Intro to Contracts

Are you familiar with the basics of entering a contract?

The five essential elements to a contract are offer, acceptance, consideration, mutuality, and legality. The process of negotiating a contract starts with the offer, an invitation to enter into a binding contract. The person making the offer is the offeror, and the person receiving the offer is the offeree. 

The contract process starts when the offeror makes an offer to the offeree. Each party offers consideration for the deal, value that supports their promises. If the offeree accepts the offer, the parties mutually agree to the terms of the deal, and if the subject matter of the contract is legal, you have a contract.

“Acceptance” occurs when the offeree states either that the offer is accepted or takes action that indicates acceptance. Typically, you want to accept in an unambiguous manner. If you want to accept an offer but you’re unsure how to do so, simply use the same mode of communication that was used to convey the offer. For example, if the offer came by mail, accept with a letter.

The offeror may limit the amount of time the offer is open. If no time limit is set, the offeree has a reasonable time to accept. An offer usually can be withdrawn (“revoked”) at any time before it’s accepted. Here are two common exceptions:

1. Contractual limitations: your contract requires you to keep the offer open. For example, the offeree pays to keep the offer open for a specified time.
2. Legal restrictions: the law requires you to keep the offer open. For example, certain restrictions are imposed on merchants under the Uniform Commercial Code. 

Need Help with Michigan Debt Collections?

Since 1961, our top-rated lawyers have been dedicated to ethically pursuing the money you’re owed. Our law firm can handle your debt collections in Michigan, even if you are located outside the state or country. Call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form for an efficient resolution to your collection matters.

Determining When to Garnish and How

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!

Is Garnishing the Best Course of Action?

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!

What You Need to Know About Foreign Judgment Recognition Laws

Trying to track a debtor across state lines?

Are you having a hard time collecting on a judgment?

Do you think they moved away to avoid payment?

States are obligated to recognize judgments obtained in other states under the Full Faith and Credit provisions of the U.S. Constitution. Most states have foreign judgment recognition laws to facilitate enforcement of international judgments.

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.

How to Create a Solid Plan for Successful Seizures

Given the cost of execution and the chance of being stuck with the bill, it makes sense to have a solid plan in mind before you initiate the process. First, you want to be sure that your debtor has enough assets to cover the cost of this process, and ideally, to also cover most or all of the amount owed on the judgment.

Start by gathering accurate and specific information that a court officer or deputy sheriff can use by:

1. Creating a list of assets owned by your debtor.
2. Double-checking your files to make sure the information on your list is accurate.
3. Preparing a cover letter containing that information is for the benefit of your officer.

Have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact an attorney for debt collection in Michigan at Muller Law Firm.

Call Experienced Attorneys for Debt Collection in Michigan Today!

If you’re a business owner, you may decide 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.

Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our attorneys for debt collection in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

How to Make Your Testimony Powerful

Are you worried about going to trial?

Do you know what to expect?

Are you wondering how you can strengthen your testimony?

Testifying at a trial can be a nerve-wracking experience. As with everything else in trial, the number one key to success is preparation. With a few simple steps, you can make your testimony even more powerful. Learn more here!

Call Experienced Attorneys for Debt Collection in Michigan Today!

If you’re a business owner, you may decide 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.

Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our attorneys for debt collection in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Know What to Expect When It Comes to Going to Trial

Are you prepared to go to court?

Do you know what to expect?

Did you file all the necessary paperwork?

Know the expectations of court, particularly if you’re in a regular trial court. A regular trial court may expect you to file a lot of documents:

• You’ll likely have to file witness and exhibit lists and other documents well before trial.
• The court may request a trial brief – a summary of the facts of your case and the law you intend to rely on in court.
• After a bench trial, the court may ask you to submit findings of facts and conclusions of law, describing that conclusions you want the court to reach regarding what happened and why your side should win under the law.

Call Experienced Attorneys for Debt Collection 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. That’s an area we specialize in, and we’re happy to discuss your options.

Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our attorneys for debt collection in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Bench Trial v. Jury Trial

Having trouble settling a case?

Is your case going to trial?

If your case doesn’t settle, the judge sets it for trial. Your trial can take one of two forms:

Bench trial: You try the case before a judge alone. All arguments are addressed to the judge, who makes all decisions, both of law and fact. At the conclusion of the case, the judge makes a decision, often supported by a document formally reciting their findings of fact and conclusions of law. A bench trial is also called a non-jury trial.

Jury trial: In a jury trial, the judge decides questions of law, such as deciding the parties’ motions and resolving objections to questions or evidence, and instructs the jury about what the law means. The jury decides the facts and, at the end of the trial, renders a decision.

