Mini Intro to Debtor Admissions, Part 2

Can you use your debtor’s admission in court?

Getting the customer to admit owing the debt isn’t always easy. It can be the next best thing to actually getting paid as long as you handle it right. When your debtor admits that they owe you money, you can:

• Use the admission in court to help prove the debt.
• Remind the debtor of their previous admission if they try to use the same excuses for delaying payment later.

"It defies logic for this Honorable Court to proceed with a case when the Defendant has admitted his liability,” says Barbara Muller-Wilson. We’ll do everything we can to help you succeed in your case!

Learn more in our latest article.

Need help collecting debt from someone in Michigan?

You’re in the right place!

Your money is our #1 priority. If you or your debtor live in Michigan, we can take on your debt collection case. Take the pressure and frustration off your plate by contacting the Mullers at (248) 645-2440 or by submitting a contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!

Mini Intro to Debtor Admissions, Part 1

What qualifies as an admission from your debtor?

An admission is a statement from the debtor conceding that they owe you money. An admission may be full (“I owe you all the money you claim”) or partial (“I owe you some of the money, but dispute the balance.”) 

The admission can come in a number of forms, including an oral statement (for example: during a meeting or phone call), in writing such as by letter or email, in a repayment agreement you negotiate, or implied by the debtor’s actions such as sending you partial payment on your bill.

Learn more in our latest article.

Need help collecting debt from someone in Michigan?

You’re in the right place!

Your money is our #1 priority. If you or your debtor live in Michigan, we can take on your debt collection case. Take the pressure and frustration off your plate by contacting the Mullers at (248) 645-2440 or by submitting a contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!

When in Doubt, Follow the FDCPA

What is the FDCPA, and how can it help you as a debt collector?

Even if you’re not a third-party debt collector, following all the requirements of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) can help you avoid violating state laws, some of which impose similar restrictions on all debt collectors.

Commercial debts are not subject to the FDCPA, so generally you’re not restricted by those laws while collecting against commercial debtors. You must still be careful though, because sometimes it’s not immediately clear which debts are commercial and which are for personal or household use. Also, the trend among states is to extend protection against debt collection to all debtors, regardless of the nature of the debt.

It’s wise to follow the FDCPA requirements even when collecting commercial debts. Although following the FDCPA can protect you if you mistakenly believe a personal debt is commercial or when state law is broader than federal law, you’re doing more than following the adage of “better safe than sorry.” For the most part, the provisions of the FDCPA are consistent with good collections practices. They help define and justify collections procedures that can keep your operations both professional and ethical.

Read more in this month’s article.

Get Help from Michigan Debt Collection Services

Have questions about collecting debt, or ready to file a claim? Whatever part of the process you’re at, reach out our Michigan debt collection services at (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here.

Play by the Rules when Collecting Debt

What’s the best way to cover your bases when talking to a debtor?

When you work with consumer debtors, you should assume that the debtors are fully aware of their rights and are secretly looking for a way to sue you for violating those rights. Work from the expectation that your debtor is sophisticated:

• Assume that the debtor is keeping notes every bit as good as yours, maybe better. Assume that their records will include dates and times of any phone calls, whether you’re calling at inappropriate times or in a highly repetitive manner (for example, ten calls in a single day), and whether you’ve violated restrictions on communications with third parties, such as their employer.
• If the debtor requests verification of a debt, provide it. Supply the contracts, invoices, and statements underlying the debt. If they request them again, provide them again (and again, and again).
• Make sure that you provide accurate balances for debts. Don’t charge any unauthorized fees or interest rates beyond those permitted by your contract or state law.

Read more in this month’s article.

Get Help from Michigan Debt Collection Services

Have questions about collecting debt, or ready to file a claim? Whatever part of the process you’re at, reach out our Michigan debt collection services at (248) 645-2440 or submit 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.

Why Preparedness Means Everything in Court

Are you taking your debtor to court?

Are you fully prepared?

Your preparation or lack thereof can influence whether you win the case. Here are two mistakes to avoid!

