Meisner Law Group Wins in Michigan Court of Appeals

The Meisner Law Group recently notched a significant win in the Michigan Court of Appeals for our client, Sunflower Village Homes Association. In an assessment collection case against owners who did not pay assessments, the trial court judge only awarded $500 in attorney’s fees and costs to the plaintiff Association, which was much less than…

Collection Agency Agreements: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Instead of retaining experienced legal counsel, some community associations contract with a collection agency to pursue delinquent assessments without an understanding of the major differences between the two approaches. One purported benefit offered by collection agencies is a “no upfront fees” approach where fees and costs are deferred and only added to the delinquent account…

Foreclosure by Advertisement and the FDCPA

In most circumstances, we at The Meisner Law Group have found that the best recommended option to pursue foreclosure on a property for delinquent assessments is a judicial action as opposed to nonjudicial foreclosure by advertisement. Now, there is even more reason to prefer judicial action, as a recent decision concerning the federal Fair Debt…

Fair Debt Collection Requirements Must Be Followed Strictly

A recent decision in Essique v. Walnut Woods Condominium Association, No. 2:15-CV-12049, 2016 WL 7337246 (E.D. Mich. Dec. 19, 2016) is a good example of how important it is to strictly comply with the requirements of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Following is the judge’s summary of the requirements pertinent to the case…

Collecting Assessments

By Robert Meisner As I have often told the participants in my seminars, collecting assessments is the lifeblood of the Association. First and foremost, the Association should have a written collection policy in conformity with its condominium documents which would outline when assessments will be deemed to be due, when various late charge notices will…