What is this case about?

The purpose of this notice is to inform you of a proposed settlement of a class action lawsuit regarding late fees that Ford Credit charges on its vehicle leases. The lawsuit, entitled Connie Stickles et al. versus Ford Motor Credit Company, case number 981289, is now pending in the Superior Court of the state of California, San Francisco County. The Superior Court has granted preliminary approval of the settlement, and has scheduled a hearing on September 20, 2002 to determine if the settlement should be given final approval. 

Please note that this notice is intended to inform you of the pending class action settlement, and is not an expression of any opinion by the Superior Court regarding the merits of the claims or defenses asserted by either party. 

How do I file a claim to receive settlement funds?

All members of the plaintiff class who wish to claim a portion of the settlement proceeds shall mail a completed claim form by November 22, 2002 to the following address: 

Stickles Class Action Settlement
P.O. Box 808054
Petaluma CA, 94975-8054

 Claim forms postmarked after November 22, 2002 will not be considered. 

Can I be excluded from this class?

Yes. If you wish to be excluded from the class, you must mail a letter or postcard so that it is received no later than September 8, 2002 to the following address:

Stickles Class Action Settlement
P.O. Box 808054
Petaluma CA, 94975-8054

The letter or postcard must clearly state your full name, account number, social security number, current address, and phone number, and state that you wish to be excluded from the Stickles class action settlement. 

How much money will I get? 

Each eligible class member who submits a timely and adequate claim form shall receive a sum equal to 36.25% of the total amount of late fees they paid to Ford Credit under eligible leases. For example, if a class member paid a $30 late fee and submits a timely and adequate claim form, he or she is entitled to receive $10.88 under the settlement. If a class member paid $100 in late fees and submits a timely and adequate claim form, he or she is entitled to receive $36.25 under the settlement. 

When will I receive my money?

Approved claims will be paid after court approval of final settlement and processing of all the claim forms. 

Who should I contact if I have questions?

If you want additional information about this notice or the settlement, you may contact the settlement administrator at:

Stickles Class Action Settlement
P.O. Box 808054
Petaluma CA, 94975-8054