Avoid Violating Bankruptcy Law

How do you know if sending a statement is violating bankruptcy law?

If a debtor files for bankruptcy and the debt is being handled by the bankruptcy court or has been discharged, you may be in violation of the “automatic stay” (a court order that comes into immediate effect upon the filing of a bankruptcy action, forbidding collection activity against the debtor). You are in violation of the bankruptcy law if you continue to send notices to the debtor. Be sure to stop the notices, including any that are automatically generated by your computerized billing system. Your automated billing system should be set up to allow you to stop the issuance of any further statements to a customer.

After you write off a debt, you may report the amount to the IRS as a tax loss using form 1099-C. You must provide a copy of the 1099-C form to your debtor, and your debtor may be responsible to pay taxes on that amount as income. Your accounting department or financial professional can advise you about the timely filing of 1099 forms and steps to take if your debtor pays a debt that you’ve written off.

Need Help with Michigan Debt Collections?

If you’re struggling to collect debt from a customer, the Muller Law Firm can help execute the collection and make sure you’re compliant with the law. To get help with Michigan-based debt collections, call (248) 645-2440 or fill out a contact form here.

When to Stop Sending Statements

Do you know when to stop sending statements to customers?

Sometimes it makes sense to suspend sending statements to customers. If the customer is out of business or otherwise uncollectible, sending additional statements is often futile. For example, if the customer is out of business and mail is being returned, you can stop sending statements and mark the account as uncollectible. Save yourself the paper and postage. Billing an uncollectible account waste both time and money.

If the customer has been turned over for collection, sending statements may cause confusion. During the collection process, the attorney will make demands for payment using their own letters, forms, and statements. If you send statements of account, that may confuse the customer about how much they owe and where to make payments. After you’ve hired an attorney for an account, your collector will want to receive all payments on that account.

Need Help with Michigan Debt Collections?

If you’re struggling to collect debt from a customer, the Muller Law Firm can help execute the collection and make sure you’re compliant with the law. To get help with Michigan-based debt collections, call (248) 645-2440 or fill out a contact form here.

A Paper Trail Story

Did you know that proper documentation can save you a whole lot of legal trouble?

Here’s an example: a customer buys $500 of paper plates. The customer received the $500 shipment, but $100 of the product was damaged. Your contract places risk of loss on the customer, so under the terms of sale, it’s the customer’s responsibility to file a claim with the carrier.

But what if it’s determined that the damage was done before the goods left your warehouse and the carrier isn’t at fault? Now you owe your customer a $100 credit. The credit memo should be issued immediately, should specifically refer to the soiled plates, and should include the amount, be dated, and be promptly entered into your billing system. Both the $500 invoice and the $100 credit memo will appear on the customer’s monthly statement.

Now let’s add a complication. During the same billing period, the customer either took an unearned discount or otherwise failed to pay an invoice in full. For example, a prior shipment of plates for $500 resulted in a check for $400. As with the credit memo for money you’re crediting to your customer’s account, you must promptly prepare and process a debit memo showing that $100 shortage so your customer knows exactly where it stands. Your paperwork remains accurate and organized, and you can document every entry on the customer’s statement of account.

Let Us Handle Your Michigan Debt Collections

Since 1961, our top-rated lawyers have been dedicated to ethically pursuing the money you’re owed. 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. Let us take on the stress of your Michigan debt collections! Call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form for an effective resolution to your collection matters.

Put Everything in Writing

How thoroughly do you document transactions with your clients?

An old expression, always applicable to billing practices, states, “It isn’t done if it isn’t in writing.” Everything in the billing system must be in writing. This is usually referred to as a paper trail. As a general rule, whoever has the best paper trail wins.

Never include an item on your statement of account that can’t be fully documented. Unexplained items on statements are difficult to impossible to enforce and make your billing system appear disorganized. Your disorganization or lack of documentation will become a huge problem should a customer dispute its balance. As time passes, memories fade and you’ll have to rely on your paper trail.

Let Us Handle Your Michigan Debt Collections

Since 1961, our top-rated lawyers have been dedicated to ethically pursuing the money you’re owed. 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. Let us take on the stress of your Michigan debt collections! Call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form for an effective resolution to your collection matters.

