Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Michigan
Mail box state laws
I believe that michigan is a ''mail box'' state as to when a bill is paid. It is deemed to have been paid on the date of the post mark. I want to check if this true.
I would like to pay my mortgage via web payment because I can control the timing better but they charge $10 for this after the 9th of the month regardless that I have till the 16th to pay and not be in late. So this month I am sending a check 5 days before the late date. If it was late would the Mail box laws apply?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Mail box state laws
this is not true. generally the payment has to be RECEIVED by the "due date" and if you are paying online or over the phone on the due date, it sometimes has to be by 5:00, or 3:00, etc., due to the different time zones and different rules.
Sounds like your payment is due on the first, but there is no late fee or penalty as long as they get it by the 16th.
If it's late, it's late. No mail box laws. Arrange for auto withdrawal (if free - and this is sometimes different than calling and doing it over the phone, where they charge you a fee) or something so it's not late. Or overnight it if necessary. Or simply mail it on time and not worry about it.
You could also ask them to change your due date according to when you get your paychecks.