Michael Kennedy | Branford Consumer Rights Lawyer

A client was referred to me by a local attorney; my client was living in fear, being contacted daily, at home and work by a debt collector for a disputed credit card debt. She had been made to feel shame for not paying her debt by the debt collector, and was in fear of wage garnishment or bank execution. Once my office takes a case, all collection contact must stop by law. The debt collector can no longer contact you by phone or mail. In this case, the collection agent had called my client at work and told her if she didn't pay the debt he was going to call her supervisor and tell him that ""she doesn't pay her debts"" My client was afraid of being embarrassed at work and what people would think of her. (common illegal collection tactic) This conduct violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the client settled this matter for the maximum statutory damages of $1,000.00 and my attorney fees were paid for by the debt collector. The FDCPA provides statutory damages up to $1,000 and attorney fees to a successful plaintiff. My client told me she was feeling helpless and didn't know what to do before speaking to me. She told me during our initial telephone call, she felt safe now and secure again at home and work. She had been afraid to answer her phone and was feeling demoralized.

I think clients should look for an attorney, who specializes in an area of practice. Statutes, regulations and case law change so frequently, to be effective and obtain the best results for your clients, limiting your practice to one area of law gives that attorney a tremendous edge.

I am a plaintiff's attorney. I sue the same large collection agencies on a regular basis. Knowing the local judges and defense attorneys can help predict likely outcomes. Knowing what tactics will be most beneficial to facilitate the most favorable outcome

I can listen to the potential clients fact pattern, ask crucial questions to determine if the client has a viable case and often determine likely outcomes my office can achieve.

I need to confirm that the debt my client is being asked to pay is a ""consumer debt."" The debt was incurred for personal, family or household use. I like clients to pull a copy of their credit report from annualcreditreport.com. I like clients to save collection letters, keep a log of all the days and times of collection contacts from each collection agency. Collection agency's often use Robocalls to contact you. If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it's a robocall. I like clients to save voicemails from collection agencies, for my review, to see if they provided required detailed information by the FDCPA.

I take Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) cases on behalf of consumer debtors, who have been harassed by a debt collector, collection agency, or law firm.

My legal degree and Connecticut state and federal law license, allow me to help those who cannot afford an attorney and have been taken advantage of by a debt collector, collection agency or collection law firm.

I volunteer with several nonprofit legal services and former elected member of the Branford Town Counsel.

• Member | Connecticut State Bar Association

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