Showing posts with label Michigan debt collection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michigan debt collection. Show all posts

Thursday, May 15, 2025

What is a Receivership?

Debt Collection Michigan, Michigan Debt Collection
Is your debtor claiming that their assets are under a receivership?

Although less common than bankruptcy, you may encounter situations where your debtor’s assets are under receivership. A receivership is set up to protect a debtor’s assets for a specific purpose, such as during the course of a foreclosure. The creditor may ask the court to appoint a receiver to protect its interest in the debtor’s assets (for example, in a foreclosure, the assets would include the land, buildings, fixtures, etc.) until the action is resolved.

In appointing a receiver, the court accepts the creditor’s argument that the debtor can’t be trusted to preserve and maintain the value of its assets until the legal proceedings are over. The court then appoints an independent person, the “receiver,” to receive the debtor’s assets on behalf of the court and to exercise possession and control of the assets until the court ends the receivership.


Struggling to Collect Debt in Michigan?


Are you struggling with an uncommunicative debtor?

Take the burden off your shoulders and give it to our Michigan debt collection experts. Muller attorneys can help you from start to finish! To get started or ask questions, call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form.

Friday, May 2, 2025

Where to Find Bankruptcy Records

Debt Collection Michigan, Michigan Debt Collection
It’s your right to follow your debtor’s bankruptcy case. Do you know where to look for info? 

Set up an account with the federal bankruptcy court through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s website: www.uscourts.gov. Click “Electronic access to courts,” and follow the instructions to set up a PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) account. Access to court records through PACER is simple, fast, and cheap, and allows you to easily determine if a bankruptcy was filed and its current status. In less than five minutes, you can log in and learn about any bankruptcy filing. Use the notice from the bankruptcy court, or ask your debtor what name was used for the bankruptcy and what case number it was assigned. PACER will give you the rest.

Similarly, bankruptcies are tracked by internet credit report providers such as Accurint (www.accurint.com) and Autotrack (www.autotrack.com), and may appear in their reports. Although they charge fees, setting up an account with either company will give you access to a great deal of information.


Struggling to Collect Debt in Michigan?


Are you struggling with an uncommunicative debtor?

Take the burden off your shoulders and give it to our Michigan debt collection experts. Muller attorneys can help you from start to finish! To get started or ask questions, call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form.

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Writing a Demand Letter

Debt Collection Michigan, Michigan Debt Collection
How do you craft a demand letter to your debtor?

It may vary depending on the situation, but here are a few pointers you can always count on:

Demand letters should be personal; that is, they should be directed to a specific person and personally signed. Whenever possible, identify a person in the debtor’s company who has the authority to pay you, and send your letter directly to that person; sending letters to the wrong people doesn’t get you anywhere. If your demand letter looks like a form letter or isn’t directed to a real person, it will be treated like a form letter (thrown in the garbage). “To whom it may concern”? If your debtor doesn’t want to pay, nobody’s concerned (except you).


Take Care of Debtor Communication with Michigan Debt Collection Services


When you use our Michigan-based debt collection services, you don’t have to worry about doing all the communication yourself. We take care of it for you! To get started or ask questions, call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Intro to Communicating with Debtors

Michigan Debt Collection, Debt Collection Michigan
How do you remind a debtor to pay without making them angry?

Effective communication with debtors is hard work. It involves both the art of persuasion and a creative imagination. Think about it: who really wants to pay a debt? Obstinate debtors are a tough audience, yet your job is to persuade them to pay up. So how do you draw your debtor’s attention to your past-due bill and create the desired sense of urgency?

Your demand letter should convey in the clearest possible way that the bill must be paid. The initial demand letter should come across as a friendly reminder so you maintain customer goodwill, and at the same time help you get paid. Remember to make it easy for your debtor to reach you. Include the name and phone number or email address of a contact person at your company so any questions or comments can be easily raised by the debtor and quickly addressed by your company.


Take Care of Debtor Communication with Michigan Debt Collection Services


When you use our Michigan-based debt collection services, you don’t have to worry about doing all the communication yourself. We take care of it for you! To get started or ask questions, call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Entering a Contract with Your Collector

Debt Collection Michigan, Michigan Debt Collection
What kinds of things do you need to agree on with a collections professional?