Call Experienced Attorneys for Debt Collection 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. That’s an area we specialize in, and we’re happy to discuss your options.

Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our attorneys for debt collection in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Should You Be Setting Tighter Controls on New Customers?

It’s not a bad idea. If you want to protect yourself and your business, it may be worth trying to tighten controls on your customers. However, you don’t want to tighten the reigns too firm! You don’t want to upset new customers.

To protect yourself, you may choose to adopt some of the following controls:

• Put the customer on a short leash, such as a 15-day watch list, so you detect a slowdown in payments almost immediately.
• Be ready to turn off the credit faucet: no credit if no payment.
• Hold up further deliveries of your goods or services until the customer pays his late invoices.
• Get additional assurance of payment, such as liens, guarantees, and promissory notes.

Attorneys for Debt Collection in Michigan Fight for Your Creditors’ Rights!

If you’re a business owner, you should be spending your time conducting business rather than chasing down debts. Contact our experienced attorneys for debt collection in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a resolution to your collection matters. Let the experts worry so you have more time to focus on growing your business.

Want to Tighten Controls on New Customers? Here’s How!

Are you finding it challenging to get new customers to pay on-time?

When you first extend credit, your new customer knows he’s being monitored. For that reason, in most cases he’ll pay the first few invoices on time. After that point, some customers decide that they can relax and pay less promptly because they’ve already earned your respect and are no longer under the microscope.

Get some tips to tighten controls on your newest customers here!

Call Experienced Attorneys for Debt Collection in Michigan Now!

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.

Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our attorneys for debt collection in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Take What You Can Get!

In today’s world, getting something is better than nothing, and taking less than you show on your ledger is not a sign of weakness. Indeed, when debtors are unable or unwilling to pay you in full, negotiating is a sign of business maturity. Even when there’s no dispute as to the amount owed, negotiation can help you get paid by a debtor who has little money to disburse among numerous creditors before that cash runs out.

Call Experienced Attorneys for Debt Collection in Michigan Now!

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.

Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our attorneys for debt collection in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Judgment Enforcement and Renewal

Are you having a hard time collecting payment from your debtors?

How can you enforce a judgement?

Are you allowed to renew your claim?

According to the Credit & Collections Kit for Dummies, written by Steven A. Harms, former senior partner at Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms, & Myers, P.C., “a lot of people believe that if they get a judgment from the court, their debtor must promptly pay you in full. In many cases, it isn’t over by a long shot.”

Watch out for debtors who try to persuade you to set aside your hard-earned judgment in exchange for a written promise to pay the balance. They probably have no intention to pay back what’s owed. You’re going to have to work much harder to get paid, perhaps including obtaining a writ of seizure, seizing their assets and selling them off to bank the proceeds.

Debtor Still Hasn’t Paid? How Do You Renew a Debt?

The easiest way to renew a debt is to obtain a partial payment on the account before the statute of limitations run out. In Michigan, a partial payment starts the statute all over again as of the date of payment. For example, if the statute of limitations is four years, if three years and eleven months have passed and you convince a debtor to make a payment on the account, the payment starts the time to sue all over again. You have four more years to sue for the debt! Great loophole! 

Not sure where to start in your debt collection process? Contact an experienced attorney for debt collection in Michigan today. At Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers, P.C., we can help you reach your business goals!

File For Debt Collection 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. 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 56 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they are dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our firm to speak with a lawyer about your needs for debt collection in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

How to Negotiate a Payment Agreement!

Are you having trouble negotiating a payment agreement?

Does setting up a payment plan make sense?

Is your case becoming too difficult or too time consuming to handle yourself?

The key to negotiating a payment agreement is to ensure that things work out for both parties involved. However, just because your debtor agrees to pay doesn’t mean that they won’t need plenty of hand holding along the way. Remind your debtor to honor the deal!

According to Steven A. Harms, former senior partner with at Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms, & Myers, P.C., “After you set up a plan where the debtor is to pay off the account in installments, you should closely monitor the account, watching for any sign that the debtor is falling behind again. After the payment plan is in effect, remind the debtor that you expect all installments to be paid on time.”

Ensure payments arrive on time by:

• Sending statements to your debtor in advance of each payment due date.
• Place reminder telephone calls.
• Call a debt collection attorney in Michigan to step up to your A game!

Let the debt collection attorneys in Michigan help you negotiate payment terms. The Muller Law Firm has been a successful collection law firm in Michigan for more than 56 years. This is possible because our experienced and qualified attorneys work hard to get results for you. Not only do we listen to our clients concerns, but we also help each of our clients figure out an effective strategy to collect their receivables.

