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I Received a Suit Authorization via Hunter Warfield Collections Agency. What Are the Next Steps If I Approve the Suit?

When a tenant’s outstanding balance remains unpaid after standard collection efforts, the collections agency may recommend filing a lawsuit.

Audience: rental property owners who have been asked to authorize legal action through the collections agency and want to understand the process, expectations, risks, and benefits of approving a lawsuit.

If you've received a Suit Authorization Request from Hunter Warfield (or another collections agency), it means they believe legal action has a reasonable chance of success.

But what actually happens if you approve it?

Here is the full process clearly explained.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does approving the suit guarantee recovery? No, but it significantly increases your chances.

Do I have to go to court? Almost never. The agency typically manages all filings and representation.

Will I owe money upfront? There may be filing or court fees, which the authorization form outlines.

If recovery occurs, do court costs get added to the tenant's balance? Yes, judgments often include allowable recovery costs.

What if the tenant can't be located or served? The agency will attempt skip tracing and alternative service options.

Step-by-Step: What Happens After You Approve Suit Authorization

1. The Collections Agency Prepares the Legal Case

Once approved, the agency gathers:

  • MoveZen's itemized charges
  • Photos and documentation
  • Vendor invoices
  • Lease agreement
  • Payment history
  • Collection attempts already made
  • Tenant identifying information

MoveZen provides all required supporting materials.

This ensures the case is solid and legally defensible.

2. Filing the Lawsuit

The agency files the claim in the appropriate jurisdiction (usually the county where the property is located or where the tenant currently resides).

Filing includes:

  • Complaint (outlining the debt)
  • Supporting documents
  • Required legal forms
  • Payment of court filing fees

You do not need to file anything yourself.

 

3. Serving the Tenant With the Lawsuit

The tenant must be formally notified ("served").

This step can happen through:

  • Certified mail
  • In-person process servers
  • Approved alternative methods if the tenant cannot be located

If service fails, the agency attempts skip tracing and multiple service attempts.

4. Court Proceedings Begin

Many cases end in default judgment because:

  • The tenant does not respond
  • The tenant does not appear
  • The tenant acknowledges the debt

If the tenant contests the case:

  • The agency or its attorney presents evidence
  • MoveZen's documentation is used to support the claim
  • You are rarely needed to attend or testify

The court then determines the outcome.

5. A Judgment Is Issued (If the Court Rules in Your Favor)

A judgment grants the agency legal authority to pursue:

  • Wage garnishment (where allowed)
  • Bank account levy
  • Property liens
  • Payment plans enforced by court
  • Long-term monitoring of financial activity

A judgment is powerful and greatly increases collection likelihood.

6. Post-Judgment Collection Efforts Begin

This is where recovery often occurs.

Agencies may:

  • Attempt negotiated payment arrangements
  • Notify the tenant of the judgment
  • Report the judgment to credit bureaus
  • Request employer verification
  • Monitor credit activity for new jobs or assets
  • Re-attempt garnishment periodically

Judgments can remain enforceable for 5-10 years, depending on the state.

Many tenants eventually pay years later when they:

  • Apply for new housing
  • Attempt to buy a home
  • Finance a car
  • Consolidate debt
  • Face wage garnishment

7. Recovered Funds Are Remitted to MoveZen, Then to You

Once funds are recovered:

  1. The agency deducts their fee
  2. MoveZen receives the remainder
  3. MoveZen distributes the amount to you

This process is fully documented.

What Happens If the Tenant Still Never Pays?

Even with a lawsuit, recovery is not guaranteed.

Unsuccessful cases typically involve:

  • Debtors with no income
  • Debtors who frequently move
  • Bankruptcy
  • Judgment-proof individuals

However, the judgment still:

  • Impacts credit
  • Remains collectible for years
  • May eventually result in recovery
  • Provides leverage for future financial activities

Owner Considerations Before Approving Suit

You may want to approve suit when:

  • The balance owed is substantial ($1,500+)
  • The tenant has stable or verifiable income
  • The case has strong documentation
  • The tenant has a credit profile worth protecting
  • Hunter Warfield specifically recommends suit
  • You're comfortable with potential court costs

You may want to decline suit when:

  • The balance owed is low
  • The tenant is unlocatable
  • Recovery likelihood is low
  • You prefer to avoid court-related fees
  • The matter is more complex than the debt warrants

Why MoveZen Relies on the Collections Agency for Suit Decisions

Collections agencies:

  • Have specialized legal teams
  • Understand recovery likelihood
  • Use predictive analytics
  • Have deeper debtor data than landlords
  • Know whether the tenant has wages or assets
  • Understand local court efficiency

Their recommendation is based on data, not guesswork.

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