By Tort Law Team 
Receiving a letter or call about an unpaid account can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes from a law firm. Many consumers and business owners across Michigan and beyond encounter Stillman Law Office Farmington Hills in connection with debt recovery efforts. This firm focuses on creditors rights and related legal services. This guide explains who they are, what they do, how to respond to communications or lawsuits, and practical options for resolving matters or seeking representation. Whether you are dealing with a collection notice, a potential lawsuit, or looking for counsel on commercial collections, the information here aims to clarify the process and protect your interests under applicable laws.
Who Is Stillman Law Office?
Stillman Law Office is a creditors rights law firm headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Founded in the mid-1990s by Michael R. Stillman, the firm has operated for more than 25 years. It positions itself as a resource for creditors seeking recovery of unpaid accounts through legal channels.
The firm maintains its main office at 30057 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334. It also works through satellite offices and a co-counsel network in states including Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Virginia, and Ohio. Michael R. Stillman serves as a principal and holds certifications related to collection practices.
Stillman Law Office primarily represents creditors rather than individual debtors. Its clients include insurance companies, financial institutions, equipment lessors, hospitals, automotive lenders, and collection agencies. The practice centers on turning accounts receivable into recovered funds through negotiation, litigation, and post-judgment tools.
You may encounter the firm if an original creditor or debt buyer has referred your account for legal collection. Communications from the firm typically include the required debt collector disclosure: this is an attempt to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Core Services and Practice Areas
Stillman Law Office concentrates on several interconnected areas of creditors rights work. Understanding these helps both debtors and potential creditor clients know what to expect.
Debt Collection Law Firm Activities
As a debt collection law firm, the office handles both commercial collections and retail (consumer) accounts. Commercial collections often involve business-to-business debts, equipment leases, or trade accounts. Retail collections cover consumer obligations such as credit cards, medical bills, or installment loans.
The firm uses demand letters, phone contact, and, when necessary, lawsuits to pursue recovery. It emphasizes compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act while representing its clients aggressively within legal bounds.
Insurance Subrogation
Insurance subrogation forms a significant part of the practice. When an insurer pays a claim, it may seek reimbursement from the responsible party. Stillman Law Office assists carriers in recovering those amounts through negotiation or litigation. This can involve property damage, auto claims, or other covered losses.
Judgment Enforcement
Once a court issues a judgment, the firm works on enforcement. Tools include wage garnishments, bank attachments, property liens, and other post-judgment remedies available under Michigan law and in other jurisdictions where it practices. Judgment enforcement aims to convert a paper judgment into actual recovery for the creditor.
Creditors Rights in Bankruptcy and Related Matters
The firm represents creditors in bankruptcy proceedings. Services can include motions to lift the automatic stay, objections to valuations or plans, and adversary proceedings related to dischargeability. It also handles related real estate matters such as foreclosures, repossessions, claim and delivery actions, and certain eviction or probate issues tied to debt recovery.
These services position Stillman Law Office as a full-service option for organizations needing legal support on unpaid accounts rather than a consumer debt relief firm.
Contact Information and How to Reach Stillman Law Office Farmington Hills
Accurate contact details matter when responding to notices or arranging payments. According to the firm’s public materials:
- Address: 30057 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334
- Toll-free phone: 888-286-5001
- Local phone: 248-851-6000
- Email: info@stillmanlaw.com
- Website: stillmanlaw.com (includes a payment portal)
Typical office hours are Monday through Friday, roughly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, with extended telephone availability until 7:00 p.m. on some weekdays. Always confirm current hours and use certified mail or trackable methods for important written correspondence.
The firm holds various licenses and registrations, including NMLS ID 2000087 and debt collection licenses in jurisdictions such as New York City and California. Michael R. Stillman is listed as the Chief Compliance Officer with relevant certifications.
If you need to discuss a payment arrangement, dispute an account, or provide updated contact information, use one of the channels above and keep records of every interaction.
Understanding Communications from the Firm
When Stillman Law Office contacts you, the message usually relates to an account referred by a creditor or debt buyer. The initial contact may be a letter, phone call, or electronic message. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, certain information must appear in or with the first communication.
Key required elements often include the amount claimed, the name of the creditor, and statements about your right to dispute the debt within 30 days. The firm’s website and payment pages carry the standard debt collector disclosure.
