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I really need a General Strategy of how to fight Midland represented by Johnson Mark. I understand majority of documents and their purpose, but I'm worried that if I do not see the whole picture beforehand, I won't be able to react appropriately or prepare in time. Can anyone direct me to some sort of flow-chart of how the case moves through civil court. Maybe a TO-DO list and what-to-expect list and appropriate time limits. I'm a little confused on timelines and all necessary requests and filings. I'm worried if I do not file or answer some document in a timely manner then I will be basically surrendering my rights and/or missing requested paperwork to support my case. Here is my TIMELINE: 2006 OPENED WF CONSUMER CREDIT CARD AS OVERDRAFT PROTECTION 2011 CC ACCOUNT WAS CHARGED-OFF BY WF in 2011 (CC limit was $4,500 but I'm being sued for almost $10K) 2011-2016 RANDOMLY RECEIVED STATEMENTS FROM MIDLAND (amounts varied from $7K to $13K) 11/12/15 JOHNSON MARK LLC SERVED COMPLAINT ONTO MY SPOUSE (I was not present on premisses, but it's still legal in UT) 11/18/15 COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH 3RD DISTRICT COURT, UTAH 11/24/15 FILED MOTION TO DISMISS (based on SOL; as it is not an "instrument in writing" and falls under 4 years) 12/2/15 FILED 1st REQUEST TO SUBMIT FOR DECISION 12/10/15 RECEIVED PREMATURE FILING MINUTES 12/10/15 RECEIVED OPPOSITION TO MOTION (was dated 12/7/2015) 12/15/15 FILED REPLY TO OPPOSITION 12/15/15 FILED 2nd REQUEST TO SUBMIT FOR DECISION 2/16/16 RECEIVED ACCOUNT STATEMENT FROM JOHNSON MARK LLC IN THE MAIL (very basic info stating the whole acct #, ownership, balance, but no charge-off date) 2/16/16 CALLED JUDGE's CLERK TO INQUIRE ON STATUS OF REQUEST 2/23/16 RECEIVED NOTICE FROM COURT ON MOTION TO DISMISS (ruling scheduled on 3/07/2016) 3/7/16 JUDGE DECLINED THE MOTION AND EXTENDED 21 DAYS TO FILE THE ANSWER (SOL was denied, as judge agreed it falls under "instrument in writing"; 6 years instead of 4) 3/22/16 SENT LETTER SELCETING ARBITRATION TO JM AND MIDLAND 3/28/16 FILED THE FOLLOWING: ANSWER AFFIDAVIT MTC PROPOSED ORDER 3/28 - 3/31/2016 RECEIVED MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS FROM JM (to stop any phone calls, file CEASE & DESIST) 4/1/2016 AGREED ON SETTLEMENT - my original offer was $1500 when complaint was filed; JM's lowest was $7.5K - JM offered $2K, saying it's a stretch from original $7.5K - countered with $500, pointing out ARB fees and legal expenses - JM declined - JM called 30 minutes later accepting the offer 4/1/2016 RECEIVED SETTLEMENT PAPERWORK - JM lawyer sent AGREEMENT LETTER to my email (upon my request) - called JM lawyer directly to request: dismissal with prejudice, no transfer of debt, no 1099C - agreed upon everything but 1099 - as it is regulated by Federal Law - ordered cashier's check and went to meet up with JM lawyer - received SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT and SATISFACTION LETTER in writing - both parties have signed MOTION TO DISMISS (with prejudice) - received ORDER OF DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE - all docs mentioned: with prejudice, and each party bearing its own costs and attorney fees - received payment stub Thank you to everyone. This has been the best resource.

