What if My Debtor is Deceased?

If my debtor is deceased what happens to the debt?

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, ‘family members typically are not obligated to pay the debts of a deceased relative from their own assets. What's more, family members – and all consumers – are protected by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to try to collect a debt.’

Why Choose the Debt Collectors in Michigan at Muller Law Firm?

We can help you collect on unpaid invoices by using tested tactics and working to find solutions for your collection problems. We’re happy to discuss your options!

When you call the Muller Law Firm, your initial consultation and strategy meeting are free. We don’t think you should have to pay just to be informed of your rights. Do you? We want to make sure you’re well educated and comfortable before we take any further steps.

 Experienced Debt Collectors in Michigan!

We can help you with in-state, out of state, and international judgment collections in and enforcement in Michigan. Contact a debt collector in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

How to Spot a Fake Debt Collector in Michigan

Are your customers claiming that scammers are calling them demanding debt payment?

Did you hire a professional debt collector in Michigan?

If you’re not sure you hired a professional debt collector who honors the Michigan Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, here’s what you need to know in order to spot a scammer. Unethical or illegal debt collectors will often try to collect by:

1.    Using threats
2.    Demanding payment today
3.    Refusing many forms of payment
4.    Failing to identify themselves
5.    Referring the debtor to the creditor and not to an agency
6.    Answering the phone directly when a debtor calls back
7.    Dealing with the same individual over and over again

If your clients are unsure whether the collection call they received is legitimate, the above tips should help you guide them. In addition, you should think about whether the collection service you hired is experienced enough to serve your needs.  

Contact our experienced debt collectors in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for an immediate resolution to your collection matters. Our firm was built on the values of integrity, fairness, honesty and respect. As one of Michigan’s leading collections firms, our attorneys have successfully handled collection services in Michigan involving everything from retail to business debts and from the simplest to the most complex post judgment recoveries.

Schedule your free initial consultation and strategy meeting today! There are no fees due unless we recover for you!

What Can You Prove in Court?

Do you have outstanding debts owed to you?

Have you considered hiring a collection service in Michigan?

Do you know what will be required of you if your case goes to court?

Many businesses ask these questions when tracking down unpaid debts. The good news is that many debt collection cases that go before a judge can be resolved quickly, especially when handled by expert lawyers. Sometimes, however, a debtor will dispute a claim, and it’s important to be prepared if this happens. Having appropriate documentation is essential to resolving debt collection cases in your favor.

You may be thinking: “If the majority of debt collection cases don’t go to trial, why do I need to be worried?” But times are changing fast. Jack Gordon of WebRecon reports that consumer debt litigation is up 18.1% from last year, and that this is part of a steady trend. Some debts are sold to debt collection firms, and may change hands several more times before they go to court. Because of this, some claims are filed without enough proof of debt, and some lawyers may bank on this to defend debtors. When you hire collection services in Michigan, you should be ready with specific documentation that proves you own the debt, how much is actually owed, and how much interest may have accrued.

If you can come prepared with the proof that you have the right to collect and hire a firm like Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers, P.C., your chances of putting your debts behind you will greatly increase. We handle your case with the professional attention it deserves and we’re well prepared to use all our options to collect your overdue debts. For over 50 years, we’ve tracked down overdue accounts, and we provide a number of other services as well. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you eliminate the stress of paying your bills!

Secured Debt Verses Unsecured Debt

Have you lent money to a client or partner?
 
Is it taking a long time for that debt to be repaid?
 
What is your debtor’s motivation to repay their debt in a timely manner?
 
How much trust do you have when you loan money?
 
These are questions that every business should ask before giving a loan. There are many different types of loans, and depending on your relationship with your debtor, you may choose one over the other. One big distinction is between secured and unsecured debt. Knowing the differences – and the risks – of the types of loans you’re giving out can be important when the due date rolls around.

Photo Credit: Donna McNeely

 
Secured debt is when money is borrowed and some collateral is put down to ensure it’s repaid. One of the biggest examples of this is a home – If the debtor fails to repay his or her mortgage, the bank can take the house back to make up what it’s owed. Secured debt is generally safer, so you can sometimes afford to be less strict with your loan terms and conditions. Collection services can be more effective with secured loans, since you have a legal right to take back the collateral if the loan isn’t repaid.
 
