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No Need to Panic: What to Do When Debt Collectors Call

It’s enough to increase your heart rate and make you break out in a sweat. The debt collector is calling! Debt collectors have tricks up their sleeves, so you are right to be concerned when debt collectors call. If you owe a lot of money, it very well may be worth your while to hire a debt collection defense attorney who knows the ins and outs. But if you are planning to speak with a debt collector yourself, you need to be prepared. Consider the following advice. Keep calm Debt collectors like to keep you off balance, and often they… Read More

Medical Debt in America: It’s Worse than We Thought

We all know that medical debt drives many people into bankruptcy. It’s the largest category of debt in the United States. Even if patients recover, the weight of medical bills can ruin their lives. Well, it’s even worse than we or the government or anybody else thought. A study from JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) just published in July tells us that collection agencies held $140 billion in unpaid medical bills in 2020. (The study covers January 2009 to June 2020.) A previous study done in 2016 indicated the amount was almost half that — $81 billion. It gets… Read More

Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium: Final Extension to July 31

On Thursday, June 24, the Biden Administration announced that it is extending the tenant eviction and federal mortgage foreclosure moratorium until July 31. The order was signed by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. The moratorium was in place to help those suffering economic problems due to the coronavirus pandemic. This moratorium is particularly important in states like Florida which have no state eviction moratorium. According to the CDC, “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to the nation’s public health. Keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings — like homeless shelters — by preventing evictions… Read More

What to Expect if You Face Wage Garnishment in Florida

If you are having trouble making ends meet, the last thing you want is for your creditor to garnish your wages. A wage garnishment, also known as a wage attachment, is an order the court sends to your employer telling them to withhold money from your paycheck and sent it to the creditor. As you can imagine, this will not endear you to your employer. However, they can’t fire you for it unless you have more than one garnishment. However, under Florida law, your employer can deduct the amount from your paycheck that it cost them to obey a wage… Read More

My Creditor Has a Default Judgment Against Me! What Now?

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

Where Should I File My Bankruptcy Petition?

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

I’m Being Sued by Midland Funding! What Should I Do?

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

New Limitations on Debt Collection Are Coming: We’ve Boiled It Down

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

Ziegler Diamond Law: Debt Fighters – New Name, Same Dedication to Helping Consumers Overcome Debt Problems

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

Is Debt Parking Ruining Your Credit?

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