This is an update to a post of mine from way back when...I think the last post was in August...possibly September. My apologies. Brief scenario. Dell Financial Asset claims they purchased the alleged debt Johnson Mark hired to "go for the juggler"....the idiot attorney actually said that in court documents. The bonehead. I had done all the wrong things. JM snuck it under the wire calling it Mandatory Arbitration (state of Oregon), failing to say "court appointed"...many thanks to those of you that educated me on the difference. I was late on responding to items..but then, so were they. I was handed a book to read about how to win against Asset Acceptance (herein referred to as AA). (LOL..can you tell I've been typing tons of papers....LOL). I put the book to memory...saw some really cool ideas and went for bear. Scared to death, I faced them down....looked them square in the eyes and said more or less, "bite me". They won in court appointed arbitration. I appealed and court date set. I showed up in court, they called in (however, I have since learned in the state of oregon, lawyers are not permitted to represent in small claims court...they can't go to the hearing). SOL expired while I was living in California. They waited til I moved to Oregon to file, and cited Utah and Texas laws as being primary over California. I said..."bite me". I refused to back down. I searched and searched and called everyone I could think of until miraculously, someone at Dell quietly snuck me an email....an older agreement 2006 (mine was from 2003). In the appeal I forced the JAMS arb issue as it states in the agreement, JAMS is mandatory...also states they pay 100% of fees if we go to arbitration. I pushed and pushed and pushed. I demanded JAMS in every document in every letter. I also screamed from day one, SOL had run out and AA was pulling the crap they were fined for by Federal Court ($2.1 million) in 2012 (??? I think it was 2012). I kept screaming. Kept kicking.... In the end, the Judge threw out their win from initial court appointed arbitration citing the original agreement as binding. JAMS it is. I filed, I included everything that should have been included in the original suit, but didn't know any better. I hit them with everything I had including all their screw ups that they will be fined for. JAMS accepted it on March 19. March 27, I received an offer of .... cough cough... settlement. Pffft. A get out of jail free card for AA. I will not sign it. It is garbage. AA did not send a copy of the settlement offer to the court, as the Judge had ordered. So I called the Judge's office. They now have a copy of the cover letter wherein they say they are not inclined to participate in JAMS arbitration. Course not, JAMS sent them an invoice for $800. (Remember, they pay all fees.) They already owe me $350 for what I have had to file...citing same clause in agreement. AA has offered my original demand for "dismissal with prejudice". Lovely. That's what I wanted a year ago. They offered without prejudice then. I told them where they could go and told them they no longer had permission to contact me for any reason except to offer a settlement of "dismissal with prejudice". Hence, the offer came straight to me. I spoke to JAMS earlier today, they have been calling JM for AA trying to get a response. They will try for 30 more days to get a response and them will send me a letter to give to the court showing we have both attempted to follow the court order but the respondent refuses to engage. YAY. So...here I sit staring at the offer. They are attempting to keep it out of California. No dang way. That paragraph goes. They want this confidential saying I can't discuss it. Not likely. Something like that will cost them $5,000...made payable to ME. That paragraph will be changed. The don't want me to file any more charges...PFFFFFT. They broke the law and want me to shut up? Not sure how much that is worth...possibly priceless. I may just say "bite me". I am trying to remember how to put up images....I photographed the entire thing. Let's see if I can post them here. I am open to any and all comments on how to modify this agreement so I don't get taken again. They are crooks and I just won't sign. Oh, and they say at the end that I am represented by counsel. They are full of it...they know I have no money for counsel. I did everything on my own with some help from several of you here in this forum (I adore you all). So...let's figure out the image thing now and please please feel free to comment...good and bad. I need straight talk. Thanks so much!

