Best Debt Collection lawyers in Greenbelt, MD

2 Debt Collection Lawyers in Greenbelt, MD

experienced lawyers

Omar Kusay Barakat

6411 Ivy Ln, Greenbelt, MD

Car Accident Debt Collection Personal Injury +1 +4

4.4/5

4.4

63 Reviews

19 Sep, 2024 by Gabrielle brown

Mr Day took my case a few years ago. This attorney is very organized and professional. He has strong negotiating skills as well. I was able to leave my marriage in a good position. He also set the tone for the co parenting arrangements. I remember him being honest with me about my situation and giving good advice on what I needed to do to regain my autonomy and dignity in the divorce. Thank you

21 Jun, 2024 by Prophetess rain mackey

This has been a very traumatic time of my life. I haven’t slept all night since February. I met the most amazing Attorney at this firm. Attorney Joseph McKenzie. First let me start by saying he’s GREAT LISTENER! He allowed me to explain everything without interruption. He corrected me on things I totally didn’t understand were wrong. He made me feel heard and understood. I was very impressed with his knowledge and professionalism. He has a beautiful office and the staff were very welcoming. I left there feeling safe and that God let me meet the right person. I slept all night for the first time in a few months. If you need an Attorney who will listen to you and care about your situation call Attorney Joseph and you will not be disappointed.

23 Mar, 2024 by Kenneth jones

Power to the people

Linda S. Mericle

7875 Belle Point Dr, Greenbelt, MD

Business Debt Collection Litigation +3

2.4/5

2.4

32 Reviews

04 Sep, 2024 by Sula la jefa

For starters, you cannot reach them in person, they never pick up the phone and rarely respond to emails in a timely fashion. This HOA law firm is highly unprofessional and unethical. To set up a simple payment plan, they're asking for deeply personal information without justification. The person requesting this information hasn't even confirmed they are a U.S. citizen and appears to be of East Indian descent. I keep questioning why they're demanding such sensitive personal and financial information (PHI/PII) when I don't even know who I'm dealing with. The level of detail they're asking for isn't even required for government security clearance, yet I'm expected to provide it for a basic HOA payment agreement. This is incredibly risky for my personal security because of the kind of investigative work I do myself for the US Gov. It's concerning because this individual already has access to my deed, public records, and address, but is still opting to ask me for my personal bank account details, social security number, sensitive Job information and more. This seems highly unethical and raises serious concerns about the potential misuse of my personal information. An for those that are not aware, yes America allows foreign nationals to work on paralegal and legal cases remotely as lawyers so just because someone is in the legal dept. asking you for all this information does not mean they are US Citizens and safe to trust providing your PHI/PII info, this could easily become a potential violation of privacy laws, depending on the specific circumstances and the jurisdiction you are in the US.

08 Aug, 2024 by Craig craig

This law firm is predatory and operates in bad faith. In September of last year my mother passed away. She missed several HOA payments at the end of that year because she was sick in the hospital and unable to make them. The following year, her case was referred to Cameron Mericle for collection. I completely understand that and have no problem with it. As soon as I learned of these missed payments, I reached out to Cameron Mericle to arrange payment ASAP and get this cleared up. I took this very seriously and made a very reasonable effort to pay what was owed in a timely manner. I requested the late fees be waived as these were exigent circumstances. I spoke with a woman named Katelyn Howard who assured me that because I had called in to clear it up, there would be no further charges or action on the account as she worked with the HOA to get the late fees waived. She was very professional and understanding during this phone call. To be clear, it would be perfectly fine if they could not be waived. It was simply a request. I was always eager to pay what was owed and get this resolved ASAP. Kate never reached out to me to follow up and over a month passed. I reached back out to find out what was going on and when I finally got a hold of them, they informed me that I now owed almost $1500 dollars extra in legal filing fees and accrued interest because the balance had not been paid. I did not pay the balance because I was specifically told not to as I waited for them to communicate with the HOA to get the late fees waived. Not only did they not do that, but they refused to communicate and charged me almost 4x the amount of what was actually owed because of the time that had passed while I waited for them to respond to me. I was specifically told to wait even though I wanted to pay off the balance. This is incredibly predatory behavior. I would have gladly paid on time but was specifically told not to so they could try to scam me out of more money than was actually owed. Do not trust anything this company says. Get your own lawyer and resolve the issue with your HOA. I have documentation of all of this and will be reporting it to the appropriate authorities. I can't believe the depravity of the people working here. They are the scum of the Earth. They took advantage of the death of my mother to try to scam me. That's completely unacceptable behavior. The positive reviews of this company come from staff members who declare that most of the negative reviews are simply irate people who are delinquent on what they owe and are venting. Perhaps that is true in some cases. However, this is not the case with me. Since I first contacted Cameron Mericle I was respectful, and very committed to paying the outstanding balance on the account in a timely manner. I made very reasonable efforts to resolve this as fast as I could in compliance with their directions. In response, they lied to me and tried to take advantage of me while I was grieving. I really hope the people working here are able to search their soul and come to terms with their place in the world. Beware

