Suttell and Associates: How to deal with them?

If Suttell is not licensed in WA to act as a collection agency, then RCW 19.16.260 says that they are not allowed pursue a lawsuit other that a default judgement. How come Suttell is not required to license?

Where does it say they are not required to be licensed, I do not understand your question.

What the law does say is that if you file an answer they must prove they are licensed, if they can't the case will be thrown out. If you fail to answer the summons and they get a default judgment against you then they do not have to provide documentation that they are licensed.

Po kertramp, good answer. Your reasoning is sound.

Do you know of any Washington State cases that have been thrown out because the collections attorney was not licensed? I would like to read some case law as an example. Thanks.

Pokrtramp, Thank you for all of your answers.

I was wondering if you know of any cases Washington State cases that have been thrown out because the collection attorney was not licensed. I would like to read some case law for examples. Thanks

They are not a reputable firm. They make many mistakes and have had class action lawsuits filed against them. There are several cases against them.

Suttell and Associates and I use the term associates quite loosely. I too received a legal looking document which said either respond or they would proceed with legal action. I responded via fax and it was still filed as a lawsuit. I did not have the money for an attorney and felt that I owed the money and so let it ride. Over the next year and a half they took 25% of my take home pay and despite numerous calls, fax certified letters calls to the attorneys no oneknows how much I owe despite what it says on the judgement. I believe I deserve to know that. Event he attorney on the court documents cannot tell me and in fact has hung up on me. I have filed a complaint with every legal organization I can think of and have gotten no help.

Reputable? Any one who does business the way suttell does hanging up on people unable to say how much is owed does not respond to mail is not reputable they should be reported to the better business bureau and anyone who will listen

Sorry I do not know of any cases.

i can beat all of your issues, i have two (2) judgements filed in there (suttell & assholes) faver in 05, but both credit cards had been dismissed in 01 in my bankruptcy, i just found this out in 08 and its been a battle from then till now , any ideas

I would contact your BK attorney. You should be able to file Motions to vacate and then sue them for violating a federal stay of BK.

So I got some legal advice and they told me not to answer because then it will produce more legal fees. I explained my situation and was told I dont have a defense so I shouldn't respond. Instead they suggested that I call suttell and associates to work out a payment arrangement which I did. They wouldn't accept my offer and said they will go thru with the lawsuit..then she says i can make payments and they will credit it to my account but they still will go thru with the lawsuit?..makes no sense to me. Did I get good advice?..I'm lost. Anyone know if Debt credit counselors help with situations like this?

that's me ^^ i spoke with my debt counselor she agree's with the attorney. what do you guys think?

definately not a reputable firm.... the first thing we ever received from them was a summons..... nothing previously

humanoid stupidity deleted..paulmergel
SameBox Response from "paulmergel":

Anyone whom is a victim of collections and has an issue should contact the Attorney Generals Office.

I am also a WA attorney. I am intimately familiar with S&A and their practices. If you anwswer the complaint, they will move for summary judgment. If you respond to their motion, they will fumble around a bit. Send them discovery requests. Specifically, send them requests for admissions. If they neglect to answer them, they are deemed admitted. Also, be a pain when dealing with them. They are not there to help you. They are trying to get as much money as they can from you. If they already have a default judgment, MOVE TO VACATE. You are almost guaranteed to win such a motion. Do not make this easy for them. They are hoping you will ignore this problem. Then they get a quick default and garnish your wages or bank. Not a good thing.