Not knowing who may represent your company – If your business is incorporated or if you intend to send an employee to represent your company in court, make sure the court’s rules permit you or the employee to appear without a lawyer. Determine in advance who may appear in court by asking the civil court clerk or by reviewing the small claims court pamphlet.

Failing to bring a key witness – If a witness has important testimony to share, bring the witness to court. Even if your court permits you to submit affidavits, a written statement is usually given little weight in deciding a case because there’s no opportunity for cross-examination or assessment of witness credibility. If you don’t produce an important witness in court, you send a signal to the judge that you don’t really care if you win or lose.

Learn more mistakes to avoid on our website!

Collection Services in Michigan

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.

To take advantage of our collection services in Michigan, contact us today!

What Should Be in Your Contracts?

Do you have problems with non-payment?

Are you carefully crafting your contracts?

When you draft a contract, you should incorporate standard clauses that clarify your intentions and simplify your life in the event of disputes or litigation.

Include provisions like:

Damaged Goods Handling – Procedures for handling, returning, or replacing damaged goods.

Dispute Resolution – Whether the parties must participate in alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or arbitration, before resorting to litigation, and under what terms.

Form Selection – When the terms of your forms conflict with theirs, whose forms govern.

Interest – A provision for interest on any past-due balance.

Returns – How and when returns may be made.

Learn more common provisions on our website!

Contact Muller Law Firm for Collection Services in Michigan

Ready to get the money you deserve?

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

Fill out the information on our “Contact Us” page or give us a call at 248-645-2440 for prompt collection services in Michigan.

Take Control of Your Cash Flow

 Are your late-paying customers impacting your cash flow?

Here are some items to consider:

Be ready to respond to customer bad habits – Communicate with your customers. Let them know slowdowns in payment habits aren’t acceptable, and prompt them to make payments. After a second late payment, inform the customer that you may have to take steps to correct late payment habits, such as suspending their credit terms.

Be considerate, yet firm – No need to panic and ruin a relationship at this point. Your communication at this stage is still very polite, yet firm enough to display your dissatisfaction – such as notifying your customer that a privilege, such as favorable credit terms or 24/7 availability of goods or services, may be suspended until your confidence in their payment habits is restored.

Learn more general cash flow controls on our website!

Debt Collection Services in Michigan

Do slow paying customers impact the health of your business?

Get the money you’re owed with help from Muller Law Firm. Our collection attorneys will fight for your creditor’s rights! 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.

Fill out the information on our “Contact Us” page or give us a call at 248-645-2440 for collection services in Michigan. 

How to Write Effective Collection Letters

Has one of your customers become a debtor?

Want to learn how to write an effective collection letter?

The more you can customize your collection process, the more effective it becomes. Just as a journalist covers who, what, when, where, and why, you want to cover all the bases: be specific with dates, invoices, balances due, interest amounts, and due dates. Make sure your debtor knows how much they owe and when they need to pay it. Debtors are quick to grasp at the flimsiest straws. If you give them the opportunity, eventually you’ll hear a debtor claim that they didn’t pay you because they didn’t know how much to send or when or where to send it.

You can send your letter by any means that you believe will be effective, including regular mail, fax, email, or express mail. Overnight mail can sometimes help create a sense of urgency.

See more collection letter tips.

Debt Collection Services in Michigan Since 1961!

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.

If you want to use debt collection services 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. Don’t let the money owed to you go away- get started today! We look forward to hearing from you.

How to Handle Your Debtors Who Moved Away

Trying to collect a judgment on a debtor who moved away?

Are you frustrated with debtors dodging your calls?

Are you having a hard time tracking down your debtors?

When you’re trying to collect a judgment from someone who has moved away, remember:

1. 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.
2. When the amount owed justifies the additional effort and expense, depending on where your debtor is located, you may be able to enforce your judgment in a foreign country.
3. You may be able to recover additional fees and court costs associated with chasing your debtor to the new location to collect your judgment. You should discuss this with your debt collector up front so you don’t end up with a huge bill for costs that are deducted from the money you recover.
4. Expect that you’ll need to hire a debt collector in the new state to enter the judgment with that state’s courts and initiate collection proceedings there.

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

We Can Help You Determine a Litigation Strategy!

Are you prepared to take legal action?