Unsecured debt can be more difficult to collect. Credit cards are good examples of unsecured debt: the cardholder can make charges all month without paying or promising anything at the time, but when the end of the month rolls around, they have to pay. For these types of loans, you have no immediate legal right to seize the debtor’s assets if they fall behind on payments. However, you can seek your money through other means – court garnishing of wages, reporting the default to credit bureaus, and yes, hiring a collection firm. These loans often have stricter terms and higher interest rates to compensate for the increased risk. A borrower’s credit history is often requested when setting up unsecured loans.
 
When in the market for collection services, Michigan businesses look to Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers, P.C.. We have experience collecting on all types of debt, and we’ll work with you to understand the specifics of your situation. You can get started today by filling out the email form on our website, where we can answer all your questions. We offer a free strategy consultation, so contact us soon!

Can a Debtor Dispute the Debt?

Yes, a debtor can dispute the debt!

To ensure all your rights are protected, our expert bill collectors in Michigan are always available to hear your case and strategize with you. We’re happy to discuss your options!

According to Michigan law, if your debtor wants to dispute your claim, section 339.918 states:

“(2) If the consumer notifies the collection agency in writing, within 30 days after receiving the written notice, that the debt, or any portion of the debt, is disputed, collection of the debt or any disputed portion of the debt shall cease until the collection agency obtains verification of the debt and a copy of the verification or judgment is mailed to the consumer by the collection agency. Verification of the debt or any disputed portion of the debt shall include the number and amount of previously made payments and the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor, or a copy of the judgment against the debtor.

(3) The failure of a consumer to dispute the validity of a debt under this section shall not be construed as an admission of liability by the consumer.”

Our bill collectors in Michigan specialize in collection services. When you call the Muller Law Firm, your initial consultation and strategy meeting are free. We don’t think you should have to pay just to be informed of your rights. Do you? We want to make sure you’re well educated and comfortable before we take any further steps.

We can help you with in-state, out of state, and international judgment collections when the debtor’s in Michigan. Contact Michael S. Muller to get in touch with a bill collector in Michigan today! (248) 645-2440

Can a Debtor Report on a Bill Collector in Michigan?

Is your bill collector in Michigan following the law?

Is the bill collector you hired a professional, credible attorney with years of experience?

Our attorney’s and collectors at Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers have more than 50 years of experience! We’ve tracked down overdue accounts, winning many settlements for our clients along the way. We can do the same for you!

Is a client of yours not paying on a loan agreement? Did a business deal go bad? Are your client’s payments up to date for services you’ve provided? We can help! Can you imagine invoices taking care of themselves because you have a lawyer on your side that follows up with delinquent debtors?

Our Services include:

•    Commercial Debt Collection
•    Consumer Debt Collection
•    Professionals’ Debt Collection
•    Foreign Judgment Collection
•    International Debt Collection
•    Judgment Enforcement
•    Pre-Suit Collection
•    Strategy Development
•    Counterclaim Defense

Call Our Bill Collectors in Michigan Today!

If you’re a business owner, you may decide that having a debt collection law firm work on your unpaid invoices is your best choice. We specialize in commercial collections and we’re happy to discuss your options.

We can help you with in-state, out of state, and international judgment collections when the debtor’s in Michigan. Contact Michael S. Muller to get in touch with our bill collectors in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Why You Shouldn’t Waste Your Time on Making Collections. Leave it to the Experts!

Are you tired?

Are you frustrated?

Do you need a break from tracking down debtors?

As a businessman or business woman, your resources are better utilized looking for future business opportunities, not chasing down commercial collections in Michigan.

The Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms, & Myers, P.C. firm of commercial collections in Michigan have successfully represented and handled collection matters for more than 50 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients. We have the people, technology and resources to track down even some of the most difficult accounts!

A firm for commercial collections in Michigan can help you save resources, maintain relationships, and make money! With the right debt collection attorney in Michigan on your side, you’ll be giving your invoices the best chance at getting paid. What a relief you’ll feel!

If you’re struggling to collect on unpaid invoices and need help finding a solution, our experts handle in-state, out of state, and international judgments against debtors located in Michigan.  Contact Mike Muller to get in touch with our attorneys for commercial collections in Michigan at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation!

