About Robert D. Mouradian Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to collection matters in the state of Michigan. I can answer questions for creditors and debtors.
Experience I have been practicing law in Michigan for over twenty years. During this time I have represented many creditors as well as debtors.
Question Can you make arrangments to pay the court money owed to a collection agency, instead of paying the collection agency directly, without seeing a judge?
My sister has been dealing with a bill collector representing a credit care agency. She has been paying on time to the agreed amount of $50 a month. (The collector had sent her a judgment before payments started, but said that he would "waive" the judgment if she made payments.)
Recently, he called to tell her that he wanted more money. If she didn't pay, he would garnishee her wages, or they could set up another payment plan. He also took part of her tax return and told her that he wanted an extra $300, which she paid.
She has constantly asked for their agreements to be in writing to which he agrees, but never follows through.
She consulted a lawyer who said that the best bet would be to go before a judge and hope that he will allow her to pay the original amount agreed upon. That would be the only way that the payment plan would be binding and the collector could not try and change the agreement.
My sister's boyfriend, however, said that she could file at the courthouse without seeing a judge and send payments to the court without having to deal with the bill collector. (My sister's boyfriend was a loan officer for forty years.)
Who is correct? Also, is a bill collector allowed to keep changing the payment amount? If he sends her a letter agreeing to an amount, is that binding, or can he change his mind again?
Any information will be helpful. It is so frustrating when two people say two different things.
Answer Hello:
I am licensed to practice law in Michigan. If this is a Michigan matter I think I can help you. I would suggest that we talk by phone. Please contact me for a complimentary phone conference. You can contact me by phone or e-mail. Please remember to provide a phone number if I am not available when you call or if you send a response by e-mail.
If this is not a Michigan matter I would encourage you to immediately contact an attorney in your state regarding this matter.