How to Negotiate Successfully

Is your debtor refusing to pay the full amount of an invoice?

You may have to negotiate.

Preparation for negotiation is often the most important factor in achieving a successful outcome. Preparation includes:

• Organizing your thoughts – You may choose to create a written outline. Don’t get caught up in the trivial details involving small amounts of money or increments of time. 
• Writing down a list of goals – List goals for the negotiation that may help you get paid. Your goals may include key invoices that you want paid, the amount you hope to collect, or the date by which you want payment.
• Prioritizing your goals – Number your goals, or put an asterisk next to the ones that are crucial and a question mark next to the ones that can be compromised.

Learn what other steps you can take to prepare for negotiation!

We Specialize in Debt Collections in Michigan!

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

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.

Preparing to Negotiate

Have you reached an impasse with your debtor?

You may have to negotiate. The good news is, you’re probably better at negotiation than you think.

There’s no master list of all the skills necessary for successful negotiation, but, here’s a simple maxim: Negotiation is 90 percent motivation and 10 percent intelligence. In other words, if you’re highly motivated to solve the problem, you’re much more likely to succeed in a negotiation.

Many people are too tentative when negotiating. They worry that they won’t strike the best possible deal or that they’ll be unsuccessful in dealing with their opponent, particularly when they’re up against attorneys or other professionals. Worry causes many people to get bogged down in the details and forget to look at the big picture.

Learn what steps you can take to prepare for negotiation!

We Specialize in Debt Collections in Michigan!

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

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.

6 Proven Steps to a Successful Case!

Having trouble settling a case?

Is your case going to trial?

Are you wondering how you can strengthen your testimony?

Follow these steps for a successful case:

1. Maintain a professional look. 
2. Act like a professional. 
3. Be on time. 
4. Tell your story. 
5. Be concise. 
6. Keep it simple. 

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.

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.

What Should You Always Include in an Invoice?

To make things easy, we recommend that your invoices include the following to be effective:

1. Name and address of your company.
2. Separate address where bills are paid (if applicable).
3. Date of the invoice.
4. Your customer’s name.
5. Your customer’s account number.
6. Your customer’s PO number.
7. Product or service description.
8. Total owed.
9. Statement that goods are to be inspected promptly.
10. Statement of your policy for the return of goods.
11. Due date.
12. Statement on charging interest.

If you need further help keeping your payment plans on track for your debtors with tips for effective invoicing, Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers can help you! 

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.

How to Decide if it's Time to Bring in the Pros!

Don’t wait too long to hire a debt collection attorney in Michigan to help you win your case. The older a debt gets, the more difficult it become to collect!

According to the Credit & Collections Kit for Dummies, written by Steven A. Harms, former senior partner at Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms, & Myers, P.C., “no general rule suits all businesses” when it comes time to deciding when it’s time to bring in the pros to help you.

1. Economic trends in your industry. 
2. General economic conditions. 
3. Competition in your industry
4. Requirements of your auditors or banks. 
5. Factoring companies or receivable insurance contracts. 

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.

Is it Time to Bring in the Pros?

Don’t wait too long to hire a debt collection attorney in Michigan to help you win your case. The older a debt gets, the more difficult it become to collect!

Collection professionals can make specific recommendations about when you should refer a debt to collections based on their knowledge of your industry and their collections experience. At Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers, P.C. we can help you decide when it’s time to step up your collections and get a pro involved.

Learn more 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.

How to Keep Your Debtor on a Payment Schedule

Are you having a hard time having your debtor stick to a payment schedule?

How can you ensure the payments keep coming in?

Do you need advice from professional debt collectors?

Before you threaten litigation, make sure you’ve laid a solid foundation. Although you can sue over any debt that’s owed to you, good collection practices improve your chances of winning and of collecting the entire amount you claim is due. 

• Formally demand payment. When the account becomes delinquent, issue a demand letter within the first 30 days. Follow up with your debtor in writing and orally reminding the debtor to pay.
• Work to resolve disputes. While following up on the unpaid debt, identify any disputes from your debtor. Although not all disputes can be resolved, when appropriate disputes should be resolved or settled.
• When appropriate, enter into a written repayment plan, permitting the debtor to pay off the agreed balance in installments.
• Keep good notes and records of your communication with the debtor, knowing that your collection may end up in court.