15 Jul, 2024 by Ana mercedez

These people are so unprofessional and intentionally rude. They fancy themselves as a Law Office but truthfully they are nothing more than a predatory collection agency

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What a Debt Collection Lawyer Can Do for You

A debt collection lawyer helps individuals and businesses navigate legal matters related to debt collection. Whether you’re a creditor seeking to recover unpaid debts or a debtor facing aggressive collection actions, a debt collection lawyer can provide valuable assistance. These lawyers help creditors pursue legal action to collect overdue debts and ensure compliance with debt collection laws. On the debtor’s side, they help defend against unlawful collection practices, negotiate repayment plans, or file for bankruptcy if necessary.

If you’re dealing with a debt collection issue, a lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and work toward a resolution that aligns with your financial or business needs.

When Should I Hire a Debt Collection Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a debt collection lawyer if you are facing any of the following situations:

For Creditors:
- Unpaid debts: If you’re a creditor (such as a business or individual) with unpaid invoices, loans, or accounts receivable, a lawyer can help you pursue legal action to recover the debt.
- Debtor refuses to pay: When a debtor is unwilling or unable to make payments, a lawyer can assist with filing lawsuits, securing judgments, and enforcing those judgments to collect the debt.
- Negotiating repayment plans: If you’re willing to work with a debtor to arrange a payment plan, a lawyer can negotiate and draft a legally enforceable agreement.
- Legal representation in court: If a debtor disputes the debt or countersues, a lawyer can represent you in court and ensure your legal interests are protected.
- Securing liens or garnishments: A lawyer can help you secure liens on a debtor’s property or garnishments on their wages to recover the owed debt.
For Debtors:
- Facing debt collection lawsuits: If you’ve been sued by a creditor or collection agency, a lawyer can represent you in court and help you defend against the claim or negotiate a settlement.
- Debt collection harassment: If creditors or debt collection agencies are harassing you or violating your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a lawyer can help stop the harassment and potentially sue for damages.
- Negotiating debt settlements: If you owe a significant amount of money but want to avoid bankruptcy, a lawyer can negotiate with creditors to reduce the total amount owed or set up a payment plan.
- Disputing a debt: If you believe a debt is incorrect or have been wrongfully targeted by debt collectors, a lawyer can help you dispute the claim and provide evidence to resolve the matter.
- Bankruptcy options: If your debts are overwhelming and you’re unable to repay them, a debt collection lawyer can help you explore bankruptcy as an option for debt relief.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help you protect your financial interests and avoid escalating legal issues.

What Does a Debt Collection Lawyer Do?