Statute of Limitations on Commercial Collections in Michigan

Are you struggling to collect on unpaid debt?

Do collection calls have you frustrated?

Is your business in jeopardy of closing due to too many clients with outstanding bills?

You need a collections firm on your side! We’ll handle your case with the professional attention it deserves and we’re well prepared to use all our options to collect your overdue debts. For over 50 years, we’ve tracked down overdue accounts, winning many settlements for our clients along the way.

According to Michigan law, “the statute of limitations, or the period of time within which legal action may be brought, in Michigan for a breach of contract is 6 years (MCL 600.5807(8)).

Once the creditor is successful in this lawsuit (which the consumer has the right to defend) the creditor has a ‘judgment.’  A judgment can be collected on for as long as 10 years from the date the judgment was entered.  A debtor must be aware that judgments may be renewed by action on the collector's behalf for an additional 10 years (MCL.600.5809 (3)).”

Receive Professional Commercial Collections in Michigan Today!

If you’re a business owner, you may decide that having a debt collection law firm work on your unpaid invoices is your best choice. We specialize in commercial collections in Michigan, and we’re happy to discuss your options.

We can help you with in-state, out of state, and international judgment collections when the debtor’s in Michigan. Contact Mike Muller to get in touch with our debt collection attorneys in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

7 Tips for Making Collection Calls

Do collection calls have you frustrated?

The Michigan debt collection attorneys at Muller Law Firm have successfully represented and handled collection matters for more than 50 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients. We have the people, technology and resources to track down even some of the most difficult accounts!

If you’re not ready to give up yet and still hung up on trying to make the collection calls yourself, Entrepreneur Magazine suggests “a few tips that will help you get your collection calls done quickly and efficiently.

1.    Schedule a regular time or day each week to make collection calls.
2.    Have all account information on hand.
3.    Leave messages, but do not reveal that the call is about an unpaid bill.
4.    Get the debtor to acknowledge the debt by asking if there was a question about the charge.
5.    Offer to take a credit card over the phone for payment.
6.    Ask when they will pay -- and wait for an answer.
7.    Let them know you are documenting whatever commitment they make about a payment on their account.”

Do these things sound doable? Give them a try!* If at the end of the day you’re worn out from people slamming the phone down on you, call the Michigan debt collection attorneys at Muller Law Firm.

We understand that financial management is one of the biggest necessities and stressors of a business owner. We’re here to help make sure you recover more of what is rightfully owed to you. Call Mike Muller today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

*Keep in mind that there may be legal restrictions on how you pursue debts. Be sure you know the law before attempting to pursue a debt yourself. This page is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice.

How Do Garnishments Work?

Struggling to receive payment after getting a judgement?

Don’t stress out! Don’t give up! There’s still more you can do to get what you’re owed.

You can file for a garnishment against the debtor. There are several ways of doing this including garnishing debtor’s checks, bank accounts, and income tax refunds.

According to Michigan statutes, “you must wait 21 days after your judgment was signed before you can get a garnishment. There are two types of garnishment: 1) periodic, and 2) non-periodic.

A periodic writ of garnishment is used to garnish the defendant's wages, rent payments, land contract payments, or other debt that is paid to the defendant on a periodic basis. A periodic garnishment is valid for up to 182 days or until the judgment, interest, and costs are paid off, whichever occurs first.

A non-periodic writ of garnishment is used to garnish the defendant's bank account (except for wages that are deposited in the account) or other property. Once money has been garnished under the non-periodic writ, the writ is no longer valid. If there is a remaining balance on the judgment, you must get another writ to collect more money.”

Call An Experienced Michigan Debt Collection Attorney Today!

If you’re a business owner, you may decide that having a debt collection law firm work on your unpaid invoices is your best choice. After a hard day’s work, you’ll be able to sit back and relax. We specialize in Michigan debt collection services, and we’re happy to discuss your options.

We can help you with in-state, out of state, and international judgment collections when the debtor’s in Michigan. Contact Mike Muller to get in touch with our Michigan debt collection attorneys today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Have a Client Who isn’t Paying? What Are Your Options?

Not sure if your client is going to pay you on time this month?

Do you have a strategy in place to go after payments?

