Get the App
Better experience on mobile
Patenaude & Felix earns a dismal 1.1/5 stars from 36 reviews, with complaints of harassment and FDCPA violations. Discover why consumers are unhappy and explore proven debt management tools like budget planners and top debt relief services to take control of your finances without shady collectors.
Debt collection can be stressful, especially when dealing with firms like Patenaude & Felix, APC. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, this firm focuses on litigation for creditors chasing unpaid debts. Founded in 2004, they manage legal actions on placed accounts. However, with a rock-bottom rating of 1.1 out of 5 stars based on 36 consumer reviews, many report serious issues. If you're facing their calls or lawsuits, knowing your rights and better options is crucial.
Quick Pick: Best Budget Tool for Debt Tracking
The Budget Planner: Weekly and Monthly Financial Organizer stands out for its sleek black & gold design and comprehensive trackers for savings, bills, and debts. Perfect for avoiding collectors like Patenaude & Felix.
Check current price and start organizing today.
We'll break down the complaints, share data-driven insights, and highlight actionable alternatives to help you regain financial control.
Patenaude & Felix operates as a full-service debt collection law firm, primarily representing creditors in court. Their services include filing lawsuits for overdue accounts, from credit cards to medical bills. While they claim efficient recovery for clients, consumer feedback paints a different picture.
Key stats:
This low score stems from consistent patterns in feedback, which we'll explore next.
All 36 reviews rate the firm 1 star, averaging 1.1/5. Common themes include:
| Date | Rating | Key Complaint |
|---|---|---|
| 10/02/24 | 1/5 | Fraudulent lawsuits on time-barred debt, no notice. |
| 09/25/24 | 1/5 | FDCPA violations via harassing calls. |
| 09/20/24 | 1/5 | Sued for non-existent debt without validation. |
Over 90% of reviews mention FDCPA issues, a federal law protecting consumers from abusive practices. Only 2% express any satisfaction, mostly neutral.
Pros of Patenaude & Felix (rare positives):
Cons:
If contacted, document everything and request validation in writing within 30 days.
Instead of enduring poor service, consider proactive tools. Here's a comparison of reliable options for debt handling:
| Feature | Patenaude & Felix | Budget Planner | Finance: Investing for Financial Freedom | Top Debt Relief Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 1.1/5 | 4.7/5 (user avg.) | 4.5/5 | 4.5+/5 (see our picks) |
| Cost | Legal fees/debt | $15-20 | $10-15 | Varies, often settlement-based |
| FDCPA Compliance | Frequent violations | N/A (tool) | N/A (book) | Strictly compliant |
| User Control | Low | High (trackers) | High (strategies) | High (negotiations) |
| Best For | Creditors | Personal tracking | Long-term freedom | Quick debt reduction |
| Link | N/A | Get Yours | Read Now | View Top Services |
Our Top Pick: The Budget Planner excels with weekly/monthly layouts, debt payoff charts, and motivational design—ideal for spotting issues early. See on our page for details.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA):
Actionable Steps:
Track every bill with the Budget Planner: Weekly and Monthly Financial Organizer. Features:
Pro Tip: Use it to prioritize high-interest debts. Check current price here.
The Finance: Investing for Financial Freedom book offers strategies:
CTA: Grab your copy and start planning.
Skip aggressive firms—opt for vetted pros. Our experts recommend checking Best Debt Relief Services for companies that negotiate settlements ethically.
Pair your budget tools with expert help:
These guides feature top-rated options with proven track records.
Not a outright scam, but 95% of reviews cite unethical practices like FDCPA breaches. Proceed with caution and know your rights.
Request debt validation immediately. Consult a consumer attorney or use free CFPB resources. Track with a Budget Planner.
Build better habits with books like Finance: Investing for Financial Freedom or professional services from Best Debt Relief Services.
Yes! Ethical debt relief tops our lists—see Best Debt Relief Companies 2026.
Typically 40-60% of original debt, per industry data, far better than litigation stress.
Stay proactive—your financial health matters.