Finding out the Michael J Adams law firm has frozen your bank account or sent you a summons is, honestly, a terrifying way to spend a Tuesday morning. Most people haven't even heard of them until they see a negative balance in their checking account. It’s a shock. You’re likely wondering who these people are and why they have the power to touch your money.
Basically, they are a debt collection law firm. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the firm—officially known as Michael J. Adams, P.C.—specializes in representing creditors. They aren’t your typical neighborhood lawyer who handles wills or car accidents. They are the "heavy hitters" hired by big credit card companies and debt buyers to get paid.
Why You’ve Probably Never Heard of Them Until Now
If you're dealing with the Michael J Adams law firm, it’s usually because of an old debt. We’re talking about credit cards, personal loans, or medical bills that went unpaid for months or even years. The firm represents original creditors like American Express Centurion Bank or GE Money Bank, but they also work for debt buyers like Troy Capital, LLC or Global Acceptance Credit Company.
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Often, the firm acts as a "receiver." This is a fancy legal term. It means a judge has appointed them to collect on a judgment that has already been won against you.
You might be thinking, "I was never even sued!" That’s a common complaint. Many people find out about a lawsuit only after a judgment has been entered and their bank account is "levied" or frozen. This happens through a process called a writ of garnishment or a receivership order.
How the Michael J Adams Law Firm Operates
This isn't a massive corporate skyscraper firm. It’s a specialized operation. According to the State Bar of Texas, Michael Jason Adams has been licensed since 2003. His firm is small—usually around two to five people—but they are incredibly efficient at what they do.
They don't just send mean letters. They use the power of the Texas court system.
The Frozen Account Surprise
Most people find this firm through a "bank levy." You go to buy groceries, and your card is declined. You check your app and see a negative balance of several thousand dollars.
- The Order: A judge signs a receivership order.
- The Bank: The firm sends this order to your bank (like Chase, Wells Fargo, or Frost).
- The Hold: The bank is legally required to freeze funds up to the amount of the debt plus interest and fees.
Honestly, it feels predatory. One day you have rent money, the next it's gone. The BBB is full of stories from people who say they were never served papers. While the firm often responds that they are simply following court orders, it doesn't make the situation any less of a nightmare for the person whose account is empty.
Dealing with the Paperwork
If you get a letter from the Michael J Adams law firm, do not ignore it. Seriously. Ignoring a debt collection lawsuit is the fastest way to lose. If you don't respond, the firm will get a "default judgment." Once they have that, they can go after your assets.
The firm is located at 10004 Wurzbach Road, PMB 292, San Antonio, TX 78230. They also have offices or presence in other Texas cities like Houston and Austin, and they are known to operate in Oklahoma and Georgia too.
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What the "PMB" Means
You’ll notice the address says "PMB 292." That stands for Private Mail Box. It’s a common setup for firms that handle high volumes of mail but don't want a traditional storefront for walk-ins. It makes them hard to find in person, which is frustrating if you’re trying to hand-deliver a response or a check.
Common Misconceptions About Debt Collection Lawsuits
A lot of people think that if a debt is old, it just "goes away." Not quite. In Texas, the statute of limitations for debt is typically four years. But—and this is a big but—if they sued you and won a judgment within that time, that judgment can live on for 10 years or more. It can even be renewed.
You might think you can’t be sued if you’re unemployed or have no money. You can. They’ll still take the judgment and wait. They’ll wait until you get a job or an inheritance or a tax refund.
Is it even legal?
Yes. Debt collection is a legal business. However, they have to follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). They can't lie to you, harass you at 3:00 AM, or threaten you with jail. Debt is a civil matter, not a criminal one. You aren't going to prison for a credit card bill.
Actionable Steps If You're Targeted
If the Michael J Adams law firm is currently on your trail, you have to move fast. Here is how you handle it without losing your mind.
1. Verify the Debt
Demand a "debt validation." They need to prove you actually owe the money and that they have the right to collect it. If it’s a debt buyer (like Troy Capital), they must show the "chain of title"—basically the paper trail showing they bought your specific debt.
2. Check the Service of Process
If your account is frozen but you were never served with a lawsuit, you might be able to challenge the judgment. This usually requires a lawyer to file a "Motion to Vacate." It’s a technical process, but it can stop the levy.
3. Negotiation is Usually Possible
Surprisingly, these firms often want to settle. Why? Because litigation is expensive for them too. They would often rather take 50% or 60% of the debt today than wait five years to maybe get 100%. If you offer a lump sum, they might bite.
4. Protect Exempt Funds
In Texas, certain money is "exempt" from garnishment. This includes Social Security, disability benefits, and child support. If the Michael J Adams law firm froze an account that only contains Social Security money, they have to release it. You just have to prove it to the court.
Communication Struggles
A recurring theme in reviews of the firm is that they are incredibly hard to reach by phone. People report calling 20 times with no answer. If you can't get through, try sending a certified letter. It creates a paper trail that a judge can see later if you need to prove you tried to resolve the matter.
Final Reality Check
Dealing with a law firm that specializes in collections is different than dealing with a call center. They have the law on their side once they get a judgment. They are aggressive because it works.
If you're being sued by the Michael J Adams law firm, the worst thing you can do is wait. Check your local court records. See if there is a judgment in your name. If there is, you might need to look into debt defense attorneys who specifically handle these types of cases. They know the procedural mistakes these firms sometimes make and can use them to get the case dismissed or settled for much less.
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To handle this effectively, gather every piece of mail you’ve received from them. Look for the "Cause Number" on the documents. This is the ID for your court case. Once you have that, you can look up the case online at the county clerk’s website to see exactly what they’ve filed against you. From there, you can decide whether to fight the validity of the debt or negotiate a payment plan that stops the aggressive collection tactics.