Not having a strategy can cause you a big headache because you’ll be spending time trying to get paid, instead of doing what you're meant to do. Imagine having the ability to grow your business without having to deal with late payers or non-payers. You could hire experts to go after debtors for you. That’s where we come in!

There are many things you can do to combat debtors who aren’t paying their bills. The experienced Michigan debt collection attorneys at Muller Law Firm suggest the following:

1.    Make polite requests by phone
2.    Send clearly written letters
3.    Get promissory notes from your debtors
4.    Initiate court proceedings
5.    Seize debtors’ property as payment (where entitled to do so by law)
6.    Garnish wages (where entitled to do so by law)
7.    Place a lien on debtor’s property (where entitled to do so by law)

Are you at your wit’s end trying to collect on unpaid invoices? We can help!

Call An Experienced Michigan Debt Collection Attorney Today!

If you’re a business owner, you may decide that having a debt collection law firm work on your unpaid invoices is your best choice. That’s an area we specialize in, and we’re happy to discuss your options.

The law firm of Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers, P.C., has successfully represented and handled collection matters for more than 50 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they are dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our Michigan debt collection attorneys today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Michigan Debt Collection Attorney Explains Why Laying out the Payment Policy Up Front is Important

Do you have trouble with debtors?

Do you lay out your payment policy upfront?

If you answered, “Yes,” does letting your customers know your payment policy seem to help?

If you lay out the payment policy up front, there are no surprises for your customers. Especially if, in your policy, you require payment up front before any work is done. We’ve found that withholding work until payment is made can be a good strategy to keep your customers from becoming your debtors.

It’s not always a good thing to have good faith and assume your clients will be honorable and honest. Having a huge heart and caring about something is good, but not when it causes people to take advantage of you.

If this sounds familiar, you may need to make a change now and create a “payment is due up front” policy. This may make the process of collecting payments go a little smoother. Imagine not having to call your debtors each time they miss a payment!

Call An Experienced Michigan Debt Collection Attorney Today!

If you’re a business owner, you may decide that having a debt collection law firm work on your unpaid invoices is your best choice. That’s an area we specialize in, and we’re happy to discuss your options.

We can help you in in-state, out of state, and international judgment collection in Michigan. Contact our Michigan debt collection attorney’s today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Collecting On Invoices Can Be One of the Hardest Things You’ll Do

Are your business profits lower than you’d like?

Do collection calls get you frustrated?

Do you have a system in place for collecting on invoices, that doesn’t work as well as you’d like?

The debt collection attorneys in Michigan at Muller Law Firm have successfully represented and handled collection matters for more than 50 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients. We have the people, technology and resources to track down even some of the most difficult accounts!

We understand that financial management is one of the biggest necessities and stressors of a business owner. We’re here to help make sure you recover more of what is rightfully owed to you.
If all else fails, you may decide that having a debt collection law firm work on your unpaid invoices is your best option. That’s an area we specialize in, and we’re happy to discuss your options.

We can help you in in-state, out of state, and international judgment collections and enforcement. Contact our Michigan debt collection attorneys today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

What You Must Know About Creditors Lien Rights

Are you wondering what your rights are as a creditor in trying to get debtors to pay outstanding bills?

It’s not hopeless, as some may think. As a debt collection firm in Michigan that’s been in business over 50 years, we’ve seen our fair share of cases. We have a great success rate obtaining claims for our clients.

Photo credit: Anna Langova

Wouldn’t you love never again have to have the hassle of making collection calls? It can be tough to get your debtors on the phone. Instead, let us do the hard work for you!

There are several things you can do to get money you are owed, such as a property or judgment lien to satisfy debts. Typically, a creditor will obtain property liens only in limited circumstances. However, creditors may obtain judgment liens when a lawsuit is filed against a debtor for an outstanding debt.

How to File a Property Lien:

When a debtor volunteers a property lien arrangement – the creditor may take action to repossess or foreclose on the property a debtor pledged as a security interest. The creditor must perfect the property lien. State law typically requires the creditor to "perfect" the property lien by recording it with the state. The creditor must remove this lien once a debtor pays the corresponding debt in full.”

Our Michigan debt collection attorneys at Muller Law can help you contact the debtor to arrive upon a plan to get the debt paid off. A property lien may be one of those options.

