Safe Haven Security, Inc. is a home security services company that provides security systems and monitoring. It sues customers for delinquent account balances and alleged contract breaches. We understand that being sued for debt collection can feel overwhelming. However, it is important to know that you have legal options to resolve the lawsuit. In the article below, our Texas debt collection defense attorneys break down why Safe Haven Security might sue you and what you should do if facing a debt collection lawsuit.
What Is Safe Haven Security?
Safe Haven Security, Inc. is a home security services company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. It provides tailored home security solutions, alarm and security installation, and monitoring services. According to its website, it is the largest authorized dealer of ADT in the United States, serving more than one million customers across 43 states. The company has more than 100 offices across the country.
Customers generally sign up for monthly subscriptions with Safe Haven Security for security equipment and monitoring. Customers who sign up for one of Safe Haven Security’s subscriptions seem locked into 36-month contracts, except in California, where the contracts are 24 months. If either party cancels the contract before the contract ends, the customer must pay an early cancellation fee of 75 percent of the remaining contract balance, due immediately in full.
Why Is Safe Haven Security Suing Me?
Are you being sued by Safe Haven Security, Inc.? If so, it is likely because the company believes you owe it money for a delinquent account balance under a home security subscription contract. It may be suing you for alleged breach of contract to seek to collect the debt it claims you owe.
According to Safe Haven Security’s terms and conditions for its subscriptions, it considers an account delinquent after more than 90 days without a payment. If the company cannot collect the debt on its own, then it may turn your account over to a debt collection law firm to pursue the debt. In Texas, we often see Safe Haven Security hire the following law firms to pursue consumer debt:
- Abbott Osborn Jacobs PLC
- Jenkins Court Receivers, LLC
If Safe Haven Security sues you for debt collection, it will likely pursue the outstanding account balance, accompanying late fees, accrued interest, and its court and legal fees.
What to Do if Sued by Safe Haven Security
Have you been served with a Safe Haven Security lawsuit? If so, our Texas debt defense lawyers recommend taking the following steps:
Step 1: Work With an Experienced Texas Debt Collection Defense Attorney
Debt collection lawsuits can be overwhelming, and defending yourself without an attorney can be risky. Even a seemingly minor mistake could lead to a judgment against you. Once Safe Haven Security has a judgment against you, it may take further collection actions. For example, it may pursue bank garnishment or property seizure.
Working with an experienced Texas debt collection defense attorney can give you the best chance of securing a favorable case outcome. If you work with an attorney, they can investigate the claims against you and identify your possible defenses. Your attorney will develop and execute a legal strategy to help you obtain the best possible results for your case.
For example, at Warren & Migliaccio, we always strive for case dismissal. However, if that is not possible, we help our clients obtain favorable case results through a settlement, fighting the lawsuit in court, or seeking alternative debt relief options. We represent and defend individuals all over Texas to help them protect their best interests and resolve debt collection lawsuits.
Step 2: Respond to the Lawsuit
Do not ignore the lawsuit. If you ignore the lawsuit, the court will likely rule in favor of Safe Haven Security. This is a default judgment. With a default judgment, Safe Haven Security has the legal right to collect the money outlined in the judgment. It may take further steps to collect it, including pursuing bank garnishment, liens against your property, or property seizure.
By responding to the lawsuit, you give yourself time to explore your legal options and determine the best path forward for your case. You generally only have 14 to 20 days to file a formal response with the court. Your response is called an Answer. Because of this short timeframe, it is essential to act quickly.
If you already have a default judgment against you, do not hesitate to reach out to our law firm. We can review the lawsuit and judgment to determine your post-judgment options.
Step 3: Explore Your Legal Options
Your best legal option for resolving the lawsuit will depend on multiple factors, such as the strength of the case against you and your financial situation. We recommend consulting with an experienced Texas debt defense attorney to help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation. However, generally, your legal options may include:
- Seeking case dismissal. In certain situations, you may have grounds to request that Safe Haven Security or the court dismiss the lawsuit altogether. A few common reasons for dismissal may include an expired statute of limitations, lack of proper service, or the debt being discharged through bankruptcy.
- Challenging the lawsuit. Even if you cannot get a case dismissal, you may have a strong enough defense to fight the lawsuit in court. The court process will take more resources, and your case will take longer to resolve. However, depending on your situation, it may be worth it.
- Negotiating a settlement. If you recognize the debt, negotiating a settlement may be in your best interest. Safe Haven Security may be open to settling to avoid the resources, time, and risk of going to court. In many cases, you may be able to negotiate a lower lump-sum payment or a manageable payment plan.
- Seeking alternative debt relief. If you are struggling with overwhelming debt, you may explore other avenues for debt relief. For example, bankruptcy may be a viable option to discharge your unsecured debt or to restructure your debt into a manageable payment plan.
Contact Our Texas Debt Collection Defense Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you are facing a Safe Haven Security lawsuit, do not hesitate to get the legal help you need. Our law firm provides a free consultation to review your situation and help you understand it.
We will also help you understand your legal options for resolving the lawsuit and moving forward so you can make informed decisions for your case. Call us at (888) 670-3593 or fill out our online contact form, and we will contact you soon to schedule a free consultation.