Do you know your rights?

Are you prepared to represent yourself if your case goes to court?

If you’re not ready to represent yourself in court, hire an attorney! We offer many debt collection services in Michigan to help assist you with your claim.

Litigation is a debt collection service we offer that can include a number of things before, during, and after a lawsuit to enforce a legal right.  In addition to the actual lawsuit, pre-suit negotiations, arbitrations, facilitations and appeals may also be a part of your litigation process. 

At Muller Law Firm, we’re the experts when it comes to debt collection services in Michigan. We handle everything from pre-suit negotiations, to post-suit negotiations. 

You expect results and we expect results! We’ll handle your case with the professional attention it deserves and we’re prepared to use all our options to collect your overdue debts. For over 56 years, we’ve tracked down overdue accounts, winning many settlements for our clients along the way.

Debt Collection Services in Michigan: Get Started Today!

When you hire one of our debt collection attorneys to take your case, 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!

How to Ensure Your Lawsuit is Properly Served

Are you worried about your lawsuit being served?

Do you want to ensure your lawsuit gets served properly?

Are you worried you won’t be able to track down your debtors to serve them with a lawsuit?

In order to ensure your lawsuit is properly served, you must serve the summons and complaint on the defendant within 90-120 days of filing the lawsuit. The papers must be served to the defendant in person, directly to the defendant, rather than by mail or by leaving it at the defendant’s home or work. If you’re suing more than one person, even if the defendants each live or work at the same address, you must ensure that your lawsuit is served to each debtor in person.

Who Can Serve the Lawsuit?

If you’re having trouble tracking down your debtors, we can help you! At Muller Law Firm, we use sheriffs, marshals, policemen, and detectives to serve your lawsuits for a small fee. We may also consider hiring a private process server. Sometimes states require the court to approve your process server first before they can serve your lawsuit.

Debt Collection Services: 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 our debt collection services in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for a free no obligation consultation.

AR Management Best Practices: The Proactive Payment Reminder

Do you have strict payment terms and conditions? If not, that could be why people are taking advantage of your time and services.

According to Funding Gates, here are the best practices to follow when it comes to decreasing your delinquent payers:

 1.    State your payment terms clearly
2.    Make sure your client signs a sales contract
3.    Grab customers attention by listing payment terms and the actual due date in bold
4.    Send a payment reminder before the invoice is actually due
5.    Remind them about your late fee policy

Our attorneys are top rated by AV Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent, and Super Lawyers, and they truly care about your case. Our staff is always available for a free initial strategy meeting to build a relationship with you and figure out what you need.

For over 55 years, our attorneys for debt collection services in Michigan have tracked down overdue accounts, winning many settlements for our clients along the way. We handle your case with the professional attention it deserves and we’re well prepared to use all our reasonable options to collect your overdue debts. With offices in Birmingham and Grand Rapids, we handle claims against debtors located in Michigan, even if you are located out of state.

Michigan Debt Collection Attorneys 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 collection company in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for an immediate resolution to your collection matters. Let the experts worry about your collections, so you have more time to focus on growing your business.

Prevent Fraud Debt Payments Today!

As a collection company in Michigan, we’ve seen every possible scam there is that people use to try to avoid actually paying off their debt.

•    Pay in large sums with a fake cashiers check
•    Offer a wire transfer that turns out to be a scam
•    Pay by putting balance on a fraudulent credit card

Don’t ignore a red flag! If a large payment offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be fooled by what seems to be an over-generous payment. If you’re not sure how to tell whether an offer is genuine, contact our collection company in Michigan today to help you sort out fraud payments.

For over 55 years, we’ve tracked down overdue accounts, winning many settlements for our clients along the way. Don’t let the stress of trying to contact and get results from a debtor weigh you down any longer! Let our team of experienced debt collection attorneys do the hard work for you. You work hard for your clients/customers on a regular basis, and deserve to be compensated for your services. If you are not getting your invoices paid, it’s time to get an attorney involved.

Michigan Debt Collection Attorneys 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  collection company in Michigan today at (248) 645-2440 for an immediate resolution to your collection matters. Let the experts worry about your collections, so you have more time to focus on growing your business.