Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Maryland

Home Improvement Nightmare

I recently received a letter from a debt collection attorney conserning a check I had placed a stop payment on back in Oct. of 2004. It was a check issued to an idividual that I had hired to paint the exterior of my house. I had conserns about the workmanship and some of the methods being used and his reliability to complete the job. When I brought up these conserns to this individual he basically told me that if I was not satisfied with work he would return the check and I could find someone else to finish the job, which we mutally agree to do. When he did return the check as promised, I placed a stop payment on the check, which lasted 6 months (May of this year) up until that time the check had not been presented for payment. I placed another stop payment on the check at this time and finally closed the account in late June because I did not want this individual to have my bank account information.

Do I need to provide the proof of stop payment to the debt collection attorney to prove that this debt is not valid?

The letter states that the check was returned due to insufficient funds, although my bank has no record of the check ever being presented for payment.

The big question is do I need an attorney?


Asked on 8/22/05, 4:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michelle Stawinski Bouland & Brush LLC

Re: Home Improvement Nightmare

The letter from the attorney should clearly instruct you on how to dispute the debt. You should be able to, by letter to the collection attorney, request verification of the debt, I recommend that you send such a letter. Right now, you don't need to provide them with anything, though you may want to start collecting any documents that you may need. If you can obtain copies of things for a nominal fee, go ahead and get a copy now. If copies will cost you more, wait until you see what the creditor's next move will be.

At this juncture, I don't think you need an attorney, but you may find that you need someone to guide you later.

Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or need any assistance.

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Answered on 8/22/05, 4:09 pm


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