That the birds of worry and care
Fly above your head,
This you cannot change,
But that they build
Nests in your hair,
This you can prevent.
Chinese Proverb
Author: knaklawoffice
Debt Collectors
Debt collectors are already … aggressive. With more debts about to go unpaid, they’re going to become more harassing and insistent, especially if they’re working on commission.
Within 24 hours, my office is ready to send written notice to a debt collector to cease contacting you pursuant to the Chapter 15 of the United States Code. The fee for this service is $75 for the first letter. Discounts are available for multiple letters.
Lastly, please know that the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act makes it illegal for debt collectors to engage in unfair, abusive, or deceptive practices when they’re going after debts and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has the ability to enforce civil penalties and make criminal referrals. Contact the bureau at:
- (855) 411-2372
- TTY/TTD: (855) 729-2372
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday
- More than 180 languages available
Loved One in the Hospital
In this era of Covid-19, if you or a loved one is hospitalized, there will be virtually no contact between you. Information about test results, treatment administered, improvement or decline will be unavailable to you or them. I recommend an Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information. Signed and witnessed, it indicates whoever you choose (or more than one person) to received information about your health and medical condition.
Call for information: 810-936-0005
Get forms online
A word of caveat emptor : Ironically, although attorneys charge for the preparation of documents, it is their knowledge and advice that is valuable. Many forms for estate planning documents are available online from a wide variety of sources. But, “Which form should I choose? Will it work in my situation? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?” The problem is that not only does a layperson not know the answers to their questions, but he/she does not know what they do not know. Traps for the unwary abound, traps that general information on a website will not help you avoid.
Call if you have questions. Phone calls are free: 810-936-0005
The “C” Word and Your Legal Documents
If you have Powers of Attorney and a medical privacy waiver, good for you. Pull them out:
- Are they current? Or were they prepared years ago? Have your designated agents moved away? Passed away? Become estranged?
- Are there signatures on every line that call for a signature? Yours? Notary? Witnesses?
- Do your designated agents have copies in their possession?
If you do not have documents, you need these three at a minimum:
- Power of Attorney for Finances
- Power of Attorney for Health Care
- Authorization to Release Medical Information including HIPAA language.
My office will prepare all three documents for you for $300; this is a discount of 25% while Michigan is subject to the shelter-in-place executive order.