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Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:27 am Subject: Needing info on law office

I received a call today that my HSBC card has been turned over to the law firm of Finklestein & Kern out of Knoxville, Tn. I called them to inquire of what was going on and all I got was the voicemail of the attorney who has my card account. The consolidation company stated when they tried to call them, they stated they had to have my permission. I left verbal permission on his voicemail. Does anyone know how I can get an address of this law firm? When I do a reverse number lookup and it comes up to a residential number. What direction do i go now? This is the first I knew about an attorney. I thought everything was going good and HSBC was accepting payments and now I get hit with this.

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:13 am Subject:

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:20 am Subject:

Thank you Shirley. I had to leave a voicemail for Shannon. I left it at 9:45am still have heard nothing back from him. It really pisses me off that a credit card company can do this while in a consolidation program. HSBC is one of the hardest companies to work with.

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:11 pm Subject:

Brat, send a written consent as well so that the company gets sure of receiving permission from you. Assuming, if the company refuses to work with your consolidation company because of lack of your permission, you have proof to support your consent.

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 1:56 pm Subject:

Shirley,

How much trouble did you have getting them to return phone calls. I have called and left a message granting my permission to contact the consolidation company and still no phone call from Shannon at ext.240. I mailed a letter confirming my permission to speak with the consolidation company and also added that I have left two verbal messges granting permission. Is there anything else I can do? My fax machine is being stubborn today, so I can't fax a letter, would that be smart to also fax the granting of permission letter?

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:19 pm Subject:

Well, I got my court papers bright and early on a saturday morning, of course there was no one to contact until Monday. So I called them monday morning and got right through to her. After we hung up, I thought of something else to ask her and called back. I then got her answering machine and left her a message. She called back about an hour or so later. She apologized, said it was crazy there.

But I have written twice now and have gotten nothing from them. As I said in my earlier post, I guess I will call them but I really wanted this in writing. I never even got a copy of the judgement from them or any kind of statement saying what my balance is now. That is what I'm trying to get from them. I don't care for them, as I said there was no need in taking me to court over something I was already doing. just their way of making money and pushing their macho law muscles around. Now they just want me to mail my money every month and not ask questions. I'm pissed cause I just want my balance so that I can keep up with it for my records. I am going to call them. Evil or Very Mad

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:05 am Subject: Judgement

TTF, were you served court papers or did they mail them? Were you notified of the court date and did you fail to appear?

If there really is a judgement, you should be able to get a copy from the clerk of the local court that issued it.

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:05 am Subject:

I'm having issues with HBSC as well. I had them added to a debt consolidation plan and they refused to work with them, I didn't know they were attached with my mortgage. I started working with HUD, now they are working with them I told the gentleman I was working with good luck and he told me they are usually more willing to work when the federal government calls, I'm only trying to stay out of foreclosure. Another reason I'm writing, anyone heard of Lathrop & Gage DC out of Washington? They sent me a collection letter for an old Nextel bill, I have no intention of working with them I'm writing a Cease and Desist as we speak. Any info would be great, also, if they are not licensed in the state I reside do they have legal recourse, any replies helpful.... Thanks... Babs

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 10:48 am Subject:

I was served. lol
There really was a court date and judgement and judgement is now on my credit report. I am going to call lawyers who I have to make my payments to every month, for the balance. It just ticks me off though, they were so perfect that they had to cart me off to court, but they can't respond to me now? I wanted it in writing, guess I will have to just settle for on a phone call to them now. thanks, shirley

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:03 pm Subject:

I got a call from Michelle this morning and Shannon wanted $135.00 a month payment and I stated no way. We have $300.00 for two weeks for groceries, kids lunches and gas. Michelle stated that we will continue to pay them $26.00 a month and I asked her what if they take me to court and she states that that is not in the future for me. Once the judge sees I am making an attempt to pay the debt, he will laugh in their face. I sure hope she is right.

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:06 pm Subject:

ttf, get the judgement copy from the court, that way you can make sure u know the correct amounts and can compare it to what they tell you. Also, document each and every call u make in a notebook. also include dates, times and proof of payment notes and records.

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:47 pm Subject:

Oh no! You girls are being litigated? This is not good! I know that you have every intention in paying the bills, but now they're going to tack on the court fees, filing fees, and attorney's fees and you'll have to pay them! I know that you were doing your best paying what you had left over after expenses, but in no collections status will payments of $25 or $50 protect you from litigations! Your intentions are there, they know that, but in their eyes they are unsatisfactory. Brat 4-ever, I certainly hope you're right that the judge will throw out the case when he sees intent. I know these agencies and creditors are being stupid by not contacting you or providing you wth the information you need. Whenever someone asks me for a valiation letter, a paid in full letter, or a settlement offer letter, I get right on it and tell them when to expect it. Litigation? Maybe their lack of correspondence could be used against them when trying to prove your intent, but I regret to say that you're on a sticky wicket now!

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:00 pm Subject:

Yesterday was the first I knew about the attorney. My counselor called and stated that HSBC has turned the account over after they were receiving payments. Today Michelle told me not to worry, as long as I'm makeing an effort, the judge will laugh at the attorneys for bringing me to court.

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:26 pm Subject:

I hope so! I also hope that what you told me about the original creditors ridiculing you makes a difference to the judge. It does to me. This financial farce of yours is by far the biggest crapfest I've ever heard. No bones about it.

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 3:22 pm Subject:

Brat, remember, what they are likely banking on is that you wont show up for the court date. show up an d explain it to the judge, the key is to make the judge understand your intent and what you are truly able to pay. Your efforts for consolidation are key make sure you clearly show that. Remember too, that they will not automatically get attorney;s fees and court costs, especially if you can convince the judge that their suit caused you needless expense. One thought comes to mind and forgive me if what i am about to say offends you, but if you are considered low income, there may be free legal assistance available to you, if you tell me what state you live in, I can try and find a contact for you.