Minnesota Debt Collection Lawsuit Defense Hub
Getting served with a debt collection lawsuit is one of the most stressful financial events a person can face. For many Minnesotans, it comes out of nowhere—a knock at the door or papers left with a family member. From there, the clock starts ticking. You have 21 days to respond, and if you don’t, the creditor wins automatically.
At Friedman Murray, we help people across Minnesota understand and defend against debt collection lawsuits. This hub pulls together our most important guides so you can quickly get up to speed and make smart decisions about your case.
What Happens When You’re Sued
Debt collection lawsuits often start with a summons and complaint. If you’ve just been served, the first question is usually: What do I do now?
Our step-by-step guide explains what a summons means, why Minnesota’s “pocket filing” rules make it confusing, and why ignoring the lawsuit almost always leads to a default judgment.
Read: The Minnesota Debt Collection Lawsuit Guide: Part 1—Summons & Complaint
Answering the Lawsuit
If you want to fight back, the key is your Answer. This isn’t a letter or a phone call, it’s a formal legal document where you respond to every allegation and raise your defenses.
In Minnesota, common defenses include:
Statute of limitations (too much time has passed to sue)
Unauthorized use or fraud (the debt isn’t really yours)
Payment or settlement (you already resolved the account)
Debt buyer proof problems (collector can’t show they own the debt)
Read: The Minnesota Debt Collection Lawsuit Guide: Part 2—The Answer
After the Answer: What Comes Next
Once you’ve answered, the case moves forward. You’ll encounter steps like:
Initial disclosures and discovery (exchanging information)
Filing deadlines (lawsuits must be filed with the court within one year of service)
Summary judgment motions (creditor tries to win without trial)
Mediation and settlement negotiations
Trial (if the case goes all the way)
Read: The Minnesota Debt Collection Lawsuit Guide: Part 3—After the Answer
Dealing With Big-Name Collection Firms
In Minnesota, a few law firms handle the bulk of collection cases. Two of the biggest are:
Messerli & Kramer – aggressive, experienced, and a frequent filer in Minnesota courts.
Gurstel Law Firm – another large collection firm with a strong presence in Minnesota.
Knowing their playbook is key to defending yourself.
Why a Strong Defense Matters
If a creditor wins a judgment, they can:
Garnish your wages
Seize funds from your bank account
Place liens on your home
For many people, defending the lawsuit is the difference between protecting their income or losing it to garnishment. Even if settlement is the best route, filing a strong Answer often improves your negotiating position.
How We Help
Our debt collection defense clients are:
Minnesota residents serious about resolving lawsuits, judgments, or garnishments
Organized, responsive, and ready to act quickly
Realistic about whether settlement or litigation is the right pathIdeal_Debt_Defense_Client_Profi…
We offer flat-fee representation for clients interested in either settlement-only or full defense through litigation. That way, you’ll know upfront what your defense will cost and can move forward with confidence.
Other Collection Defense Resources
Already been sued and a judgment entered against you? Have your bank accounts or wages been garnished? Do you have multiple debts and wonder whether bankruptcy might be your best solution?
Judgments in Minnesota: What You Need to Know
Garnishment in Minnesota: Protecting Your Paycheck and Bank Account
Bankruptcy in Minnesota
Ready to talk to a lawyer about your collection lawsuit?
Schedule a consult with debt defense lawyer Todd Murray.
Since 2009, Todd has helped hundreds of Minnesotans defend debt collection lawsuits. His work has saved his clients millions of dollars (and many sleepless nights) in the process. Todd’s clients have described him as “very professional and easy to work with.” He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and four children.