A debt collection lawyer provides a variety of services depending on whether they are representing the creditor or the debtor. Their responsibilities often include:

For Creditors:
- Filing lawsuits: A lawyer can file a lawsuit against a debtor who has failed to pay what they owe. This includes preparing and submitting legal documents, representing you in court, and pursuing judgments.
- Negotiating settlements: If the debtor is willing to settle, the lawyer can negotiate a payment arrangement or reduced settlement that ensures you recover some or all of the debt.
- Securing judgments and enforcement: After obtaining a court judgment, a lawyer can help enforce it through methods like wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens.
- Reviewing contracts and agreements: A lawyer can review your contracts and lending agreements to ensure that they comply with the law and are enforceable if a debtor defaults.
For Debtors:
- Defending against debt collection lawsuits: If you’re being sued by a creditor, a lawyer can challenge the lawsuit, dispute the debt’s validity, or negotiate a more favorable settlement.
- Stopping harassment: If debt collectors are using unlawful practices to collect a debt (such as threatening you or contacting you excessively), a lawyer can intervene and protect your rights.
- Negotiating debt relief: A lawyer can negotiate with creditors to reduce the total amount of debt you owe or develop a manageable payment plan that suits your financial situation.
- Disputing inaccurate debts: If a debt is not valid, a lawyer can help you gather evidence to dispute the claim and prevent further collection actions.
- Filing for bankruptcy: If your debts are overwhelming, a lawyer can advise you on whether filing for bankruptcy is the best option and help you through the process.

How Are Debt Collection Lawyers Paid?

Debt collection lawyers typically charge for their services in different ways depending on the complexity of the case and whether they represent a creditor or debtor. Common payment structures include:

Hourly rate: Many debt collection lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the case’s complexity. Hourly fees are common when the lawyer is representing either party in litigation or negotiation.
Contingency fee: For creditors, some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover the debt. Their fee is typically a percentage of the recovered amount, usually ranging from 20% to 40%.
Flat fee: For specific services, such as reviewing a contract, drafting a demand letter, or defending a straightforward debt collection lawsuit, a lawyer may charge a flat fee.
Retainer: For larger or ongoing cases, a lawyer may require a retainer fee ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the expected duration.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation and understand the total cost of their services before proceeding with your case.

How Much Does a Debt Collection Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a debt collection lawyer depends on whether you are a creditor or debtor, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:

Hourly rates: Most debt collection lawyers charge between $150 and $500 per hour. Complex cases involving litigation or large amounts of money may result in higher legal fees.
Contingency fees: If the lawyer works on a contingency basis, they typically charge between 20% and 40% of the recovered amount. For example, if you recover $10,000 and the contingency fee is 30%, the lawyer would take $3,000.
Flat fees: For simpler services like drafting a demand letter or responding to a debt collection lawsuit, flat fees may range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the work required.
Retainers: For larger or ongoing cases, a lawyer may require a retainer fee ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the expected duration.

Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to avoid surprises and ensure that the services fit your budget.

How to Check the Credibility of a Debt Collection Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable debt collection lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:

Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
Look for debt collection experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in debt collection law and have successfully handled cases like yours.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and ability to handle debt collection cases.
Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on debt collection matters.
Check for certifications or memberships: Look for certifications or memberships in organizations like the National Creditors Bar Association (NCBA) or other relevant associations that focus on debt collection law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a debt collection lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

For Creditors:
- List of outstanding debts: Bring a detailed list of the debts owed to you or your business, including invoices, contracts, or other supporting documentation.
- Previous communication with the debtor: Provide copies of any emails, letters, or phone call logs showing attempts to collect the debt.
- Contracts or agreements: Bring any contracts or agreements related to the debt, as they may be critical in proving your case.
- Judgment information (if applicable): If you’ve already obtained a court judgment against the debtor, bring the judgment documents and any enforcement attempts.
For Debtors:
- Debt collection letters or notices: Bring any correspondence from creditors or collection agencies, including demand letters and collection notices.
- Payment records: Provide proof of any payments made toward the debt, including receipts, canceled checks, or bank statements.
- Debt validation or dispute documentation: If you’ve disputed the debt or requested validation, bring copies of the dispute letters and the creditor’s response.
- Legal summons or lawsuit documentation: If you’re facing a lawsuit, bring the court summons, complaint, and any legal documents related to the case.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best legal advice tailored to your needs.