Frequently Asked Questions [Potential Clients]---For Existing Clients CLICK HERE.
Q1. Will you negotiate your fee?
A1. No. If you've done your research on judgment collection, you will notice that there are many companies that want your business. The standard judgment recovery contingency fee is usually 50%. If some companies charge a less contingency fee, then that means you will need a deposit of some sort...up front costs. We only take files when we know that there is a good chance of collecting from the debtor. We cannot waste time and resources on judgment files that are uncollectible. We spend our time and money to work on your behalf.
Q2. What is the worst case scenario for my judgment recovery?
A2. Worst Case Scenario 1: The defendant could file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In that case, we cannot collect for you. All funds will be frozen and we will have to return them. Worst Case Scenario 2: The defendant could file for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In that case, there's still a chance. All funds will be frozen and we will have to return them. HOWEVER, the defendant will have to make arrangements to pay off their debts first; sometimes it can take over a 3 - 5 year period. We may not be able to collect every dollar of your judgment, but you'll get somewhere around 20% on the dollar. Worst Case Scenario 3: The defendant is having financial problems and files "Claim of Exemption." This has to go through the courts first for review. If the court accepts the claim, then we would have to do a payment plan. At least we get some money.
Q3. Who pays for the court filings and court appearances?
A3. We do, Harper & White, Inc.
Q4. Why can't I sell you my judgment?
A4. We are not in the business of buying judgments. Our business is judgment recovery.
Q5. What if I assign a judgment to you & you spend your funds working on it, but the debtor filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Do I have to pay you?
A5. No. You owe us NOTHING. We risk and invest our own money, but you risk nothing.
Q6. Can you collect if my debtor moved to a DIFFERENT state??
A6. Yes. We will have to track him/her down and domesticate you judgment or start the suit from the beginning. We bear all costs to do this.
Q7. Why should I give you 50% of whatever you collect when my attorney charges 33%?
A7. We established this fee after noting that attorneys charge 30% to 33% to get a judgment (based on an underlying claim) plus any additional fees incurred. When I perform this service for law firms my fee becomes those "additional fees", so a person could have an attorney perform my exact, same service for 33% only to have an additional 50% added to the collection cost. (That is one of the reasons why we have many attorneys/law firms as clients.)
Q8. Is your service really free?
A8. No, we get paid a percentage of what we collect from you debtor. We remit 50% to you and 50% to us after expenses. If you do not provide us with a valid judgment copy and want us to obtain one from the court for you, we will request $75.00.
Q9. What if my debtor is deceased? Can you still collect?
A9. Possibly. Please give us a call if this is your situation so we may evaulate your case.
Q10. How do you locate debtors?
A10. We use a variety of investigative techniques.
Q11. Do I have to make contact with my debtor again?
A11. No. We handle all communications with your debtor so you don't have to.
Q12. Can you still collect if my debtor is in prison?
A12. We can if we can find where he has hidden assets/money.
Q13. Can you collect if my debtor is a business/company that is inactive (not in business anymore).
A13. Sorry, if that's the situation, we cannot collect. Unless you have a personal guarantor, there might be a chance.
Q14. What percentage will my attorney get if the judgment is collected?
A14. 0%. Why would your attorney get paid for NO work he/she has done?
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