You want to make sure you have written contracts with your collections professionals. You may enter into contracts on a claim-by-claim basis, or you may sign a contract that defines an overall relationship with your professional, perhaps to be renewed annually. Your contract should include provisions detailing what services you’re using and what they cost so that both you and your professional know exactly where you stand before your relationship begins.

The collection industry is highly competitive, and you can expect competitive rates. You may agree to pay professionals by the service, by the hour, or on a contingency basis, where their fee is a percentage of the amount they recover.


Need Debt Collection Help in Michigan?


Our firm has you covered!

If you’re frustrated with a lack of action from your debtor, our lawyers can help you with debt collection in Michigan. If you have questions about any part of the collection process, or if you’re ready to place a claim, call us at (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here.

Sunday, December 1, 2024

The Basics of Contingency Fees

Debt Collection Michigan, Michigan Debt Collection
What is a contingency fee?

When you enter a contract with a debt collection professional, there may be a contingency fee agreement. A contingency fee is money that a lawyer only gets if your case is won. A contingency fee agreement should describe:

  • When and how amounts recovered are to be remitted: For example, your agreement may require that payments by check be remitted when the debtor’s check clears the bank, or, for a certified check, immediately upon receipt. If the service is collecting multiple accounts, you may choose to schedule payments of remittances (e.g. biweekly or monthly) rather than separate payments for each remittance.
  • Costs chargeable to you: If the debt collector charges costs in addition to the contingency fee, the contract should describe what costs may be charged and provide a proper accounting to you. For cases that go to court, expect to pay certain litigation costs like filing fees, deposition fees, and subpoena and witness fees.
  • How remittances will be paid: Will your service pay you by electronic transfer, or by ordinary checks delivered by mail or overnight courier?

Before you hire a collections professional, figure out what services you actually need and what each service costs. You can make adjustments as you proceed, but you can avoid unnecessary sticker shock by paying attention to these details before you sign on the dotted line.


Need Debt Collection Help in Michigan?


Our firm has you covered!

If you’re frustrated with a lack of action from your debtor, our lawyers can help you with debt collection in Michigan. If you have questions about any part of the collection process, or if you’re ready to place a claim, call us at (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Staying Professional when Calling Debtors

Debt Collection Michigan, Michigan Debt Collection
What’s appropriate to say to a debtor when trying to collect?

When you’re trying to collect money, positive comments and professionalism can go a long way. Particularly for consumer debts, you need to be careful about legal restrictions on when and how you make contact. For example:

  • Don’t say you’re going to sue the debtor if you don’t actually intend to file a lawsuit if you don’t receive payment. 
  • Don’t talk to third parties about the debtor’s account.
  • Don’t threaten or harass a debtor.
  • Don’t try to collect debts directly from a debtor who has just filed bankruptcy (see last month’s article).
  • Don’t threaten debtors with criminal charges if they don’t pay the debt.
  • Don’t contact debtors directly if you know they’re represented by a lawyer in relation to the debt you’re collecting.

The FDCPA and other consumer laws limit the times of day for collections calls, limit the number of times a call may be placed, restrict the people who can be contacted about a debt, restrict what you can do if you’re asked not to call again, and the list goes on. Mistakes can get you sued.


Learn More from a Trusted Michigan Debt Collection Expert


Have questions about Michigan debt collection, or ready to file a claim? Reach out to the Mullers at (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here. If you need a second opinion, check out reviews from our clients!

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Contacting Debtors via Phone

Debt Collection Michigan, Michigan Debt Collection
What’s the best way to get ahold of a debtor?

Although many technologies exist for instant communication, the telephone is still one of the best. A phone call gives you direct and instant communication with no gaps in time. If you reach the desired person on the other end, they can’t complain about missing messages or e-mails. 

Used properly, the telephone can get you paid in many instances where other forms of communication may not. It’s not just a matter of timing. The manner in which you represent yourself and your company can make a big difference in whether your collection call succeeds or fails.

Perfecting Your Telephone Voice

Develop a “telephone voice” that is a bit slower, lower, and louder than your normal voice. This isn’t to be exaggerated. Your telephone voice helps you pace the conversation while allowing your debtor to clearly hear every word you say.

