Who is Gurstel law firm?
Gurstel Law Firm is a debt-collection law firm headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Their attorneys regularly appear in Minnesota courts and also handle collection matters in Arizona, California, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.
They represent major banks, credit-card issuers, and debt buyers, and they’re experienced at moving quickly toward judgment.
If You’re Sued by Gurstel: Your Options
If you’ve been served with a summons and complaint, you typically have three paths:
Defend the case – Serve a written Answer within 21 days and raise any valid defenses (e.g., statute of limitations, identity/authorization issues, assignment proof for debt buyers).
Negotiate a settlement – A timely Answer often improves leverage and may reduce total cost/risk.
File bankruptcy – For some clients, Chapter 7 or 13 stops the lawsuit and addresses other debts.
Start here: Minnesota Debt Collection Lawsuit Guide: Part 1—Summons & Complaint and Part 2—The Answer
Want a roadmap after you answer? Part 3—After the Answer
Heads-up: Gurstel’s lawyers know Minnesota court rules well. Missing the 21-day Answer deadline often leads to a default judgment. This happens without a hearing and no judge reviews the case.
If Gurstel Is Garnishing You: How to Stop It
If your wages or bank account are being garnished, you generally have four ways to stop it:
Claim an exemption (if you qualify)
Negotiate a settlement
Vacate the judgment (in limited circumstances)
File bankruptcy
Learn the pros/cons: Minnesota Garnishment Guide
Why Talk to a Lawyer Early?
The 21-day Answer deadline is unforgiving.
Good defenses can be waived if not raised.
Even if settlement is your goal, a prompt, proper Answer can improve the deal.
A judgment opens the door to garnishment and liens.
Gurstel Law FAQs
How long do I have to respond to a Gurstel lawsuit in Minnesota? You must serve a written Answer within 21 days of being served, or the creditor can get a default judgment administratively.
My summons doesn’t have a court file number, is it real or fake? Real. Minnesota allows “pocket filing,” so collectors can serve before filing with the court. You still must Answer.
Do I have defenses against a Gurstel lawsuit? Possibly. Common defenses include statute of limitations, unauthorized use/fraud, payment/settlement, and where applicable, a failure to prove assignment by a debt buyer. The right defenses depend on your facts.
Can you help if Gurstel is already garnishing me? Yes. We’ll assess exemptions, settlement, vacating the judgment, or bankruptcy based on your goals and risk.
Need help dealing with Gurstel Law Firm?
Schedule a consult with debt defense lawyer Todd Murray.
Since 2009, Todd has helped hundreds of Minnesotans dealing with debt collection by Gurstel Law. His work has saved his clients lots of money and many sleepless nights. Todd’s clients describe him as “very professional and easy to work with.” He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and four children.