Picking a Reliable Debt Collector

Have you been struggling to find a reliable debt collector?

When you approach a collection professional, they should try to anticipate your needs, asking about the type of business you operate; whether your business is regional, national, or international in scope; who your debtors are (and whether they’re primarily commercial or consumer); and what types of services you’re looking for. If you don’t know what services you need, the collection professional should happily provide you with website links, brochures, and detailed explanations of the services they recommend for your company and what those services cost.

There are several characteristics that mark a reliable debt collector, but recommendations, trustworthiness, and legal compliance are at the top. 

Recommendations: Your debt collector should provide sound recommendations on handling collection files, working with particular debtors, and accepting (or not accepting) settlement offers made by debtors.

Trustworthiness: Can you rely on your collection professional’s advice? Over time, has the advice turned out to be good in maximizing recoveries, or is your debt collector just out for a quick fee?

Legal compliance: Your professional should scrupulously follow state and federal laws.

Get Reliable Service for Michigan Debt Collections

Muller Muller Richmond & Harms, PC is one of Michigan’s leading collection firms, you get efficient collection, reliable results, and peace of mind. If you need help with debt collections located in Michigan, call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here. We look forward to taking the burden off your hands.

Characteristics of a Good Collection Service

How do you separate good debt collection professionals from mediocre ones?

Here are some signs to look for:

One-Stop Shopping: You don’t want to search all over the country for professionals that provide different kinds of services in different locations. Find a debt collection professional that offers all the services you need in the locations you require, including national or international services.

Bricks, Mortar, and People: Check the debt collector out, perhaps even in person. Ask them questions, and get references who can tell you about their services. What does the service look like? What type of people work there, what computer systems and other technologies do they use in their collection efforts, and how responsive are they to emergencies?

Meaningful Reporting: Whether you want reports on individual collections files or a bulk report listing all the claims you’ve placed with the service, a good professional tailor reports to your needs. When you work with your debt collector, specify the information you can use, not a bunch of fluff reports with information that’s not helpful.

Remittances on Collections: When do you need to receive payment on collected accounts? Collection professionals usually provide remittances on a collection-by-collection basis, but depending on the volume of claims you place, they may be done in batches, once or twice per month.

Good Percentage of Recovery: How often does the collection service settle claims versus colleting accounts in full? If you authorize your collection agency to settle cases for 80 percent of their value, will it settle every case for no more than 80 percent or continue to try to collect 100 percent? Keep statistics for each of your collection professionals and compare their performances over time.

Get Reliable Service for Michigan Debt Collections

Muller Muller Richmond & Harms, PC is one of Michigan’s leading collection firms, you get efficient collection, reliable results, and peace of mind. If you need help with debt collections located in Michigan, call (248) 645-2440 or submit a contact form here. We look forward to taking the burden off your hands.

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.

Get The Money You're Owed Today with Help From Muller Law Firm

Having trouble collecting?

Need advice from a debt collection attorney?

After you’ve taken the actions defined by your collection policy and your debtor still hasn’t paid, you shift into collection mode. If your debtor still doesn’t pay, you may need to seek legal help from our debt collection attorneys in Michigan.

Muller, Muller, Richmond, & Harms, P.C. can help you get the money you’re owed. 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. 

Learn more here!

Make 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.

Get Creative When it Comes to Communicating with Your Debtor

The phone may not be the only way to communicate with your debtor. Possible solutions might include:

1. Show up on the debtor’s doorstep – Visiting your debtor may result in meaningful face-to-face communication, but there are potential drawbacks. Your debtor could have moved, or upon arrival rather than getting paid you may discover your debtor prefers to engage in a verbal confrontation.
2. Email – Look for an email address on the customer’s credit application, letterhead, purchase order, or website.
3. Fax- Sometimes even when the voicemail is down, the fax machine still works. A fax number may also appear on a letterhead, website or credit application.
4. Text- Even if the voicemail is full, your contact may still accept a text message.

Make 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.

How Strong is Your Case?

You’ll have to assess your case and determine whether it’s strong enough to win in either alternative dispute resolution or in court. Your evaluation of evidence should include: 

• Reviewing any letters or other written communications exchanged with the debtor, and your notes on any comments made orally.
• Analyzing the debtor’s likely claims and defenses.
• Evaluating the data objectively.

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.

Don’t Be Tricked by Special Wording on Checks!

Don’t sign below the endorsement line unless you want to accept the check in full settlement. Although you may be tempted to endorse the check and deposit it, if you’re owed $1000 and you only received half of the amount, you could cost yourself the outstanding balance.

Need a Reputable Attorney to Represent You?

Established in 1961 by John F. Muller, Sr., we continue to insist on total quality as the guiding principle of our business. We constantly review and update our procedures as we seek new ways of working for our clients.

We’ve 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 options to collect your overdue debts.

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

How to Serve a Suit on a Hiding Defendant

Alternate service works best against a defendant who’s hiding from the process server, not one who has moved to parts unknown. If the defendant no longer resides or does business at the address you’ve listed on the summons, skip trace him or her before seeking an order for alternate service. Otherwise you may find yourself fighting a motion to set aside your default, or unable to register your judgment for enforcement in the new state where the defendant resides, based upon the claim of improper service.

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.

Debt Collection Laws Protecting Our Military

Do you have debtors in the military?

Unfortunately, it can be a little bit more difficult to see any money from these debtors.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides protection to members of the military assigned to federal active duty so that their legal rights aren’t adversely affected by their military service.

Among the provisions of the SCRA, military members have the right to request a stay of civil court proceedings and may be able to secure relief from default judgments obtained while they’re on active duty. Upon notice to creditors, they may be eligible for reduced interest rates on their debts.

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

If you need the help from a debt collector 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.

Attempting to Collect Across State Lines?

When your debtor moves, use your best skip-tracing efforts to locate him. Make demands on the debtor in the new location and try to persuade him to pay. Verifying an address, phone number, and even a new bank account or place of employment furthers your cause. When you’re trying to collect a judgment from someone who moved away, read this!

Debt Collectors 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 debt collectors 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 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.

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.

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.

"Can I Use Admissions in Court?"

Can you use your debtor’s admission?

What qualifies as an admission?

An admission is a statement from the debtor conceding that he or she owes 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.

Learn more here about what qualifies as an admission here!

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.