Getting the Correct Person on the Line

The person who answers the phone may not be the person you want to speak with. Use your credit application or other information from your credit file to ask for a specific person who you know has the authority to pay you. When you’ve reached the point of making collection calls, you only want to speak with a person you know to have the actual authority to write a check and put it in the mail right now. After the right person is on the phone, give your name and the name of your business and make a specific request for money.


Learn More from a Trusted Michigan Debt Collection Expert


Have questions about Michigan debt collection, or ready to file a claim? Reach out to the Mullers at (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here. If you need a second opinion, check out reviews from our clients!

Friday, January 13, 2023

When to Hire Debt Collection Professionals

What kind of debt collection professional should you hire?

Two people shaking hands | Debt collection Michigan

What should you expect from them?

Before you hire a professional, you must determine what services you need. Professionals come in all shapes and sizes, and they offer a laundry list of services to assist your credit and collection operations. 

Here are some services debt collection professionals can provide:

Billing Services and Early-In Collection Services – These services help you at the beginning of the credit process, from the time you provide your goods or services, long before any delinquencies occur. Why hire a professional so early? You may prefer to use an outside service instead of hiring and managing your own credit personnel, or you may prefer to maintain a small, in-house staff while the outside company provides the backup you need as your workload ebbs and flows.

Skip Tracing – It’s becoming easier for people and even businesses to move around without leaving much evidence as to where they’ve gone. Phone numbers may remain the same, regardless of where the debtor is located. When your debtors disappear, professionals can often find them and their assets.

Learn other services collection professionals can provide!

Looking for Debt Collection in Michigan?

Since 1961, our top-rated lawyers have been dedicated to debt collection in Michigan! At Muller, Muller, Richmond, & Harms, P.C., our debt collectors specialize in pre-suit collection, litigation, and judgement enforcement.

Let our experts handle all the work for you! Fill out the information form on our “Contact Us” page, or give us a call at 248-645-2440, to ask questions and figure out your next steps. Don’t let the money owed to you go away – get started today! We look forward to hearing from you!

Monday, January 2, 2023

How Can Debt Collectors Help?

Are your customers becoming debtors?

People shaking hands | Debt collection Michigan

Is it time you got help with debt collection in Michigan?

Collection law firms are ready and willing to help you with billing, tracking down debtors that have gone missing, finding assets, and other credit and collection needs. Whether you have a problem with a small number of accounts or most or all of your accounts receivable, you can find professionals capable of serving your needs. 

Learn how debt collectors can help!

Looking for Debt Collection in Michigan?

Since 1961, our top-rated lawyers have been dedicated to debt collection in Michigan! At Muller, Muller, Richmond, & Harms, P.C., our debt collectors specialize in pre-suit collection, litigation, and judgement enforcement.

Let our experts handle all the work for you! Fill out the information form on our “Contact Us” page, or give us a call at 248-645-2440, to ask questions and figure out your next steps. Don’t let the money owed to you go away – get started today! We look forward to hearing from you!

Friday, April 15, 2022

How to Listen to Your Debtor and Create Solutions

Is your debtor coming up with excuses?

You’ll hear all sorts of reasons why a customer hasn’t paid, including illness, injury to a key employee, a sudden downturn of business, and the debtor’s inability to collect their own receivables. In your collection calls, take the role of the problem solver and even make polite suggestions, such as: “I understand you’ve had some serious challenges, and I’ll work with you as much as I can. Can we arrange for at least half of this outstanding bill to be paid today with the remaining half in 30 days?” Your willingness to sympathize or bend the rules a bit in some, but not all, occasions can result in payment. 

Whatever the reason for nonpayment, check your notes. If the debtor has used similar excuses in the past, but you didn’t get paid promptly, you need to reconsider your extension of credit. Remind your customer: “I’ve heard that one before, we worked through it, and you still didn’t meet your commitment of payment.”

Hopefully the dispute is minor and can be resolved quickly in the first telephone call, so the entire bill can then be paid. Whatever the dispute, if it applies to only a portion of the debt, seek a commitment for payment of the undisputed amount before concluding the conversation.

Learn how to manage a phone call with your debtor.

Debt Collections in Michigan: We Fight for Your Creditors’ Rights!

Have you tried these call tactics and are still struggling with nonpayment?

