California Surveyors Forums

Can anyone recommend a collection agency for a debtor in San Mateo County? I have a 2007 small claims judgment that I've been unsuccessful in collecting on my own, and I'm about ready to turn it over to a pit bull.

Thanks.

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Hmmm, Guido comes to mind...just kidding. Sorry I don't know anyone up there, good luck with that Jim.

Have you filed an Abstract of Judgement?

It will tie up every piece of property owned in the county by the person who owes you.

You can fill out the forms at the Small Claims place.

$16 as I remember.

Unfortunately, the defendant signed the contract as an individual, not as the LLC that owns the motel/restaurant that I surveyed. The judge refused to name the LLC as a judgment debtor, even though the LLC was clearly the beneficiary of the ALTA. The individual appears not to hold any real property under his own name, so there's nothing to lien. :(

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I was talking with a collection agency based in texas last summer.
Something did'nt feel right so I passed.
There fee was less than 25% for any amount.
Not enough profit for them to be legit
I'll bet it was the same outfit.

This isn't going to help out this time around, but this is a good reminder to file a preliminary lien notice on the actual owner of the property if they are different from the person signing the contract. It should protect your rights to pursue the owner (or allow you to get a lien recorded against the owner's property) later. Have it sent out after you get a signed contract from the contracting party, but before you do the work if possible. Here in San Diego, we have a lien company that only charges $27 per notice, and it's standard practice for us unless we have a real solid relationship with the contracting party.

John Coffey

That's great advice, and I plan to follow it next time.

Live and learn...thanks.

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Smith & Wesson maybe?

Jim, San Mateo County uses in-house services through our treasury department. I am not sure, but they might have a service availalbe for the public to hire, so give them a call to inquire.

Another avenue would be to do a search using "Yelp". That way you can see reviews, or you can leave a review for them. Another great avenue to advertise your surveying services too.

Good luck, and if you are successful, I'm sure there are others in San Mateo County interested in who you used.

It looks like you could drag him back into court and garnish his wages.

California Courts Self-Help Center
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/sm ... ollect.htm

Conducting a Debtor's Examination
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/sm ... rsexam.htm

Garnishing wages
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims /collectmoreways.htm#garnish


Also two articles on mechanics liens, for anyone who finds this thread.

The three basic requirements to California mechanic's liens
written by Attorney David Barnier of Barker Olmsted & Barnier in San Diego
http://www.download-construction-forms. ... ornia.html

What to do if a mechanic's lien has been filed against you
written by the Dept. of Consumer Affairs
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/LegalI ... nstYou.asp

Jim,
First off I'm surprised no one mentioned the following option till now when I stumbled across one of the CLSA Membership Benefits!!!

Go to the CLSA home page, under Membership from the pull down, go to Member Benefits, and you will find a link to "I.C. System", which is a CLSA membership benefit!

Originally I knew this, but didn't put my finger on it. I guess everyone else was in the same boat, lol.

Good luck if your still having issues, and by all means let everyone know if you use I.C. Systems, and how they worked out for you.