This is an update to a post of mine from way back when...I think the last post was in August...possibly September. My apologies, I can't find it so I can't refer to it. Brief scenario. Dell Financial Asset Acceptance claims they purchased the alleged debt Johnson Mark hired to "go for the juggler"....the idiot attorney actually said that in court documents. The bonehead. I had done all the wrong things. JM snuck it under the wire calling it Mandatory Arbitration (state of Oregon), failing to say "court ordered" so I never questioned it...many thanks to those of you that educated me on the difference so I could start screaming they tricked me on purpose. I was late on responding to items..but then, so were they. I was handed a book to read about how to win against Asset Acceptance (herein referred to as AA). (LOL..can you tell I've been typing tons of papers....LOL). I put the book to memory...saw some really cool ideas and went for bear. Scared to death, I faced them down....looked them square in the eyes and said more or less, "bite me". They won in court appointed arbitration. I appealed and court date set. I showed up in court, they called in (however, I have since learned in the state of oregon, lawyers are not permitted to represent in small claims court...they can't go to the hearing). I never whined, but will if I have to use that. SOL expired while I was living in California. They waited til I moved to Oregon to file, and cited Utah and Texas laws as being primary over California. Only used Oregon when it looked like it would help them. I said..."bite me". I refused to back down. I searched and searched and called everyone I could think of until miraculously, someone at Dell quietly snuck me an email....an older agreement 2006 (mine was from 2003). In the appeal following my loss in court appointed ARB, I forced the JAMS arb issue as it states in the agreement, JAMS is mandatory...also states they pay 100% of fees if we go to arbitration. I pushed and pushed and pushed. I demanded JAMS in every document in every letter. I also screamed from day one, SOL had run out and AA was pulling the crap they were fined for by Federal Court ($2.1 million) in 2012 (??? I think it was 2012). I kept screaming. Kept kicking.... In the end, the Judge threw out their win from initial court appointed arbitration citing the original agreement as binding. JAMS it is. I filed, I included everything that should have been included in the original response and subsequent discovery papers, but didn't know any better. I hit them with everything I had including all their screw ups that they will be fined for. JAMS accepted it on March 19. March 27, I received an offer of .... cough cough... settlement. Pffft. A get out of jail free card for AA. I will not sign it. It is garbage. AA did not send a copy of the settlement offer to the court, as the Judge had ordered. So I called the Judge's office. They now have a copy of the cover letter wherein they say they are not inclined to participate in JAMS arbitration. Course not, JAMS sent them an invoice for $800. (Remember, they pay all fees.) And they say I owe $1,100. They already owe me $350 for what I have had to file...citing same clause in agreement. AA has offered my original demand for "dismissal with prejudice". Lovely. That's what I wanted a year ago. They offered without prejudice then. I told them where they could go and told them they no longer had permission to contact me for any reason except to offer a settlement of "dismissal with prejudice". Hence, the offer came straight to me. I spoke to JAMS earlier today, they have been calling JM for AA trying to get a response. They will try for 30 more days to get a response and them will send me a letter to give to the court showing we have both attempted to follow the court order but the respondent refuses to engage. YAY. So...here I sit staring at the offer. They are attempting to keep it out of California. No dang way. That paragraph goes. They want this confidential saying I can't discuss it. Not likely. Something like that will cost them...made payable to ME. That paragraph will be changed. The don't want me to file any more charges...PFFFFFT. They broke the law and want me to shut up? Not sure how much that is worth...possibly priceless. I may just say "bite me". I am open to any and all comments on how to modify this agreement so I don't get taken again. They are crooks and I just won't sign. Oh, and they say at the end that I am represented by counsel. They are full of it...they know I have no money for counsel. I did everything on my own with some help from several of you here in this forum (I adore you all). Please, please feel free to comment...good and bad. I need straight talk. Thanks so much!

I've been dealing with Johnson Mark for almost a year now. They requested 6 years worth of bank records in discovery, I stated that it was overly burdensome and not related to the case. We went to pre trial where I told them if I could find the information that I would provide it but couldn't make any guarantees. In May 2013 I received a request for sanctions stating that I did not comply with a court order to send the bank records. I replied stating that I never received any court order, motion to compel or any word at all from them in over 5 months. I then received a letter from them rescinding their request for sanctions. As of yesterday I have received another request for sanctions because I haven't given them the bank records. Can they do this???? I never saw a motion to compel, never had the chance to dispute the motion and the court just stamped a order for me to provide documentation!!! If I provide the information will it destroy my case? I have been fighting the case based on the fact that the plaintiff has not provided me with any proof they own this "debt" and have only provided me with copies of an electronic statement with transactions and my name/address. I sent them a discovery request for proof of ownership and they came back stating that I didn't submit my request correctly so they didn't have to answer me. As far as I can tell I did submit it correctly. If they had the proof they needed wouldn't they have just requested a trial and been done with it? Thanks for any help someone can provide!!!

JM has 2 CC cases against me and, of course, I'm fighting both. In one case, they asked for bank statements to be submitted, which I did. They later claimed I had not submitted them as ordered by the court, and filed for default judgement but in the other case. Once they realized their error, they withdrew the motion, but have unfairly prejudiced the court by introducing info from another case against me into this one. Is there grounds for dismissal for their error here? Thanks!

