Michigan Debt Collection Laws: Getting the Upper Hand

Today, March 6, 2013, The National List published the white paper on debt collection law in Michigan, written by Mimi D. Kalish, Senior Associate with Stillman Law Office in West Bloomfield. The firm has been a member of The National List since 1994.

Mimi has been associated with Stillman Law Office for the past decade.  During that period, she has witnessed the exponential growth of this full-service collections firm, which now employs over 125 individuals in its Southeastern Michigan office. Michael Stillman, the firm’s owner and founder, has expanded the reach of the firm beyond Michigan’s boundaries, with the formation of its sister firm, Schlee & Stillman, LLC, in 2006, serving several East Coast states.

Mimi attended Detroit College of Law, now known as Michigan State University College of Law. She has been working in the debt collection industry for 12 years. She told us, “Despite the number of years I have practiced in this area and the relative similarity of our collection files, I am constantly amazed by the unique issues of law that arise on almost a daily basis. When this occurs, I enjoy the research process as well as the opportunity to learn something new, and to share this knowledge with my colleagues.”

Mimi Kalish

One thing all of us can learn from this paper is that Michigan is one of the few, if not the only state that allows private judgment-creditors to garnish an individual’s State Income Tax refund to be applied toward the unpaid judgment balance. MCL § 600.4061a For a $6.00 filing fee payable to the State of Michigan, judgment-creditors may begin filing State Income Tax Garnishments beginning on November 1st through December 31st for the year to be garnished. You will find more information on how this is done in the paper.

Mimi goes on to say, “The city of Detroit and the entire state of Michigan were hit hard by the economic downturn that began in 2006. I found it especially important during this difficult period to approach debtors with a sense of humanity and respect, while vigorously pursuing the collection of debts for the benefit of my clients.” Like the state slogan, “Getting the Upper Hand,” Mimi has learned how to get the upper hand, while still treating debtors kindly.

When she’s not working, Mimi says, “I love to cook and entertain, to spend time with my family, to read and meet with my book club, and antiquing.” Outside of work, Stillman Law Office annually sponsors a “Relay for Life” team that benefits the American Cancer Society, as well as many other charitable fundraising events planned throughout the year.

The National List thanks Mimi for submitting this paper and for telling us something about herself and her firm. You can access the paper at http://www.nationallist.com/white_papers/michigan.