How to File a Judgement Lien:

The creditor first obtains a judgment against a debtor. The creditor records the lien in the county where the debtor or the property resides and attaches the judgment as proof of the creditor’s entitlement to the lien.”

If you’d like to file a judgement lien against a debtor, our debt collection attorneys can help you do just that. We work hard to achieve results and utilize a variety of methods to ensure that our clients recover what’s owed to them.

Call An Experienced Michigan Debt Collection Attorney Today!

If you’re a business owner, you may decide that having a debt collection law firm work on your unpaid invoices is your best choice. That’s an area we specialize in, and we’re happy to discuss your options.

We can help you in in-state, out of state, and international judgment collection
 enforcement. Contact our Michigan debt collection attorneys today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

When to Turn Your Account Over to a Michigan Debt Collection Attorney

You know you need to take the next step with an account, but making collections is a daunting prospect. Why not leave it to the experts?

Muller Law Firm can help with debt collection!

Our experienced debt collection attorneys can help you whether you are just in the process of starting an action, or still pursuing collection.

When You’re Wasting Your Valuable Time…

Your time is important to you, and you shouldn’t waste it trying to track down a debtor. The technology and resources needed to find an account is difficult and a long process. Let the professionals handle it for you, and get better results!

When a Debtor Isn’t Responding…

Traditionally, a debtor will receive many, many letters from collection agencies about their debt. The majority of these letters will be ignored, but a letter from an attorney threatening legal action will usually provoke a debtor to respond and take action. A legal representative will ensure that your letters to a debtor get a fast response.

When You’re Not Sure of Your Next Step…

You should call a debt collection attorney if you’re not sure about what your next step should be. An experienced attorney will put together a strategy that will get you the most out of your suit.

Your Result-Oriented Lawyers: More Than 50 Years of Credit and Collections Experience…

The law firm of Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers, P.C., has successfully represented and handled collection matters for more than 50 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they are dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome.

When Can the Creditor Pull a Consumers Credit Report?

Are you frustrated with consumers who fail to pay their bills on time? 

Does your business run a credit report on a consumer before a purchase is final?

Do you need a solution to your customers failing to pay on time?

Are you looking for a law firm that specializes in commercial collections in Michigan?

Muller Law Firm is a commercial collections firm in Michigan. We protect the rights of creditors in many different types of industries including manufacturing, financial services, insurance, advertising, information technology, communications, and more. Our commercial collections attorneys have handled cases involving delinquent accounts of all types, breach of contract, damage claims, accounts receivable collections for all industries, including deficiency balances, checks, liens and property damage. 

If you have a client that falls into any of the above categories that we file claims on, you may be wondering if we can run your debtor’s credit report. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, creditors’ are allowed to pull a consumers credit report for any of the following reasons stated in 15 USC § 1681 et seq:

(a)  In general, any consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report under the following circumstances and no other:

(1) In response to the order of a court having jurisdiction to issue such an order, or a subpoena issued in connection with proceedings before a Federal grand jury.

(2) In accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates.

            (3)To a person which it has reason to believe

(A) intends to use the information in connection with a credit transaction involving the consumer on whom the information is to be furnished and involving the extension of credit to, or review or collection of an account of, the consumer; or

(B) intends to use the information for employment purposes; or

(C) intends to use the information in connection with the underwriting of insurance involving the consumer; or

(D) intends to use the information in connection with a determination of the consumer’s eligibility for a license or other benefit granted by a governmental instrumentality required by law to consider an applicant’s financial responsibility or status; or

(E) intends to use the information, as a potential investor or servicer, or current insurer, in connection with a valuation of, or an assessment of the credit or prepayment risks associated with, an existing credit obligation; or

(F) otherwise has a legitimate business need for the information

(i) in connection with a business transaction that is initiated by the consumer; or

(ii) to review an account to determine whether the consumer

continues to meet the terms of the account.

(G) executive departments and agencies in connection with the issuance of government-sponsored individually-billed travel charge cards.

If you’re a business owner, you may decide that having a commercial collection law firm work on your unpaid invoices is your best choice. That’s an area we specialize in, and we’re happy to discuss your options. 

Are you worried you may have to shut down your business due to unpaid invoices? We can help you in in-state, out of state, and international judgment collections and enforcement. Contact our Michigan commercial collection attorneys today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.