I've been dealing with Johnson Mark for almost a year now. They requested 6 years worth of bank records in discovery, I stated that it was overly burdensome and not related to the case. We went to pre trial where I told them if I could find the information that I would provide it but couldn't make any guarantees. In May 2013 I received a request for sanctions stating that I did not comply with a court order to send the bank records. I replied stating that I never received any court order, motion to compel or any word at all from them in over 5 months. I then received a letter from them rescinding their request for sanctions. As of yesterday I have received another request for sanctions because I haven't given them the bank records. Can they do this???? I never saw a motion to compel, never had the chance to dispute the motion and the court just stamped a order for me to provide documentation!!! If I provide the information will it destroy my case? I have been fighting the case based on the fact that the plaintiff has not provided me with any proof they own this "debt" and have only provided me with copies of an electronic statement with transactions and my name/address. I sent them a discovery request for proof of ownership and they came back stating that I didn't submit my request correctly so they didn't have to answer me. As far as I can tell I did submit it correctly. If they had the proof they needed wouldn't they have just requested a trial and been done with it? Thanks for any help someone can provide!!!

I'm starting this thread as mainly a sanity check and to ask questions. I've dealt with Johnson Mark before, however it was several years ago. In that case the amount was so small that once I answered and started discovery I think they decided it was more trouble than it was worth. In that specific cases I threw the laundry list of Affirmative Defenses at them (23 total) From what I have been reading over the past few days, it sounds like that probably isn't the best way to go. My main concern right now is making sure that I don't hang myself with any affirmative defenses. Thanks in advance for the help. 1. Who is the named plaintiff in the suit? Asset Acceptance 2. What is the name of the law firm handling the suit? (should be listed at the top of the complaint.) Johnson Mark 3. How much are you being sued for? ~$1600.00 4. Who is the original creditor? (if not the Plaintiff) Dell Financial 5. How do you know you are being sued? (You were served, right?) Served in Person 6. How were you served? (Mail, In person, Notice on door) Served in Person 7. Was the service legal as required by your state? Yes 8. What was your correspondence (if any) with the people suing you before you think you were being sued? None 9. What state and county do you live in? Utah, Salt Lake 10. When is the last time you paid on this account? (looking to establish if you are outside of the statute of limitations) Possibly April 2010 11. What is the SOL on the debt? To find out: 4 Years 12. What is the status of your case? Suit served? Motions filed? You can find this by a) calling the court or looking it up online (many states have this information posted - when you find the online court site, search by case number or your name). Suit Served. Too early to confirm it has actually been filed. 13. Have you disputed the debt with the credit bureaus (both the original creditor and the collection agency?) No 14. Did you request debt validation before the suit was filed? Note: if you haven't sent a debt validation request, don't bother doing this now - it's too late. No 15. How long do you have to respond to the suit? 20 Days from service on 3/21 Will post the full summons below. 16. What evidence did they send with the summons? An affidavit? Statements from the OC? Contract? List anything else they attached as exhibits. Nothing

Thanks for all of the many people on the board who have taken the time to help others and hopefully myself with this case against these Junk Bond Collectors. I was embezzled from by my former business partner & sued myself into debt before realizing the lawyers were the only ones winning that battle. Never had a late in my life 40 years until that ordeal;) Anyway, here's my info: 1. Who is the named plaintiff in the suit? Midland Funding LLC 2. What is the name of the law firm handling the suit? Johnson and Mark LLC 3. How much are you being sued for? $946X.xx charged off; plus accrued interest of $730 since 4/30 and accruing at 10%; plus $775 attorney fees 4. Who is the original creditor? (if not the Plaintiff) Chase 5. How do you know you are being sued? (You were served, right?) Served complaint 6. How were you served? (Mail, In person, Notice on door) In Person at home 7. Was the service legal as required by your state? Yes Process Service Requirements by State - Summons Complaint 8. What was your correspondence (if any) with the people suing you before you think you were being sued? Don't recall any correspondence, but I rarely look at the collection letters mailed because I cannot settle or do anything now. Since the first summons, Johnson Mark has evidently bought a 2nd credit card debt (Capitol One)of $60XX.00 and sent me a letter to collect 9. What state and county do you live in? UT. Salt Lake county 10. When is the last time you paid on this account? 