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MCA Defense Lawyers Provide Expert Assistance with Merchant Cash Advance Debt
Merchant cash advances (MCAs) can provide quick access to capital for small businesses. However, the terms of MCA agreements are often predatory, with exorbitant interest rates and aggressive collection tactics. If your business is struggling with MCA debt, specialized legal defense may be needed.
How MCAs Work and Why They Can Be Problematic
A merchant cash advance provides a business with a lump sum of capital in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales. It is not technically a loan, so MCA companies can bypass state laws capping interest rates. However, the equivalent annualized interest rate often exceeds 100%.While MCAs provide fast money with minimal eligibility requirements, the payback can quickly become unmanageable. Many companies soon find themselves owing two to three times the original advance amount. The MCA company may then resort to daily debits from the merchant’s bank account or litigation to recoup the debt.
Common Abusive MCA Company Tactics
MCA companies often engage in unethical tactics to pressure merchants into signing unfavorable contracts and to maximize collections. Some common issues include:
- Deceptive teaser rates – The MCA sales pitch focuses on best-case scenarios with low repayment rates that rarely materialize.
- Misrepresenting legal obligations – Merchants may be told they have no choice but to comply with automatic debits or other collection mechanisms.
- Aggressive collections – MCAs may entitle the funder to debit the merchant’s bank accounts without notice, resulting in high fees and disruption.
- Threats of credit damage or litigation – Struggling merchants are bullied with baseless threats to force compliance.
Facing such an imbalance of power and resources, merchants often feel helpless when MCA debts become unmanageable. However, an experienced business law attorney can be an invaluable ally.
MCA Defense Lawyers Level the Playing Field
MCA companies exploit their superior legal and financial resources to maximize collections from struggling merchants. Specialized MCA defense lawyers aim to neutralize that imbalance with advanced legal strategies. Common services include:
Negotiating Favorable MCA Settlements
MCA companies often purchase debts for pennies on the dollar. This means they have substantial leeway to settle debts yet rarely offer struggling merchants reasonable terms voluntarily. An MCA lawyer can negotiate settlements that resolve the debt but allow the business to move forward.
Defending Against Abusive Collection Practices
When MCA companies overreach with abusive collection tactics like excessive bank debits, an attorney can force them to cease illegally accessing accounts without consent. Violations may also support counterclaims against the MCA.
Challenging the Underlying MCA Agreement
In some cases, MCA contracts may be legally invalid and unenforceable. For example, state laws against usury (excessive interest rates) may apply. If so, those laws supersede MCA agreements, and the debt may be reduced or invalidated. An experienced attorney can identify and argue such defenses.
What to Expect When Working with an MCA Defense Law Firm
Reputable MCA defense lawyers offer customized solutions grounded in a thorough analysis of each merchant’s situation. While each firm works a bit differently, merchants can generally expect a process like the following:
1. Free Consultation and Case Review
The first step is an initial consultation, often at no charge to the merchant. This provides an opportunity to explain your situation and struggles with MCA debt. The lawyer will review your account history, contracts, bank records, and other documents. They assess the full scope of debts owed and formulate a preliminary game plan.
2. Retention and Detailed Strategizing
If you wish to move forward, you would then retain the lawyer for continued representation. Specific debt relief solutions are explored in greater depth. These may range from negotiating settlements to attempting contract invalidations to defending against collections activity. A course of action is mapped out for your approval.
3, Execution of Debt Relief Strategy
Once the strategy is green-lighted, your attorney gets to work carrying it out. This may involve numerous actions like:
- Settlement negotiations – Your lawyer leverages their expertise to negotiate the most favorable deal possible. This provides cash flow relief while resolving debts.
- Litigation to halt collections – If MCAs won’t stop aggressive tactics voluntarily, they can be forced to comply via lawsuits.
- Challenging contract validity – Your attorney researches and argues legal positions to invalidate all or part of the debt based on hidden contract flaws.
Your attorney keeps you updated on progress through every phase of debt relief efforts.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an MCA Defense Law Firm
Since legal strategies and outcomes can vary substantially between law firms, it is important to vet potential counsel carefully. Here are key criteria to analyze:
- Specialization Matters – Not all business lawyers fully grasp the intricacies of MCA agreements. Seek out firms dedicating significant resources specifically to MCA defense. Their familiarity with MCA company tactics is invaluable.
- Track Record of Results – Explore the firm’s history with tangible metrics like dollars saved and debts reduced for past MCA clients. Success with favorable settlements and fighting collections activity is particularly telling.
- Flexibility and Customization – Every merchant’s situation is unique, so effective solutions require in-depth analysis rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Look for genuine interest in your specific challenges and goals.
- Communication and Guidance – You need an attorney who communicates proactively and empathetically. Are they transparent about process, options, and progress? Do they welcome all your questions? This rapport is crucial.
By selecting the right partner, MCA defense lawyers can deliver the expertise and advocacy struggling merchants desperately need. Do your due diligence to find counsel with the perfect blend of specialized knowledge, negotiation skills, and commitment to customer service.
FAQs About MCA Defense Attorneys
Merchants researching MCA defense law firms often have additional questions about services, pricing, and results. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How Much Do MCA Defense Attorneys Charge?
Pricing models vary but often entail a mix of fixed and contingency fees. For example, initial consultations may be free or a low fixed rate. Ongoing representation for settlement negotiations or collections defense may then be contingency-based. This structures fees as a percentage of debts reduced.
Are Settlements Guaranteed? What Results Are Realistic?
Outcomes depend heavily on case specifics. However, experienced MCA defense lawyers achieve very favorable settlements and debt reductions more often than not. Much depends on the merchant’s willingness to make good faith efforts repaying what they can, balanced with the law firm’s skill pressuring MCA companies. Most aim for settlements that resolve debts while allowing merchants to sustain business operations.
Can You Stop Ongoing MCA Collections Activities?
Yes, legal action can compel abusive MCA tactics to cease. However, companies may initially test boundaries until challenged. Documenting evidence of excessive collections and promptly involving counsel is key to swiftly halting the activity. Merchants may even have grounds for counterclaims against the MCA for harms suffered.
How Long Does the MCA Debt Relief Process Take?
Again, timelines vary case-by-case. However, skilled and aggressive lawyers often resolve matters relatively promptly. For example, negotiated settlements may finalize within 2-3 months. Lengthier litigation is possible but usually not the ideal route. The key is promptly retaining an attorney so they can coordinate rapid solutions before the merchant’s situation deteriorates further.
Take Control of Your Business’s Financial Future with MCA Debt Relief
Predatory MCA loans drain hard-earned revenues out of small companies. But specialized legal counsel levels the playing field, providing proven debt relief solutions. By partnering with the right MCA defense law firm, merchants can resolve these burdens and redirect focus to business growth and profitability. Don’t wait – consult an attorney today to discuss your strategic options. With expertise on your side, freedom from crippling MCA debt is within reach.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A BUSINESS DEBT SETTLEMENT COMPANY, VISIT DELANCEY STREET. CLICK HERE NOW.
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