If you’ve recently received legal papers from Doyle & Hoefs, LLC on behalf of American Express (Amex), you’re not alone. American Express is one of the most aggressive creditors in the United States and regularly files lawsuits in New York to collect unpaid credit card balances and business debt. Doyle & Hoefs, a law firm based in Pennsylvania, is frequently retained by Amex to pursue these collection cases against consumers and small business owners.
Facing a lawsuit from Amex can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to end in financial ruin. By working with an experienced New York consumer protection lawyer, you can defend yourself, prevent judgments, and even settle the debt for less than the full balance. This article explains how Amex lawsuits work, what Doyle & Hoefs typically does, and how our firm can help you protect your rights and negotiate a fair resolution.
Understanding American Express Debt Lawsuits
American Express tends to handle its debt collection differently than most creditors. Unlike companies that sell charged-off accounts to third-party debt buyers, Amex usually keeps ownership of the debt and hires law firms such as Doyle & Hoefs to collect it. Because of this, they often have access to complete records—such as cardmember agreements, billing statements, and payment histories—that make their cases appear strong in court.
However, even when Amex has thorough documentation, you still have legal defenses. A lawsuit is not a guaranteed judgment. You have the right to demand that Amex proves every element of its claim under New York law, including that the balance is correct, that Amex owns the debt, and that the lawsuit was filed within the statute of limitations.
Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) § 213(2), the statute of limitations for a written contract is six years. If the debt is older than that, the lawsuit may be time-barred. Additionally, under CPLR § 3012(a), you have a limited time to file an “answer” to the complaint after being served—typically 20 days if personally served in New York or 30 days if served by another method. Failing to answer on time allows Amex to seek a default judgment, which can lead to wage garnishment, frozen bank accounts, or liens on property.
Who Are Doyle & Hoefs, LLC?
Doyle & Hoefs, LLC, located at 2043 Springwood Road, York, Pennsylvania, is a creditors’ rights law firm that represents American Express in multiple states, including New York and New Jersey. Their attorneys, including Amy Doyle, Esq. and Michael Hoefs, focus primarily on debt collection and judgment enforcement.
If you receive correspondence, phone calls, or a court summons from Doyle & Hoefs, it likely means that Amex has already escalated the collection process. The firm may file a lawsuit in a New York court and seek a judgment that could allow them to garnish your wages under CPLR § 5231 or levy your bank accounts under CPLR § 5222.
Their goal is simple: to collect as much of the alleged debt as possible, as quickly as possible. But that doesn’t mean you have no control over the situation. With the right legal help, you can take back the leverage.
Why You Should Respond to the Lawsuit
Ignoring a lawsuit from Doyle & Hoefs is the worst thing you can do. If you don’t file an answer, Amex can obtain a default judgment against you. Once they have that judgment, they can garnish up to 10% of your gross wages or 25% of your disposable income, whichever is less, according to CPLR § 5231(b). They can also freeze your bank accounts and seize funds using a restraining notice and bank levy under CPLR § 5222 and § 5222-a.
Filing a timely and complete answer prevents an automatic judgment. Your answer should include general denials, any affirmative defenses (such as lack of standing, improper service, or expired statute of limitations), and possibly counterclaims if Doyle & Hoefs violated your rights under federal or state law.
For example, if the firm used misleading collection tactics or failed to provide accurate disclosures, you may have claims under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq. The FDCPA is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive or deceptive debt collection practices. Violations can entitle you to damages and attorney’s fees.
How Our Law Office Protects You
At the Law Office of Simon Goldenberg, PLLC, we understand how stressful it is to be sued by American Express. Our attorneys have extensive experience defending New Yorkers against Amex and other major creditors. We know how firms like Doyle & Hoefs operate and how to challenge their evidence effectively.
When you retain our office, we immediately step in to protect you. We file your answer, appear in court, and handle communications with Doyle & Hoefs so you no longer have to deal with them directly. Our legal strategy focuses on three core goals:
- Preventing a Judgment: By filing an answer and asserting defenses, we keep you out of default and preserve your rights.
- Protecting Your Assets: We take swift action to stop or vacate wage garnishments, bank restraints, or property liens.
- Negotiating a Settlement: Once you’re legally protected, we negotiate with Doyle & Hoefs to settle the debt for less than the claimed amount—often at a significant reduction—and, if needed, arrange affordable monthly payments.
Because American Express often prefers settlements over drawn-out litigation, our firm can frequently resolve cases for far less than the total balance claimed, without the need for trial.
Settlement Strategies and What to Expect
Every case is unique, but generally, once we establish contact with Doyle & Hoefs and confirm the lawsuit details, we evaluate your financial situation and develop a negotiation plan. If you’re experiencing hardship—such as job loss, medical issues, or reduced income—we can present this to the creditor as part of the settlement discussion.
During the pandemic and beyond, American Express has shown flexibility in settlement parameters, often agreeing to substantial discounts for lump-sum payments or structured repayment plans. The settlement process may also include requesting documentation to verify the debt’s accuracy, ensuring you’re not overpaying or settling on incorrect information.
Our office ensures that any settlement agreement is documented in writing and that the lawsuit is dismissed “with prejudice” once payment terms are satisfied, protecting you from future claims on the same debt.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
Under New York law, creditors and their attorneys must comply with specific procedural and ethical requirements. If Doyle & Hoefs fails to provide proper notice, misrepresents the amount owed, or files suit in an incorrect venue, those actions can form part of your defense.
Additionally, the FDCPA and New York General Business Law § 349 prohibit deceptive and unfair business practices. If you’ve received misleading correspondence or harassing calls, you may have a counterclaim against the firm or creditor.
Even if you owe the debt, you have rights. The law allows you to negotiate a fair settlement and avoid excessive collection measures. Filing an answer and seeking representation early in the process puts you in the best position to resolve the case favorably.
Why Legal Help Matters
Representing yourself in an Amex lawsuit can be risky. The procedures under the CPLR are complex, and creditors’ attorneys handle these cases daily. A small mistake—like missing a filing deadline or failing to raise an appropriate defense—can cost you thousands of dollars.
Our experienced consumer protection attorneys understand both the legal process and the settlement dynamics unique to Amex cases. We’ve helped countless New Yorkers avoid judgments, stop garnishments, and reach realistic settlements that restore peace of mind.
We work directly with you to assess your income, expenses, and goals, ensuring that any settlement terms fit your financial situation.
New York Debt Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing a lawsuit from Doyle & Hoefs, LLC on behalf of American Express, time is critical. The sooner you act, the more options you have to protect your assets, defend your rights, and settle your debt on favorable terms. You don’t have to face Amex or its lawyers alone—help is available. To discuss your case and learn your legal options, contact Law Office of Simon Goldenberg, PLLC by calling (888) 301-0584 or contacting us online for a free consultation.