An attorney that is also collection agency - conflict of interest?
830829
Not a conflict that I can see.  Two businesses that for efficiency's sake are owned by the same person.  Maybe you could explain why you think this is a conflict of interest?
732562
you are right on track.this one is a slam dunk.though you are doing every thing right you need to contact your attorney generals office because she is adopting unfair and illegal business practices.this PERSON IS HAVING SERIOUS FINANCIAL PROBLEMS AND IS TRYING TO TAKE IT OUT ON YOU,You sound like you have enough fight in you.go get her.If I were you I would start by sending her a certified letter indicating intent to file charges against her for double dipping,and to file a $5000 dollar small claim against her for attempt to defraud.if she goes ahead with her claim to send your "bill"to a collections agency she is only giving you additional ammunition for your claims.If this thing appears on your credit you can get it removed by showing that this is an attempt to at distortion.It will also give you the additional info.you need for a successful claim.
617362
It sounds like the collection agent purchased your debt from the creditor.  The do it all the time, and they depend on harrassment to get you to pay.\n\nFirst, you do NOT have to deal with a collection agent.  Send them a Cease and Desist letter.  That will stop them from bothering you.\n\nNext, read up on the Statute of Limitations (see the link below). All states have them, and none of them are longer then 10 years.  What it means is that you no longer have a legal obligation to pay the debt.  If the creditor files a lawsuit against you, file a motion to dismiss based on the SOL, and the judge immediately dismisses it!\n\nThe way I see it, you have had your credit trashed by these guys for 7 years.  You paid the debt.  If the collection agent keeps pestering you after you sent the cease and desist letter, sue him.
448433
You need to consult an attorney.
352334
Take the time to read the link below.  It describes the Fair Debt Collections Act, and the rules that collectors must follow.\n\nIt also says what you need to do to prevent their harrassment.
267443
That depends.\n\nWas this the original creditor who talked to your boss, or was it a collection agency, attorney, or third party collector?\n\nThe Fair Debt Collections Act only covers when the debt is sent to another party, like a collection agency.  Other then that it gets difficult.  \n\nThe FDCA link is below.  Pay attention to section 804 and 805.  \n\nYes, you can sue, section 811 gives you details.\n\nNow, if this was caused by the original creditor, this act may not apply.  However, depending on what information was given, you can sue for liable.  If the information that was given was intended to damage you (even true information), you may also have a case.  Either way, you need to consult an attorney for advice.  Liable laws are a pain to prove.
1059394
You are in a bind.  If, when, you let the attorney know that you have such a recording, then he or she will be less happy to represent you properly.  On the other hand, when the attorney demands more fees and payments, and you do not come through or balk at paying these, then the attorney can be less than stellar in representing your best interests.  Either way, it is difficult.  No matter, it is common practice that either you pay a flat fee or charges as they happen (like by the hour).  Either way, if the attorney has outside expenses, those are passed along to the client.  This would be true especially for a mediator.
523364
Your "question" is both incoherent and contains mainly opinions stated as fact.\n\nLet's start by pointing out that it is standard practice for an attorney to be a notary. Before you call somebody unethical you damn well better have a factual basis for doing so. You have nothing.\n\nI notice you make much of your mother having the quitclaim deed singed "for her own personal gain." I take it your regard people who do things for personal gain as scum. Well then kid just what the hell are you doing this for? For YOUR personal gain? Guess what that makes you?
47000
contact the creditor. If it is a large firm ask for the collections department. Attempt to negotiate a settlement that includes elimination of the negatively reported information. Start by saying "can you help me with this". Explain the original problem and staate that you want to make it good. Sometimes they will be sympathetic. At a minimum, if you pay they have to report it as originally charged off but paid.
