AboutMichael Brotherton Expertise Consumer/Debtor Rights Advocate.
Current President of Financial Emergency, Inc FKA Debt Mediation & Financial Counseling. Inc, a debt mediation service.
30 years in the credit and collections industry. Former loan officer and debt collector. Managed two middle to large finance companies.
I am well versed in Loss Mitigation practices and the legal collection process. I have helped literally thousands of people over many years overcome serious financial problems such as foreclosure, creditor lawsuits and abuse by debt collectors. For more information about resolving your "financial emergency" visit www.financialemergency.com.
We actively promote Fair Debt Collection Practices and other consumer protection laws. We teach DEBTOR RIGHTS and enforcement of those rights. It is my opinion that the more informed you are of your rights in the credit and collections practices the more peace you can have dealing with your FINANCIAL EMERGENCY.
Most financial problems are fairly common and as such have some very common solutions. The key is understanding your rights in the collection process and how to enforce them if need be.
Primary business- Debtor Rights Advocacy and Debt Mediation relating to foreclosure, creditor lawsuits, and other serious financial problems.
www.financialemergency.com (copy and paste in browser)
Experience Former loan officer 23 of last 30 years. I have been a debt counselor and mediator since 1992. Current owner of Financial Emergency, Inc. A Debtor Advocacy organization. I also have a radio program called "Financial Emergency" where I routinely answer call in questions from listeners about credit, debt, and the collection system. My emphasis is on "Consumer/Debtor Protection" and the collection process.
Education/Credentials Many years hands on experience. No formal eduction other than Finance and Credit Management training through former employers where I managed two rather large finance companies.
Awards and Honors Numerous letters of recognition from previous employers for excellence in my field.
Question I received a summons on March 16th, 2008 from a company called Unifund Certified Partners. It states that they are sueing me to collect a debt of $13,542. I have never had dealings with this firm and looked them up on the Internet. It seems that they buy old debts and try to collect on them. I pulled a copy of my credit report and they are not on it. I did have some charged off debts in 2001 after a divorce. I could use some advice, i live in a small town and the attorneys I have contacted do not handle this kind of matter. What should I do.
Answer I am very familiar with Unifund. The problem is they are very aggressive in pursuing legal action and can be very difficult to fight. If they purchased the debt they must have documents proving you owe the money. You will need to dispute the debt and demand they produce documentation proving the amount of the debt is valid. Write the courts and dispute the debt. Get a hearing date and show up. State your position and ask for proof. Without going into a lot of detail for lack of time and space this is what you need to do.
Tell the courts what you told me and demand they prove you owe the money.