Don’t let the stress of trying to contact and get results from a debtor weigh you down any longer! Contact our experienced collection firm to speak with an attorney about debt collections in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for an immediate resolution to your collection matters. We look forward to hearing from you!

Friday, April 1, 2022

Commons Problems You May Encounter with Debtors

Are calls with your debtors difficult?

Do you find it hard to reach a resolution with slow payors or no payors?

During collection calls, you need to maintain control over the conversation, but simultaneously listen carefully to what the debtor is saying. If the debtor is asking for more time, you should remain firm while encouraging prompt payment.

If the debtor raises a dispute, you need to pay close attention and make careful notes of the exact nature of their complaints. Try to hone in on the specifics of the dispute and figure out how you can address them.

Be prepared for the unexpected. Common problems include:

  • Surprise on their end: You’re speaking with a representative of the debtor who isn’t familiar with the fact that the account is past due. Find out if you can speak to someone else, or offer to send over a statement of account or other helpful documents.
  • Lack of documentation: Sometimes what can sound like stalling or a poor excuse turns out to be bad record keeping, and the person paying the bills lacks key documents. Getting paid may be as simple as providing your billing address or furnishing another copy of the statement or invoice.

See more common problems.

Debt Collections in Michigan: We Fight for Your Creditors’ Rights!

Have you tried these call tactics and are still struggling with nonpayment?

Don’t let the stress of trying to contact and get results from a debtor weigh you down any longer! Contact our experienced collection firm to speak with an attorney about debt collections in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for an immediate resolution to your collection matters. We look forward to hearing from you!

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

How to Successfully Seize Your Debtor’s Assets

Business women smiling | Debt collection Michigan

If you know about your debtor’s assets, like inventory, equipment, vehicles, watercraft, or other personal or real property, you can ask the court to issue a writ to attach property, sometimes referred to as a writ of execution or a writ to seize property.

We can help you form a successful debt collection strategy for seizing your debtor’s property. Most states require that you use writs to attach property against personal property first and real property second. Certain types of property are exempt from execution. For example, a home owned by both a husband and wife would typically prevent attachment unless your judgment is against both of them.

Learn more about the process of seizing assets!

Take the First Step! Contact an Attorney for Debt Recovery in Michigan Today!

If you need the help of an attorney for debt collection in Michigan your first step is easy! Fill out the information form on our “Contact Us” page, or give us a call at 248-645-2440, to ask questions and figure out your next steps. We offer a free consultation and strategy meeting, no fees unless you win! Don’t let the money owed to you go away – get started today! We look forward to hearing from you.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

How Does the Process Work for Seizing Assets?

Man smiling on phone | Debt collection Michigan
 You complete a writ to seize property, the court formally issues the writ, and the writ is then given to a court officer or deputy sheriff. After that, the following happens:
  • The officer contacts the debtor to see if the judgment can be paid without the need of a levy on assets, or the officer levies on assets to impress upon the debtor the importance of paying the judgment.
  • If the officer levies on the debtor’s assets, the assets are transported to another location for safe storage for a minimum of ten days. If many items are seized, such as the inventory of a business, the officer must inventory them and organize them for sale.
  • During the time the items are in storage, the debtor may redeem the assets by paying the full judgement, plus expenses and accumulated interest.
  • If the debtor fails to redeem the assets, the levied items are sold at a public auction. 
  • The levied items are sold, and the officer pays all costs and expenses associated with the proceeds from the sale.

Learn more about seizing assets!

Take the First Step! Contact an Attorney for Debt Recovery in Michigan Today!

If you need the help of an attorney for debt collection in Michigan your first step is easy! Fill out the information form on our “Contact Us” page, or give us a call at 248-645-2440, to ask questions and figure out your next steps. We offer a free consultation and strategy meeting, no fees unless you win! Don’t let the money owed to you go away – get started today! We look forward to hearing from you.

Monday, February 1, 2021

Simple Steps to Minimize the Impact of NSF Checks

debt collection Michigan


Did you receive a check that bounced?

Were there nonsufficient funds?


How can you minimize the impact of nonsufficient fund checks?