If you need further help keeping your payment plans on track for your debtors, Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers can help you! 

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.

Tips to Keep Your Payment Plans on Track

Are you having a hard time setting up a payment plan with your debtor?

Have recurring payments stalled?

How can you ensure the payments keep coming in?

After the payment plan is in effect, remind the debtor that you expect all installments to be paid on time:

Send statement to the debtor in advance of each payment due date. Restate the due date, amount due, and remaining balance.

Place reminder telephone calls. Remind the debtor that you expect all installments to be paid on time.

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 debt collection in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

When the Trial Goes Wrong: Consider an Appeal!

Did your trial result in an unfavorable outcome?

Do you think the judge misinterpreted the facts of your case?

Are you considering an appeal?

One of your first thoughts when you consider an appeal is likely to be, “This is going to cost me.” At times, an appeal can be as costly as a trial, and because of the slow progress of cases in most appellate courts, getting a decision on your appeal can take a very long time.

Learn more here!

Debt Collections in Michigan: Get started 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 collections in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

What to Do When Your Trial Goes Wrong

Are you unhappy with the outcome of your case?

Considering an appeal?

What should you consider when you file an appeal?

Before you file an appeal, consider asking the trial court to rehear your case or reconsider its decision. Even if you’re hiring a lawyer to handle your appeal, this may be a good first step for your lawyer – to help raise newly discovered evidence or to try to convince the court that its decision was made in error.

You can raise one of two types of error on appeal, including:

1. Mistakes of fact: The judge or jury misinterpreted the facts of the case, resulting in a ruling against you.
2. Mistakes of law: The judge made a mistake applying the law to your case.

Call Experienced Attorneys for Debt 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. 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 collections in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Preparing Alternative Dispute Resolutions Can Be a Breeze!

Want to save time and get paid quickly?

Do you want to go the ADR route instead of filing a formal lawsuit?

Need help preparing for alternative dispute resolution?

To prepare for ADR for debt collections in Michigan:

Gather your evidence: 

• Gather all documents that relate to the matter.
• Gather written statements from witnesses familiar with the matter. If your ADR permits or requires live witness testimony, see if your witnesses are available to testify.

To learn more about preparing an ADR for debt collections in Michigan, read “How to Prepare Your Alternative Dispute Resolution.”

Call Experienced Attorneys for Debt 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. 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 collections in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

Get Paid Quicker with Alternative Dispute Resolutions

Is your business in trouble? 

Are you having trouble making ends meet? Do you need money fast?

Want to save time and get paid quickly instead of filing a lawsuit? Alternative dispute resolution may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

To prepare an ADR for debt collections in Michigan, read “How to Prepare Your Alternative Dispute Resolution.”

Call Experienced Attorneys for Debt 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. 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 collections in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

What You Should Remember When it Comes to Written Confirmations

Are you having a hard time getting your debtor to commit to repayment?

Are they failing to keep their verbal promises?

Do you need help drafting an email or letter to your debtor?

When you seek written confirmation, remember:

• Electronic signatures are legal and enforceable. When a pen-and-ink signature isn’t possible, you can enter into binding agreements through e-mail.
• Speed is key. Use fast methods of delivery, like sending an e-mail or fax, so you find out right away. If your debtor is truly motivated to agree in writing to the terms you just negotiated, this should take place before you’re off the phone or within the hour.

If you need further help drafting an email or letter to your debtor, Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers can help you!

Debt Collection in Michigan: Get started 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.

Compose the Perfect Letter to Your Debtor

Are you having trouble getting a written confirmation signed?

Are you not sure when to start drafting an e-mail or letter?

Do you need help? 

Our attorneys for debt collection in Michigan will advise you that once you strike a deal, create a written confirmation immediately after. Without any hesitation, and while your debtor is still on the phone, say, “Okay then, we have our deal. I’m sending you an e-mail right now to confirm the details. Reply by typing ‘I agree’ and type your name below.” That simple step can have a powerful effect.

To learn more about how to write a written confirmation, read “How to Compose an Email or Letter to Your Debtor.”

Debt Collection in Michigan: Get started 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.