"Collections" refers to the process by which creditors try to get nonpaying debtors to pay what is owed. There are countless laws in Dearborn Heights, Michigan regulating the conduct of collections agences.
What if I Am Owed Money in Dearborn Heights, Michigan?
If you are owed money and the debtor won't pay, for whatever reason, you are entitled to seek collection by any lawful means. Of course, the means of collection that are considered "lawful" are quite limited. You should be aware of the rules that govern collections before you proceed, as violating them can hurt your chances of collecting, and even expose you to liability.
The law prevents creditors from engaging in any form of violence against the debtor in an attempt to collect. It further bars them from using abusive language or contacting third parties about the debt owed by the debtor.
You may, however, send a written demand for timely payment which lays out to the debtor clearly how much is owed. If a large amount of money is owed to you, it might be a good idea to hire a collections agency in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. These agencies usually take their fee in the form of a percentage of the debt collected. You need to research agencies thoroughly however, and make sure the one you hire does not engage in illegal practices.
What if Someone Is Trying to Collect Money Against Me in Dearborn Heights, Michigan?
Of course, if you owe money and have the capacity to pay it, you should do so. If the collections caller is behaving courteously, you should do the same. In any case, it is never a good idea to ignore the issue, because that will definitely not make it go away.
Thankfully, you have various options at your disposal in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. First, you should try to contact the creditor directly, and see if some sort of agreement can be worked out. If this is unsuccessful, you can tell the collectors to stop contacting you, which may work in some instances. Of course, this doesn't make the debt go away, but it might give you a little bit of breathing room. The collectors will only be allowed to contact you to let you know that they are suing you for the money owed, or that they have stopped trying to collect the debt.
If you have retained the services of a Dearborn Heights, Michigan attorney, they may advise that you declare bankruptcy, depending on your individual situation. In any case, you shouldn't consider bankruptcy before weighing other options, and discussing the matter with an attorney.
How Can a Dearborn Heights, Michigan Collections Attorney Help?
If you believe that a creditor is violating the law in its effort to collect from you, you should get in touch with a Dearborn Heights, Michigan attorney, since you might really have a claim for damages against the creditor.
If you are thinking about bankruptcy, a seasoned Michigan bankrutpcy attorney can help guide you through the process.