Call Experienced Debt Collection Attorneys in Michigan Now!

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.

Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our debt collection attorneys in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Post Judgment Costs: Are They Worth It?

Are you afraid of what filing a judgment could cost you?

Will it be worth what you end up paying?

Would it be better to just forget the debt?

There’s no need to worry when you have professional debt collection attorneys in Michigan on your side. Besides signing some paperwork, there’s very little else that you need to do. 

Post-judgment costs can vary depending on litigation, counterclaims, and how vigorously your debtor fights your claim. 

For cases that go to court, expect to pay certain litigation costs like filing fees, deposition fees, and subpoena and witness fees.

However, good sense dictates that your costs of collection should never exceed the receivable’s value. Why should you spend $100 to collect $50? Is it worth it to you? That’s something you have to decide for yourself.

Call Our Experienced Debt Collection Attorneys in Michigan Now!

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 56 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our debt collection attorneys in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Bad Check Laws in Michigan!

Are your clients writing bad checks?

Are you having a hard time balancing your books?

Do you need a collection attorney to go after your bad checks?

Did you know that in the state of Michigan, writing a bad check greater than $50 is a felony? Also, that any check that bounces less than $50 is considered a misdemeanor in the state?

In addition to criminal fines and penalties, the check writer may be forced to cover civil damages. Since the Michigan law was last changed, the state now allows the victim to sue for damages. The victim must first request a payment from the offender by a set due date. If the offender neglects to pay reparations, the victim can sue for the entire amount of damages and the original bad check. Damages can include as much as double the amount of the original check.

For criminal penalties, a debtor may have to pay up to $250 in fines and serve six months in jail or pay a $500 fine and serve one year in jail depending on the severity of the offense.

If it turns out you need help collecting from your debtors, know that help isn’t far away! At Muller Law Firm we can help you strategize, and get results!

Call An Experienced Debt Collection Attorney in Michigan Now!

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 55 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our debt collection attorneys in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

“If Someone Owes Me Money and Refuses to Pay it, What Should I Do?”

Does someone in Michigan owe you money?

What should you do?

There are many common sense strategies to help you collect on money you’re owed. To help you organize your thoughts as you consider how to enforce a debt, please review this handy list:

1. Start by simply asking for the money you’re owed.
2. Discuss alternate forms of payment.
3. Convey a sense of urgency and include consequences for their failure to pay.
4. Continue trying to escalate your collection activities. If you can’t reach a resolution, it may be time to contact a debt collection attorney in Michigan.
5. If the amount owed is within the small claims limit ($5,500 or less at this time), you can file your claim there. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to have an attorney represent you in small claims court.
6. If your claim is over $5,500, you can file in district court; if it’s over $25,000, you can file in Circuit Court. It is almost always better to retain an attorney to represent you in these courts. 
7. We recommend that you consult or hire a debt collection attorney.
8. Be sure to file the proper forms on time before the statute of limitations expires.
9. Prepare for your court date with as much evidence you can gather to ensure you don’t get cheated out of what you are owed. If you hire an attorney, he or she can advise you on what evidence you may need.

Creditors have rights too! Don’t let the money you’re owed for your time and services go uncollected. You deserve to get paid for products and services you’ve provided. If you fail to pursue legal action against a debtor the value of your work could be lost. Protect yourself today and call an expert debt collection attorney in Michigan to discuss your rights!

Call An Experienced Debt Collection Attorney in Michigan Now!

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 55 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our debt collection attorney in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

How Do Repossessions Work?

Do you need help recovering your overdue payments or equipment?

Are you having trouble making ends meet?

Did you know that in most states, as a creditor, you can seize a car if a customer defaults on their loan or lease?

You may be asking yourself, “How do repossessions work?”
1.    Lenders can seize cars without notice if a debtor is in default.
2.    You can keep the car or sell it to satisfy your debtor’s default payments on your loan agreement.
3.    If applicable, your debtor is responsible for the deficiency balance of their loan until the loan is completely paid off.
4.    Your debtor can try buying back the car or the loan may be reinstated.


We don’t recommend D.I.Y. repossessions unless you are absolutely sure of your rights and responsibilities. Professional debt collectors understand how to comply with the law and stay safe. If you have questions about how repossessions work, we invite you to speak with an experienced debt collector in Michigan. We’re happy to discuss your options!

Call An Experienced Debt Collector 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. 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 55 years. Our attorneys know how to get results for our clients and they’re dedicated to getting a satisfactory outcome. Contact our debt collector 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.