationship and no attorney-client privilege is created by using this service. You are representing yourself. Any document you produce is your own document: you are solely responsible for reviewing it for accuracy, for every legal decision you make, for confirming it complies with the rules of your court, and for filing and serving it on time. Court rules, deadlines, and the law vary by state and by court, and they are strict. CaseDefender cannot guarantee any result and is not responsible for the outcome of your case. If you want advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state; your state bar association maintains a referral directory.