With a few simple steps you can minimize the incidence and impact of NSF checks and the associated “bad check” fee from your bank. Follow these rules:

  1. Deposit checks as soon as they arrive
  2. Anticipate NSF checks
  3. Know your customer 

Learn more here!


Take the First Step! Contact an Attorney for Debt Recovery in Michigan Today!


If you need the help of an attorney for debt collection in Michigan your first step is easy! Fill out the information form on our “Contact Us” page, or give us a call at 248-645-2440, to ask questions and figure out your next steps. We offer a free consultation and strategy meeting, no fees unless you win! Don’t let the money owed to you go away – get started today! We look forward to hearing from you.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Serving the Suit on a Hiding Defendant

debt collection Michigan


What happens if you can’t get your defendant served? Does your defendant fail to sign for certified letters? Does mail comes back marked “return to sender” (or “address unknown,” or “no such number”)?

If your process server can’t find the defendant, do you have to get the documents served in order to move forward?


There is another way! Find out here!


Take the First Step! Contact an Attorney for Debt Recovery in Michigan Today!


If you need the help of an attorney for debt collection in Michigan your first step is easy! Fill out the information form on our “Contact Us” page, or give us a call at 248-645-2440, to ask questions and figure out your next steps. We offer a free consultation and strategy meeting, no fees unless you win! Don’t let the money owed to you go away – get started today! We look forward to hearing from you.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Determining When to Garnish and How

debt Collection Michigan

When should I start garnishing by debtor’s wages?

Which accounts should I garnish?


How do you figure out what to garnish?


Contact a debt collection attorney today to help you answer all your questions. If you need help with your debt collection strategy, we can help you develop and strategize a plan to get what you’re owed.


We Specialize in Debt Collection in Michigan!

At Muller, Muller, Richmond, & Harms, P.C., our attorneys specialize in debt collection in Michigan. We can help you build a strategy customized to fit your business needs. We want to ensure you receive the best possible outcome in pursuing your case. 

Since 1961, our top-rated lawyers have been dedicated to professionally and aggressively pursuing the money you’re owed in a straightforward, ethical manner. With offices in Birmingham and Grand Rapids, we handle claims against debtors located in Michigan, even if you are located out of state or out of the country.

Call us at 248-645-2440 for a free initial consultation and strategy meeting!

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Is Garnishing the Best Course of Action?

debt collection Michigan

Timing is everything! You should try to time the service of a garnishment to maximize your chances of recovering money.

Learn more here!


Debt Collection in Michigan: Get Started Today!


When you hire one of our attorneys to take your debt collection in Michigan case, we’ll ease your stress by developing a strategy that works best for your unique needs. An in-depth analysis and investigation of the facts will help us determine your options. Call us at 248-645-2440 for a free initial consultation and strategy meeting!

Friday, August 14, 2020

What are some steps for collecting a debt from the
deceased's estate?

debt collection Michigan Conventional pre-and post-judgment remedies are no longer effective after a debtor dies. For example, if you garnished a bank account or the income of your debtor who died, your garnishment will become ineffective because the assets have either passed to an heir (done automatically with joint accounts) or the probate court now has all the assets. Assets pass to heirs or the probate court upon death.

You must file necessary paperwork to file a claim on a deceased debtor’s estate. Learn more here!

Get Started Today!


When you hire one of our attorneys to take your case on debt collection in Michigan, we’ll ease your stress by developing a strategy that works best for your unique case. An in-depth analysis and investigation of the facts will help us determine your options. Call us at 248-645-2440 for a free initial consultation and strategy meeting!

Saturday, August 1, 2020

Can I File a Claim Against the Deceased Debtor’s Estate?

debt collection Michigan
Yes. When an individual who owes you money dies, you should follow up for collection. You do this by filing a proof of claim with the person’s probate estate in the probate court of the county where the debtor resided. Check with the probate court where the estate was filed, as it may have a standard claim form for creditor’s claims.

Learn more here!

Take the First Step! Contact an Attorney for Debt Collection in Michigan Today!


If you need the help of an attorney for debt collection in Michigan your first step is easy! Fill out the information form on our “Contact Us” page, or give us a call at 248-645-2440, to ask questions and figure out your next steps. We offer a free consultation and strategy meeting, no fees unless you win! Don’t let the money owed to you go away – get started today! We look forward to hearing from you.