Midland, Encore, and LVNV Debt Collection Class Action Lawsuit Settlement, Claims, Eligibility, and Payout Details 2026
If you have been targeted by aggressive debt collection tactics from Midland Credit Management (MCM), Encore Capital Group, or LVNV Funding, you may be eligible for a portion of a multimillion-dollar recovery fund. As of January 2026, multiple legal actions, including the significant Vanderkodde litigation, have reached critical milestones, offering consumers a chance to resolve disputed debts and receive cash compensation for illegal collection practices.
The Debt Collection Settlements: At a Glance
The Midland and Encore settlements—including the Vanderkodde v. Mary Jane M. Elliott, P.C. matter—resolve long-standing allegations that these debt buyers violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The lawsuits specifically targeted “robo-signing” practices and the illegal addition of interest or fees to consumer debts without proper legal authorization.
Where Is the Official Settlement Website?
The primary portal for the current Vanderkodde litigation and related Midland/Encore actions is www.VanderkoddeClassAction.com. You can access all court-approved notices, claim forms, and the official legal documents here.
What Is the Deadline to Submit a Claim?
To receive a payment or debt dismissal from these active 2026 funds, you must meet the following court-ordered deadlines:
- Claim Submission Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Exclusion (Opt-Out) Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Objection Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Final Approval Hearing: Scheduled for May 12, 2026
Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?
The “Settlement Class” generally includes consumers in the United States who were subjected to debt collection lawsuits by Midland or Encore where “robo-signed” affidavits were used. Specifically, it covers those whose accounts were managed by certain law firms (like Mary Jane M. Elliott, P.C.) during the class period of 2020 through January 2026.
What You Must Know About Debt Collection Laws
In January 2026, the legal landscape for debt collection is stricter than ever. Knowing your rights under 15 U.S.C. § 1692 (the FDCPA) is the first step in defending against predatory collectors who leverage securities fraud litigation techniques or consumer protection claims to inflate debts.
Consumers involved in these cases often seek information on statutory damages, fair credit reporting violations, and TCPA robocall settlements. These high-value legal categories ensure that participants are informed of their rights under federal laws designed to stop harassment and financial exploitation.
The Problem with “Robo-Signing”
“Robo-signing” occurs when a debt collector like Midland Funding or LVNV files thousands of lawsuits monthly using automated signatures. These affidavits often falsely claim the signer has personal knowledge of the debt. Courts in 2025 and 2026 have increasingly dismissed these cases when the collector cannot produce the original account agreement.
Identifying “Time-Barred” Debt
A common tactic used by LVNV Funding is attempting to collect “zombie debt”—debts so old they are past the legal limit to sue. Under current 2026 standards, if a collector threatens to sue you over a time-barred debt without disclosing its age, they are in direct violation of the FDCPA.
What to Do Next: Your Action Plan
If you are dealing with these collectors, follow this action plan to ensure you are included in the relevant 2026 settlements.
1. Visit the Official Portals
Go to https://www.google.com/search?q=www.VanderkoddeClassAction.com to review the “Notice of Pendency.” If you received a postcard notice via mail, use the Claimant ID provided on the form to expedite your filing before the April 15, 2026 deadline.
2. Formally Dispute the Debt
If you receive a collection notice, you have 30 days to send a “Debt Validation Letter.” This forces the collector to prove they own the debt. Under standard class action settlement procedures, the collector must stop all activity until this proof is provided.
3. Review Your Credit Report
If you were part of a settlement that promised debt forgiveness, check your report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If the debt still appears after 60 days, you can file a dispute citing the settlement order. For more on how these violations affect you, see our article on telemarketing violations.
FAQs About Midland, Encore, and LVNV Settlements
Why am I being sued by Midland Funding?
Midland Funding is a “debt buyer.” They purchase delinquent accounts from credit card companies for pennies on the dollar and then sue the consumer for the full amount plus interest.
How much can I get from the settlement?
Individual payouts vary, but claimants in FDCPA cases can often receive up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus additional amounts if they suffered specific financial harm.
Is LVNV Funding a legitimate company?
Yes, LVNV is a massive debt-buying entity. However, they are frequently sued for failing to have proper state licenses or for using inaccurate records to collect debts.
What happens if I ignore a lawsuit from these companies?
If you don’t respond, the court will likely issue a default judgment against you. This allows the collector to garnish your wages or seize bank funds. Always respond to a summons.
Where can I find the official claim form?
The claim form is available on the “Documents” page of www.VanderkoddeClassAction.com. You can download it directly from the official document portal.
How do I join the 2026 class action?
If you are part of the class, you should receive a notice. If not, you can submit a “Manual Claim” on the administrator’s website by providing your account number or the litigation details.
Meta Description: Sued by Midland or LVNV? Learn about the 2026 Debt Collection Class Action Settlements, official websites, and the April 15, 2026 claim deadline.
Last Updated: January 31, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an attorney-client relationship.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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