1.     What is the minimum balance that you will accept for collection?

A:     $2,000.00. Except for bounced checks which we will accept a minimum of $500. Under Michigan law, we can sue for 3 times the amount of the check plus $250 in costs.

2.     What are your fees?

A:     We charge fees on either a contingency basis or an hourly basis. Most of our work is done on a contingency basis which means that we only get paid a fee if we collect money for you. Even then, we only take our fees out of what we collect.

3. What are "costs" and how do they differ from "fees"?

A:     Costs are out of pocket charges that we have to pay to pursue your case. Costs include the filing fees and motion fees that courts charge. They also include process server fees. We DO NOT charge costs for photocopying (unless there is a great deal of it to be done), telephone calls or any other ancillary office charge. At the beginning of a case, we collect a retainer for costs that we will necessarily be charged to pursue your case. While our fees may be contingent upon our collection results, costs are not contingent and must be paid by the client. Fortunately, costs usually are nominal. Please see our schedule of costs.

4.     What is a retainer agreement and why do we need one?

A:     Simply stated, a retainer agreement is the contact between the client and attorney. Our retainer agreement specifies our fees, which may be contingent or hourly. The vast majority of our work is done on a contingency basis.

Fees are what we charge for our services. Again, our fees may be contingent or hourly.

Costs are our out of pocket expenses that we are charged for pursuing your case. These are not contingent. In fact, we collect a reserve for costs at the beginning of a case so that we can pursue your case properly. Examples of costs are the filing fees that we pay to the court and process service fees. We collect costs based upon the size of the claim as follows:

5.     How long have you been in business?

A:     We have focused on debt collection since 1990.

6.     How long will it take you to collect on my matter?

A:     That is hard to say without speaking with you and getting to know more about your case and your debtor. We will certainly have a better feel for the case after we speak and after our collection department reviews your debtor and his assets.

7.     What do I need to give you to get started?

A:     Please click here to see a list of items that we need to begin working for you. Please contact Gary Nitzkin for a retainer agreement.

8.     I don't have a signed contract with the debtor. Can you still pursue the debt for me?

A:     Probably so. We will need to see what documentation that you have to prove your debt. Defendants in Michigan may asset the Statute of Frauds defense in Michigan, meaning that if your debt is over $1,000.00, there must be a writing to support it. However, there are many exception to this defense. Call or email Gary Nitzkin to find out more.

9.     How is a judgment domesticated in Michigan?

A:     Michigan has adopted the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act. Under this Act, we take a judgment from outside of Michigan and turn it into a Michigan judgment. It then becomes collectible and enforceable as any other judgment.

10.     Why should I place my debt with you instead of a collection agency?

A:     Collection agencies can write letters and make telephone calls to collect your debt. That's it. Our collection department does those things and then if they are unsuccessful in collecting your debt, they turn it over to our legal department, in house. We are quicker and frequently cheaper to use than a collection agency.