"Collections" refers to the process by which creditors try to get nonpaying debtors to pay what is owed. There are various laws in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan regulating the conduct of collections agences.

What if I Am Owed Money in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan?

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you have several legal options to seek repayment of your debt. However, you need to be careful in this area. There are many rules and regulations detailing what debt collectors can and cannot do. Violating these laws, even inadvertently, can harm your chances at collecting, and maybe even expose you to civil penalties.

For example, when trying to collect, creditors are not allowed to use abusive language, contact any third party regarding the debt, and of course they are not allowed to use threats of violence in an attempt to get their money.

You may, however, send a written demand for timely payment. The demand should lay out precisely how much the debtor allegedly owes. If there is a large amount of money involved, it may be worth it to hire a Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan collections agency, which will probably take its fee in the form of a percentage of the debt collected. You should do some research on different collections agencies in your area, to make sure the one you hire is trustworthy, and thoroughly follows the law.

What if Someone Is Trying to Collect Money Against Me in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan?

If you truly owe the money being sought, and you are able to pay it, you should of course do so. If the collection caller is behaving amicably, you should do the same. Even if the caller doesn't behave in an amicable manner, you should resist the urge to respond in kind, and ask to speak with a supervisor, or simply end the conversation. Whatever you do, you should never ignore the issue. This will not make the problem go away.

Thankfully, you have numerous options at your disposal in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. First, you should try to contact the creditor directly, and see if some sort of solution 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 Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan attorney, they may advise that you declare bankruptcy, depending on your specific situation. In any case, you shouldn't consider bankruptcy before weighing other options, and discussing the matter with an attorney.

How Can a Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Collections Attorney Help?

If you think that a collection agency is engaging in unlawful tactics, you should call a local Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan attorney, as you might have a claim for damages against the creditor or the collection agency.

If you are thinking about applying for bankruptcy, a seasoned lawyer in Michigan can help you with that process, too.