[juscause]

I was able to give my Marriott timeshare back to Marriott. No money exchanged hands either way. This is a relatively new concept---When it was a Starwood timeshare, before being sold, they wouldn't take it back. Marriott paid for the lawyer's fees and I got a filed complete release. Worth a try with whoever manages your timeshare.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Toymeister

The very first thing that you do without delay is dispute the validity of the debt by certified mail. Keep your dispute and evidence of delivery forever. Keep the letter simple "I dispute the validity of this debt." If they fail to respond in 14 days (I believe), the debt is not valid

Next read the Fair Debt Collection Practices act (FDCPA). Fair Debt Collection Practices Act | Federal Trade Commission

Next read responses to this thread following mine.

Re: certified mail
I am not an attorney. My belief may not be valid but, certified mail cost like $7.00. Priority is like $5.00. Priority will provide delivery date. Certified you get back that green delivery card. Typically it is not signed, you may get the card back with a rubber stamp or a signature that is impossible to read. The post office, it says, will try to deliver three times and then will return the letter to the sender. I THINK, if it is not accepted by the sent to address it still is legally delivered.
My experience I sent a letter in Florida certified mail. It is now two weeks later and I have not gotten the card back yet.

Re: time shares
I suppose like every SCAM, they are copied, they grow until everyone knows it is a SCAM. They invited us toward the end. We got a free meal and RAN. Sadly, every scam catches some. Time shares caught MANY so it was a good one.

[JayK!]

Originally Posted by oldobiwan

There was a Special Assessment on our timeshare in Jan '21 for several thousands which I did not pay. The "debt" was turned over to a collection agency which tacked on an additional $1,500 to the original amount. I have 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt.
I understand the Homestead, pension protections, etc. in FL
If I walk away, what are the likely consequences?
If I need to "lawyer-up," any recommendations?
Any suggestions for an exit "strategy?"

You signed a contract stating you are financially responsible to pay any additional fees assessed by your condo board. If u still want the condo, bite the bullet and pay. Lawyering-up only adds to your total bill.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by oldobiwan

There was a Special Assessment on our timeshare in Jan '21 for several thousands which I did not pay. The "debt" was turned over to a collection agency which tacked on an additional $1,500 to the original amount. I have 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt.
I understand the Homestead, pension protections, etc. in FL
If I walk away, what are the likely consequences?
If I need to "lawyer-up," any recommendations?
Any suggestions for an exit "strategy?"

Re: collection agency
Clearly they are playing hardball with you. I have no experience with timeshare, one scam I was not caught in.
MY OPINION wish to state clearly, it is my opinion any loss, expense is yours. I'm sure you are not the only one dealing with the TIME SHARE SLIME. Turning you over for collection is their SLIME procedure. My guess if they are charging you for their collection SLIME it is roughly 10% of what they are trying to collect from you so they are trying to collect 15,000 from you. It is probably time to seek legal advice. A call to the bar association which is FREE, will get you some advice and a list of attorneys who are specialists in dealing with this SLIME.

As far as collection agencies and time shares. A safe bet everyone knows they are SLIME.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by JayK!

You signed a contract stating you are financially responsible to pay any additional fees assessed by your condo board. If u still want the condo, bite the bullet and pay. Lawyering-up only adds to your total bill.

The original post asks for an exit strategy. They do not want the time share. It does not say it is a condo. I do not like lawyers or our legal system but, my OPINION as far as ANY time share the time to consult an attorney is before you sign Time shares are one sided agreements and that side is not the person buying.

[retiredguy123]

OP, you may want to try to find the contact information for other timeshare owners in the same development as your timeshare. Then, contact them and see if you can make a deal for them to purchase your timeshare. Some timeshare owners are actually happy with their timeshare and may want another one. Good luck.

[Jacob85]

I think you should take all your information to seniors V Crime probably on a Wednesday from 10-2 don’t need an appointment and it’s in the sherifs annex. O one number 352-689-4600 extension 4606 before going to an attorney as our service is free as a project of the attorney generals office. If we can’t help you can also, go to the attorney later.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Jacob85

I think you should take all your information to seniors V Crime probably on a Wednesday from 10-2 don’t need an appointment and it’s in the sherifs annex. O one number 352-689-4600 extension 4606 before going to an attorney as our service is free as a project of the attorney generals office. If we can’t help you can also, go to the attorney later.

I don't know what seniors v crime would do about it, there's no crime in a timeshare company adding a new assessment and payment requirement to the time share property. The OP agreed to the contract when he bought it. They added a fee, he CHOSE not to pay it, so now he's in arrears and has to pay the debt plus interest and any contracted fines.

This is what happens when you buy a time-share. Your future credit is at the mercy of the property management company, who can fine you til the cows come home and there's really nothing you can do about it, and most people won't want to buy your time share, because they'd also be buying your debt.

[Gulfcoast]

I've never owned a timeshare so I have no specific advice to give you, however, you might want to check into Dave Ramsey. He has taken a pretty firm stance against timeshare companies. You might find some of his advice to be helpful with regards to getting out of that contract once and for all. I happened to see one of his videos on Youtube and it made an impression on me.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Gulfcoast

I've never owned a timeshare so I have no specific advice to give you, however, you might want to check into Dave Ramsey. He has taken a pretty firm stance against timeshare companies. You might find some of his advice to be helpful with regards to getting out of that contract once and for all. I happened to see one of his videos on Youtube and it made an impression on me.

Yes. He recommends the website, "timeshareexitteam.com". Also, Clark Howard at "clark.com", has some good advice for getting out of a timeshare.