9-20-11 11. What is the SOL on the debt? I believe 4 years 12. What is the status of your case? Suit served? Motions filed? Answered Initial Summons (with help from CIC); Need to respond to Plaintiffs request for Production of Docs / Admission 13. Have you disputed the debt with the credit bureaus (both the original creditor and the collection agency?) No. Should I do this now? 14. Did you request debt validation before the suit was filed? No. Didn't know to at that time. 15. How long do you have to respond to the suit? 28 days from 11/23/12 on discovery response. We need to know what the "charges" are. Please post what they are claiming. That I signed & entered into a contract & defaulted on the obligation Did you receive an interrogatory (questionnaire) regarding the lawsuit? Not yet 16. What evidence did they send with the summons? An affidavit? Statements from the OC? Contract? List anything else they attached as exhibits. They attached about 12 months worth of statements, a list of "may call" fact witnesses, & of course, no contract was submitted I have readied my responses according to information gathered on this forum: Request for Docs: 1. Any documents that relate or refer to the Plaintiff’s claims or your defenses in this Action, including but not limited to the following: any letters, emails, faxes, communications, notices, agreements, applications, statements, receipts, proofs of payment, check stubs, or other documents relevant to this Action or this Account. Answer: Defendant is unaware of any such documents and therefore cannot produce said documents. Also after diligent search, Defendant does not have any of the materials requested. Defendant will amend as necessary and make Plaintiff aware if after discovery the information is available. 2. The last six (6) years of Bank statements from all financial institution that you have used or where you have an account. Answer: Request seeks documents that are irrelevant and are overly broad, unduly burdensome, and not reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. 3. Any communication(s) and correspondence(s) with anyone related to this Action or this Account, including but not limited to CITIBANK, Plaintiff, third-parties, any fact witnesses, expert witnesses, professionals, (whether they have been retained to testify or not). Answer: Defendant is unaware of any such documents and therefore cannot produce said documents. Also after diligent search, Defendant does not have any of the materials requested. Defendant will amend as necessary and make Plaintiff aware if after discovery the information is available. 4. Any documents you may present as evidence or exhibits in a trial of this Action, including without limitation, any reports or exhibits prepared by any expert or lay witnesses pertaining to this Action and any documents relating to any witness you intend to call at trial. Answer: Defendant is unaware of any such documents and therefore cannot produce said documents. Also after diligent search, Defendant does not have any of the materials requested. Defendant will amend as necessary and make Plaintiff aware if after discovery the information is available. Admissions: 1. Admit you entered into a contract CITIBANK thereby agreeing to pay for the balance on the account. Answer: Defendant expressly denies. Insufficient information has been provided to admit or deny. 2. Admit you used, or authorized the use of, the Account to obtain goods, services, or money. Answer: Defendant expressly denies. Insufficient information has been provided to admit or deny. 3. Admit that you did not dispute, within sixty (60) days and in writing, any item in the periodic written statements sent to you regarding this Account. Answer: Defendant expressly denies. Defendant requested Validation of debt within 30 days of first letter received and litigation requests followed shortly thereafter giving Defendant no time to dispute the allegations contained therein. 4. Admit that you failed to make all payments pursuant to the terms of the contract. Answer: Defendant expressly denies. Insufficient information has been provided to admit or deny. 5. Admit Defendant is indebted to CITIBANK and its subsequent assignee, the Plaintiff, for the Account Balance as defined above with interest at the rate of 10.00% Answer: Defendant expressly denies. Insufficient information has been provided to admit or deny. Let me know if there are any suggestions here, but my main questions are: (1) Do I submit my "Defendants Request for Production of Documents & Admissions now too? (2) i've read that I should do an "Initial Disclosures" when answering the complaint, but I didn't know it then. It is suggested that I list Midland Funding's custodian of record as a witness on this. Can I submit it now with my response to "request for Docs / Admission"? (3) Should I submit interrogatories now? When? (4) How about "An objection to the Complaint"? I've read and understand how to do many of these things somewhat thus far, but I do not know when or if some are necessary at this point. Thanks again!