Steven Harms - Credit and Collections Kit For Dummies

Credit & Collections Kit For Dummies

by Steven A. Harms and Aaron Larson

Credit & Collections Kit For Dummies

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Copyright 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2009932706

ISBN: 978-0-470-46595-0

Manufactured in the United States of America

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About the Authors

Steven A. Harms is a partner in Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers, a 48-year-old law firm engaged exclusively in the collection business, with offices throughout Michigan and a network of attorney offices throughout the world for handling collection matters. Steves office is located at 33233 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, MI 48009. He can be reached by phone at 248-645-2440 and by e-mail at steve@mullerfirm.com .

Steve is a frequent lecturer and the author of collection books, articles, and materials. Hes active with the International Association of Commercial Collectors and the Commercial Law League of America. Hes also an adjunct professor at Walsh College and has been listed in Whos Who in American Law since 1985. He was named one of Michigans Super Lawyers in 20072008 by the publishers of the journal Law & Politics.

Aaron Larson is an attorney practicing law in Ann Arbor, Michigan. After graduating from the University of Michigan Law School, Aaron started practice as a quintessential small town lawyer, providing legal services to individuals and small business clients. He subsequently worked for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Ann Arbor, where he developed professional education programs for lawyers in areas such as business law and collections. His current legal practice focuses on civil appeals.

Aaron operates the ExpertLaw Web site ( www.expertlaw.com ), providing free legal information and assistance to consumers as well as resources for legal professionals.

Dedication

Steve Harms:

This book is dedicated to the memory of John F. Muller, the founder of our collection law firm, Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers. He was my friend and valued mentor. He taught me everything I know about the collection business, especially when it comes to treating clients with prompt, enthusiastic, and high quality service, which were his trademarks and his legacy.

Aaron Larson:

To my wife, Laura, and our wonderful daughter, Emma.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the many people who made this project possible through their caring, professional assistance:

Mike Lewis, Acquisitions Editor, Wiley Publishing, Inc., who gently mentored us to help this project meet Wileys high standards and expectations.

Chrissy Guthrie, Senior Project Editor, Wiley Publishing, Inc., who provided constructive feedback and tactful prodding at all twists and turns during the many months it took to complete this project.

Barb Doyen, President, Doyen Literary Services, Inc., who provided upbeat, professional advice in a personal, friendly, efficient manner. Never far from her computer as the project progressed, Barb proved masterful in her ability to keep this project flowing.

John Yursha and Ted Smith, our technical editors, who helped keep our presentation of legal issues clear and accurate.

Steve Harms:

I would like to acknowledge my family my wife, Nancy, and my daughters, Jennifer, Heather, and Robin who provided endless support and encour agement for this project.

I would also like to acknowledge Aaron Larson, attorney and author, who thought of me as someone who would enjoy working on this project. Ironically, he ended up as its coauthor. Aaron is the heart and soul of this book, as he masterfully molded and organized mere words into pearls of wisdom, using wit and humor to soften, and yet sharpen, the concepts that jump off the pages.

I would also like to thank Leslie Sirovey for typing drafts for this book.

Aaron Larson:

I would like to thank the members of my family for their support and for putting up with some late nights (and occasional crankiness) as I forged ahead with this project.

I would also like to thank my coauthor, Steve Harms, who brought tremendous subject matter expertise and experience to this book. Steve has devoted countless hours over his career to producing books, articles, and courses to help lawyers and businesses better understand debt collection law and practice. If you ever want proof that a lawyer and a collection lawyer at that can be an incredibly nice guy, you have to meet Steve.