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How a Creditor Gets a Default Judgment Against You If a creditor is unable to collect a debt from you, eventually they will file a complaint against you in court. The court issues a summons notifying you of the suit. The plaintiff must then properly serve you with the summons and complaint within the procedures set out by Florida law. In Florida, once you have been served, you have 20 days to file a response with the court if you want to avoid a default judgment. Should you miss that deadline, the plaintiff will then request the court to order… Read More

If you’re accused of murder, you know you need to hire an attorney. But what if you just owe debts you can’t pay? When should you handle it yourself, and when do you need a Florida debt collection defense attorney? When you are already overwhelmed with debt, you may hesitate to get legal help, because you are afraid of just adding to your debt. But in many situations, a lawyer can save you money and give you a lifeline to getting your life back on track. That doesn’t mean you always need the help of a lawyer. Let’s look at… Read More

There are many financial requirements you must meet to be discharged in bankruptcy in Florida.  But there are also requirements that govern where to file for bankruptcy. Keep in mind that bankruptcy actions are established under federal law. You will not file bankruptcy in state court, but rather in federal bankruptcy court. The federal district where you file determines where your case will be heard. What is the Basis for Where to File for Bankruptcy? When filing a bankruptcy petition, these three factors may govern where you file. For a consumer bankruptcy, normally you will file in the same district… Read More

Have you received a debt collection letter from Midland Funding, LLC? Or maybe you received a complaint or court notice from Midland Credit Management (MCM)? You may ask yourself “Who are these people? I didn’t buy anything from any company called Midland!” When credit card debt, auto loans, bank debts and other consumer debts go unpaid, the holders of the debts often sell them to third-party debt buyers. If you didn’t pay your credit card, it’s a good bet that the credit card company sold it to a debt buyer. Midland Funding is one of the biggest debt buyers in… Read More

Events are big business here in Florida and across the country, but the pandemic has hit them hard. Many large sporting events, big concerts and events of all kinds have been canceled, postponed or downscaled. Those who run the events and their staffs are not the only ones affected.  Industries that serve people who attend events such as hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and an array of vendors also suffer. Let’s see how organizers are coping with event revenue losses due to Covid-19. Adaptations for Events During the Pandemic Social Distancing Many events have been canceled, but some event managers are… Read More

In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, many are still suffering financial losses here in the Tampa Bay area and across the country. It can be hard to just get by during the Covid-19 pandemic. Beyond government help, there are things you can do on your own to help you through the pandemic. Let’s take a look at how the economy stands, some things you can do to dial down financial pressure off and things you can do to be prepared if and when the most recent stimulus package becomes law. The Economy Now Here’s where we are: In 2020,… Read More

If you are struggling with debt, you will want to know about the latest debt collection limitations rules released  on December 18, 2020, that cover Information debt collectors must reveal to you about your debt When debt collectors can add information to consumer credit reports Limits on actions regarding debts that are past the statute of limitations for litigation Last month we told you that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), after seven years of preparation, was releasing the Final Rule of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The Final Rule was released in three parts, and last month… Read More

January 22, 2021 – Clearwater, FL– The Law Office of Michael A. Ziegler: Debt Fighters, a Florida law firm that helps consumers overcome debt problems, announced today the appointment of partner Kaelyn Steinkraus Diamond to shareholder partner. The firm will now be known as Ziegler Diamond Law: Debt Fighters. “Kaelyn’s passion and expertise for protecting our clients from illegal debt collecting activities have made her a tremendous asset to the firm,” said Managing Partner Michael Ziegler. “I am proud to have her name appear next to mine.” Mrs. Diamond first began working at the firm as a law clerk in… Read More

Last month, we advised you to check your credit report throughout the year. But you are not only checking for errors. One of the things you are looking for is whether you may be a victim of debt parking, sometimes referred to as passive debt collection. When you check your credit report, you may find it contains mistakes that indicate delinquent debts that you already paid or never owed at all. Those faulty debts are not always caused by mistakes. Unethical debt collection companies have been placing fake debts on consumer credit reports for the sole purpose of coercing payment… Read More

It is with great enthusiasm that we announce out 2nd scholarship winner.  The Debt Fighters support an academic scholarship contest for students who share a time in their life where they learn the importance of financial planning and discuss their financial plan going into the future. Peyton Myles, a student based in California, started her own dance company at 17 years old, and has taken much of the profit from her business and dedicated it to charity.  In the meantime, she works at the local hospital and is interning at a law firm.  Her essay shows incredible attention to financial… Read More