Do not ignore the communication. Silence can lead to further action, including a lawsuit. At the same time, you have rights. You can request that calls stop at your workplace, ask for written correspondence only, or send a formal dispute.
Keep a log of dates, times, who called or wrote, and what was said. Save every letter and envelope. These records become useful if questions arise later about compliance or accuracy.
Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets national rules for third-party debt collectors, including law firms acting in that capacity. It does not apply in the same way to original creditors collecting their own debts, but Stillman Law Office typically acts as a third-party collector for clients.
Core protections include:
- Collectors generally cannot contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time.
- They cannot harass, use abusive language, or make false statements about the debt or legal consequences.
- They must identify themselves as debt collectors.
- Within five days of the initial communication, they must send a validation notice containing the amount of the debt, the creditor’s name, and statements about your dispute rights.
You have 30 days from receipt of the validation notice to dispute the debt in writing or request the name and address of the original creditor. A timely written dispute requires the collector to pause collection efforts until it provides verification.
Michigan also has its own Regulation of Collection Practices Act that overlaps with federal rules and applies more broadly in some situations. Consumers can file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, or the Michigan Attorney General if they believe violations occurred.
Knowing these rules helps you respond calmly and effectively rather than reacting out of fear.
How to Dispute a Debt with Stillman Law Office Farmington Hills
Disputing a debt is a practical first step if the amount seems wrong, the account is unfamiliar, or you believe the statute of limitations has expired. Follow these steps carefully.
- Review the validation notice and any supporting documents carefully. Note the claimed balance, original creditor, and account details.
- Within 30 days of receiving the notice, send a written dispute letter by certified mail with return receipt requested. State that you dispute the debt (or a portion of it) and request verification. Ask for the original contract or account statements, proof of assignment to the current creditor, and an itemization of the balance.
- Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
- Once the firm receives a timely written dispute, it must stop collection activity until it mails you verification. Verification typically includes confirmation of the amount and the original creditor’s identity.
- After receiving verification, evaluate whether the debt is accurate and enforceable. If the documentation is incomplete or the debt appears time-barred, you may raise those issues.
A sample dispute letter does not need complex legal language. Clear, concise statements work best. Avoid admitting the debt or promising payment in the same letter if your goal is full verification first.
If the firm has already filed a lawsuit, the dispute process changes. You will need to respond to the court papers on time and raise any defenses in your answer.
Responding to a Collection Lawsuit
A collection lawsuit from Stillman Law Office or any firm is a formal court proceeding. In Michigan, you generally have 21 days (if personally served) or 28 days (if served by mail) to file an answer. Missing the deadline can result in a default judgment.
Steps to take:
- Read the complaint and summons carefully. Note the court, case number, claimed amount, and deadline to answer.
- Consider consulting a consumer attorney or legal aid organization promptly. Many offer free or low-cost initial consultations.
- File a written answer with the court that admits, denies, or states lack of knowledge about each allegation. Raise affirmative defenses such as statute of limitations, lack of standing, or improper service if they apply.
- Serve a copy of the answer on the plaintiff’s attorney (often Stillman Law Office) according to court rules.
- Attend all scheduled hearings. Courts take failure to appear seriously.
Possible outcomes include settlement, dismissal, or a judgment. Even after a judgment, you retain rights regarding enforcement methods and exemptions.
Never ignore court papers. Default judgments can lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens.
Payment Plans, Settlements, and Resolution Options
Many accounts resolve without a full trial. Stillman Law Office maintains an online payment portal and accepts various payment methods. The firm notes that partial payments do not automatically create a payment plan or suspend collection unless confirmed in writing or by authorized staff.
If you want to propose a payment plan or lump-sum settlement:
- Contact the firm using the official phone number or email and request to speak with someone authorized to discuss the account.
- Be prepared to explain your financial situation honestly. Creditors sometimes accept less than the full balance, especially on older accounts, in exchange for prompt payment.
- Get any agreement in writing before sending money. Confirm how the payment will be applied and whether the account will be reported as settled or paid in full.
- Use the file number provided in correspondence when making payments so the funds post correctly.
For consumers, options may also include negotiating directly, exploring credit counseling, or, in appropriate cases, bankruptcy. Each path carries different consequences for credit reporting and future finances. Businesses facing commercial collections often evaluate the cost of litigation versus settlement based on the size of the claim and the strength of their defenses.
