Who is Messerli & Kramer?
Messerli & Kramer is a debt collection law firm headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota. They do collection work for some of the largest banks, credit card companies, and debt buyers in the country and handle cases multiple states.
In my experience, they are very aggressive and push hard to collect as much money as possible for their clients.
What to Do if You’re Being Sued by Messerli & Kramer
If you’re dealing with a debt collection lawsuit from Messerli & Kramer, you typically have three options: (1) defend the case; (2) negotiate a settlement; or (3) file bankruptcy.
If you’re going to deal with them yourself, I strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the court process. Messerli knows the court rules very well and will use your lack of familiarity to their advantage. My free Minnesota Debt Collection Lawsuit Guide is a great place to start learning more about the process.
What to Do if You’re Being Garnished by Messerli & Kramer
If Messerli is garnishing your bank account or wages, there are four possible ways to stop the garnishment: (1) claim an exemption; (2) negotiate a settlement; (3) vacate the judgment; or (4) file bankruptcy.
In my view, knowledge about the process and the pros and cons of each potential solution is critical to choosing the best option for you. My free Minnesota Garnishment Guide will get your started on educating yourself about your rights.
Messerli & Kramer FAQ
How long do I have to respond? You must serve a written Answer within 21 days of being served. Miss it and Messerli will get a default judgment without a hearing.
My summons doesn’t have a court file number. Is it fake? No. Minnesota allows “pocket filing,” which is starting the case before it’s filed with the court. It’s still a valid lawsuit and you still must answer ot.
Should I just call Messerli to work out payments? Call if you want, but calls don’t stop the 21-day clock and don’t count as an Answer. If you plan to settle, answering first often improves leverage.
What defenses might apply? Depending on your facts: statute of limitations, unauthorized use/fraud, prior payment/settlement, and for debt-buyer cases, failure to prove assignment.
They’re already garnishing me, what can I do? Typical options: claim an exemption, negotiate a settlement, move to vacate the judgment (limited scenarios), or file bankruptcy.
Can Messerli add attorney’s fees and interest? Often yes, depending on the contract and Minnesota law. A strong defense and negotiation can limit your exposure.
Need help dealing with Messerli & Kramer?
Schedule a consult with debt defense lawyer Todd Murray.
Since 2009, I’ve helped hundreds of Minnesotans defend debt collection lawsuits. My work has saved my clients millions of dollars and many sleepless nights. My clients have described me as “a clear communicator,” “a man of integrity,” and “very professional.” I live in Minneapolis with my wife and four children.