658621
I am not an attorney, my opinion is not to be alarmed! Do be informed. \nThe laws on garnishment differ from State To State. Best to look at your state laws. A collection agency acts on behalf of their client. How aggressive does the client want to be on medical bills? That too will differ as cosmetic surgery differs from having an appendix out. Is the original amount $500.00 or can it be driven up by fees or interest attorneys fees etc? Do not be alarmed by idle threats. Do get the facts. Check the FTC web site for consumer information. \n\nYou can stop collection agencies from calling you. I have used the form letters in credit repair kits found in office supply stores and on-line.
163660
Typically, yes, but you are correct in that it is ultimately up to the creditor if, when and to whom they send the information.  I've even seen numerous circumstances where collections appear on one bureau but not the other two (the same can be said for judgements, delinquencies, etc).
640363
Almost all the info you have here is not correct.  Collections agencies do not buy accounts, they work on a contingent basis.\n\nSome of the info is right.  Once the account is assigned to a 3rd party the original creditor does not have the ability to negotiate any longer  \n\nYou must deal with the collection agency.\n\nHere are some hints.\n\nDo not tell the collector that you are trying to buy something on credit (ie a house or car) and you need this to be paid.  This take away your leverage as they now know that you HAVE to pay it and they don't have to take a settlement.\n\nSimply tell them that you are trying to make good on your past mistakes and take care of your responsibilities.\n\nMost agencies will take a settlement offer, start low and they will counter, don't play too much or it will irritate them and then may just say "forget it, pay it all."\n\nGood luck!!
675819
collection agency will say almost anything to harrass you! unless it's a lawyer telling you this, don't buy it. and why hasn't he paid it anyway?
362198
I bet there is a lot more to this story. What matters is this-   you were dealing with a attorney and your surprised he cheated you? Come on, you deal with conman you get conned!
1169301
I can find no law by that name, but the idea you are talking about seems to be enshrined in case law:\n\nThose beneficiaries represented by appellant whose interests or whereabouts could not with due diligence be ascertained come clearly within this category. As to them the statutory notice is sufficient. However great the odds that publication will never reach the eyes of such unknown parties, it is not in the typical case much more likely to fail than any of the choices open to legislators endeavoring to prescribe the best notice practicable. \n\nNor do we consider it unreasonable for the State to dispense with more certain notice to those beneficiaries whose interests are either conjectural or future or, although they could be discovered upon investigation, do not in due course of business come to knowledge of the common trustee. Whatever searches might be required in another situation under ordinary standards of diligence, in view of the character of the proceedings and the nature of the interests here involved we think them unnecessary. We recognize the practical difficulties and costs that would be attendant on frequent investigations into the status of great numbers of beneficiaries, many of whose interests in the common fund are so remote as to be ephemeral; and we have no doubt that such impracticable and extended searches are not required in the [339 U.S. 306, 318]   name of due process. The expense of keeping informed from day to day of substitutions among even current income beneficiaries and presumptive remaindermen, to say nothing of the far greater number of contingent beneficiaries, would impose a severe burden on the plan, and would likely dissipate its advantages. These are practical matters in which we should be reluctant to disturb the judgment of the state authorities. \n\nAccordingly we overrule appellant's constitutional objections to published notice insofar as they are urged on behalf of any beneficiaries whose interests or addresses are unknown to the trustee.
257639
Having a lawyer and a agent near by.
167306
I think they attorney may have just been trying to make a joke.  The attorney may have been giving you different amounts throughout the process as what the insurance carrier was offering or what he thought it may settle around.\n\nWhen you signed up with the attorney, you should have signed a retainer agreement, which stipulates what percentage the attorney gets from your settlement (usually anywhere from 25-33% plus expenses).  That amount is off the actual settlement, not off of what is left after medical bills.  So if you settled at $50,000 and the attorney gets 33% (hypotheically), he will get $16,500, leaving you with $33500.  After $21000 in medicals, that leaves you with $12500 to cover future medical bills and pain and suffering.\n\nThis should have all be explained out to you by the attorney up front, and is probably done in the paperwork he gave you at your consult.  Getting another attorney will not help necessarily, because your current attorney is legally entitled to what he earned, and he can prove he earned that share of the $50,000.