Michigan Debt Resolution Considerations
Michigan law sets a six-year statute of limitations for most contract-based debts, including credit cards, written agreements, and open accounts. The clock generally starts when the claim accrues, often around the time of default or last activity. Making a payment or acknowledging the debt in writing can restart the period in some situations.
A time-barred debt does not disappear, but the creditor or collector generally cannot successfully sue once the limitation period expires, provided you raise the defense. Collectors may still contact you about time-barred debts under federal rules, yet they cannot threaten litigation they cannot legally pursue.
Other Michigan-specific points include rules on wage garnishment limits, property exemptions, and licensing requirements for collection agencies. Consumers dealing with Michigan debt resolution should document the last payment date and any acknowledgments carefully.
Guidance for Creditors Seeking Representation
Businesses and organizations looking for help with unpaid accounts can evaluate Stillman Law Office as a potential partner for commercial collections, insurance subrogation, and judgment enforcement. The firm highlights experience with clients ranging from small companies to larger institutions and emphasizes recovery through litigation and post-judgment tools when negotiation is insufficient.
When selecting any collection counsel, consider factors such as geographic coverage, compliance history, reporting practices, and fee structure. Request references and discuss how the firm handles FDCPA compliance and client communication. Clear engagement agreements help set expectations on costs, timelines, and recovery rates.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Several mistakes can complicate matters for both sides:
- Ignoring letters or court papers, which often leads to default judgments.
- Making verbal promises without written confirmation.
- Continuing to communicate after sending a cease-and-desist letter without understanding limited exceptions (such as notice of lawsuit).
- Paying on a debt without first verifying the amount and ownership.
- Missing the 30-day dispute window or the answer deadline in a lawsuit.
Staying organized, responding in writing when possible, and seeking independent advice when the stakes are high reduce these risks.
Practical Next Steps if Contacted
If you have received a notice from Stillman Law Office Farmington Hills:
- Gather all related documents, including original creditor statements if available.
- Verify the contact information against official sources.
- Decide whether to dispute, negotiate, or seek counsel.
- Send any dispute or cease communication request by certified mail.
- Monitor your credit reports for related entries and dispute inaccuracies through the credit bureaus.
Consumers can also visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website for sample letters and complaint forms. Creditors evaluating the firm can review its public materials and professional memberships for additional background.
Conclusion
Stillman Law Office Farmington Hills operates as a creditors rights firm specializing in debt collection, insurance subrogation, judgment enforcement, and related commercial work. Individuals contacted about accounts have clear rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Michigan law, including the ability to demand validation and raise defenses in court. Businesses seeking recovery have options for legal representation focused on turning receivables into results. Knowledge of the process, timely written responses, and careful documentation form the foundation of effective handling. If your situation involves a lawsuit, complex finances, or significant sums, consult a qualified attorney licensed in your state to evaluate the specific facts. Taking informed action protects your position and opens paths toward resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number for Stillman Law Office Farmington Hills?
The toll-free number listed on the firm’s materials is 888-286-5001. A local number, 248-851-6000, also appears in public directories. Confirm the number on any letter you receive matches official sources before calling.
How do I make a payment to Stillman Law Office?
The firm provides an online payment portal on its website. You can also call the listed phone numbers to discuss acceptable payment methods. Always include the file number and obtain written confirmation of any arrangement.
Can I dispute a debt with Stillman Law Office?
Yes. Send a written dispute within 30 days of the validation notice by certified mail. The firm must then pause collection until it provides verification if the request is timely.
What should I do if Stillman Law Office sues me?
Respond to the court papers by the deadline stated in the summons. File an answer raising any applicable defenses and consider consulting a consumer attorney promptly.
Does Stillman Law Office handle insurance subrogation?
Yes. Insurance subrogation is one of the firm’s stated practice areas. It assists insurers in recovering amounts paid on claims from responsible parties.
Is there a statute of limitations on debts Stillman Law Office might collect in Michigan?
Most contract debts in Michigan have a six-year limitation period. The exact start date depends on when the claim accrued. Raising the defense is necessary if a lawsuit is filed after that period.
Where can I find reviews of Stillman Law Office Farmington Hills?
Public review sites contain mixed employee and limited consumer feedback. Treat individual reviews as one data point and verify any claims against official records and your own documentation.
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