If you are a business owner who is struggling to collect on unpaid debts, it may be time to look into hiring a debt collection professional. While some companies may hire debt collection agencies, many find more success working with a debt collection law firm. Finding the right attorney can be an overwhelming process. In addition, legal help can be costly, and you want to be sure you are hiring someone you can trust. Here are 4 tips every business owner needs to know when hiring a debt collection attorney.
#1. Research Past Clients and Ask for Testimonials
Before hiring a debt collection attorney, spend time checking with their previous clients about their experience working with their firm. In most cases, an attorney can provide testimonials from previous clients along with their contact information so you can learn more about what it is like working with the attorney.
#2. Ask Business Friends for Referrals
If you have built relationships with other business owners in your area, they may be able to refer you to an attorney with a solid reputation. In most cases, past performance is the best indicator of how a law firm will handle your debt collection, and this is why word of mouth referrals are invaluable when looking for a new firm.
#3. Ensure the Attorney is Legitimate
Unfortunately, not all debt collection attorneys are legitimate and have simply learned how to appear as if they are. Always make sure your attorney complies with all state regulations and is following the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
#4. Compare Each Lawyer’s Fees with Other Agencies in the Area
Before hiring an attorney, check around with other firms in the area to see how they compare on costs. A lawyer’s fees should be competitive, not significantly above or below the average costs in the area.
#5 Call and ask to speak with the actual attorney.
The receptionist may have to take your name and number and have an attorney call you back. If however, you feel like you are being shunned away from actually being able to speak with a live attorney, you should shop elsewhere.
Hiring a Debt Collection Attorney Today
If you are a business owner and you are looking for a professional and experienced debt collection law firm, click here or call 678-566-6800 to learn more about working with Howe & Associates Debt Collection Attorneys.
If a debtor refuses to pay his debts even after the court renders judgment, the next step is establishing garnishment. Creditors cannot automatically garnish wages. Similarly, a creditor cannot seize property without a court order. Debt collection lawyers in Atlanta are experienced in preparing the paperwork for all of these ways to collect on debt.
Debt Collection Attorney Understands Garnishment Laws And Process
When a plaintiff obtains a judgment and the debtor still refuses to pay, the plaintiff can proceed with establishing garnishment. The Muscogee County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office explains the purpose of garnishment as “to allow plaintiff-creditor to obtain satisfaction of a defendant-debtor obligation to him by reaching assets of the defendant whether debt or property, in the hands of a third-party.” There are certain restrictions and legal terms that may confuse the plaintiff. However, a debt collection law firm deals with these terms and situations on a daily basis.
Establishing Garnishment Through A Debt Collection Lawyer In Atlanta
Whether a plaintiff resides in Atlanta or elsewhere, a debt collection attorney can start the process of establishing garnishment against the debtor once the debtor refuses to pay a judgment. If the debtor fails to file an answer to a summons of garnishment within the 45 day time limit, the creditor may initiate garnishment. The attorney notifies the court, and the garnishment process can proceed. No matter where the defendant is located within the state, garnishment procedures will be the same. Georgia Garnishment Law outlines the process. The Official Code of Georgia, Article 1, under General Provisions, sets forth the law which states that garnishment procedures “shall be uniform in all courts throughout this state.”
Debt Collection Law Firm Specializing In Establishing Garnishment
A debt collection law firm deals with the legal process involved in establishing garnishment on a regular basis. Even though the debtor refuses to respond and pay the plaintiff, the debtor still has rights. The debt collection attorney understands that. And, he will ensure that rights of both plaintiff and debtor are protected throughout the garnishment process. This will decrease the possibility of the court dismissing the case due to a technicality. The lawyer knows what assets are subject to garnishment. An attorney will also be familiar with the exceptions regarding property or monies subject to the garnishment process. He will also know how to proceed to make garnishment reach out-of-state wages. And fortunately, the debt collection attorney can also explain the process of garnishment to the plaintiff in easy-to-understand terms.
Establishing garnishment require the services of qualified attorneys experienced in garnishment proceedings. Most importantly, the attorney can ensure that the courts hold debtors accountable. Contact one of our qualified lawyers to quickly locate the debtor and work on establishing garnishment so that you can finally collect what the debtor owes.
A debt collection attorney can make sure your business stays protected at all times. If you live in Georgia and you have a lot of problem clients, you may need to consult with a debt collection law firm. This is where you can get the help you need especially if a certain customer refuses to pay for your goods or services no matter how much you try to reach out.
Avoid Losses With a Debt Collection Attorney
Most businesses that sell services or products do not want to deal with collections. Customers may have received the service and product, but upon consumption, they did not find them enjoyable. This is enough reason for them to make a decision not to pay. This is simply frustrating to the business. A single small debt can be considered as a big loss depending on the good or service given.
The Presence of a Lawyer Commands Respect
Hiring a debt collection attorney will somehow reduce the hassles a problem client may give. For instance, the presence of an attorney for collecting debt creates an aura of professionalism when dealing with problem clients. Unlike collection agencies, attorneys have a professional style that will reflect well on your business. Clients look up to attorneys, too. They respond much faster to attorneys in comparison with the letters, phone calls, or visitations of a collection agency. Collections agencies may sometimes be rash and rude and may resort to what many people call harassment. This will not happen with attorneys because they know exactly what steps to take. They can talk to people in a professional manner without harassing them. In short, these lawyers are excellent negotiators.
Experience Quick Debt Collection
Businesses must be practical when it comes to collections. A debt collection attorney can help a business avoid total loss in a client’s bankruptcy. The right actions must be taken in order to have profits, and time is not just spent on waiting. They know that every minute is an opportunity to earn profits for the success of the business. All clients must be held accountable whether or not they found the good or service agreeable to their tastes.
Attorneys know the ins and outs of legalities. This knowledge is something that collections agencies do not possess. The law is quite complex, and there are laws that may sometimes bind the hands of the creditors in collecting late payments. With the help of a good attorney who understands the law, you and your business get the protection you require in times like these.
The basis of a successful business does not mainly depend on how many customers it has. It may have many, but the huge number is useless if those customers are not paying what they owe. Surely this means that your business is not generating revenue. You should never let your business be overshadowed by debts because of nonpaying clients. Get the assistance and guidance you need from a knowledgeable debt collection attorney who has your best interests at heart.