1

Information Gathering & Discovery

Timeline: Weeks 1-2

Force disclosure of evidence, create a paper trail, and establish the foundation for any legal challenge. These documents trigger statutory protections and response requirements.

Purpose of Phase 1

Before you can challenge anything, you need information. These templates compel disclosure of documents the other party may not want to produce. Their response (or failure to respond) becomes evidence.

Phase 1 Templates

Qualified Written Request (QWR)
RESPA - 12 USC 2605 | Response required: 30 days

Comprehensive information demand for mortgage servicers. Forces disclosure of loan history, ownership, assignments, and securitization. Creates 60-day credit reporting protection.

Debt Validation Letter
FDCPA - 15 USC 1692g | Must send within 30 days of first contact

Disputes alleged debt and demands proof. Stops all collection activity until validated. Creates $1,000+ violation penalties if they continue without validating.

FOIA Request Bundle
5 USC 552 | Response required: 20 days

Freedom of Information Act requests to Federal Reserve, OCC, FDIC, SEC, CFPB, and other agencies. May reveal monetization of your promissory note.

Request for Original Documents
UCC 3-309 | Response: 30 days

Demands production of the wet-ink original promissory note. Exposes whether they actually have the original or if it's been "lost."

Chain of Title Request
Response: 30 days

Demands complete transfer history of note and mortgage. Exposes broken chains, robo-signing, and MERS issues.

Privacy Act Request
5 USC 552a | Response: 30 days

Obtains all government records about you. May reveal SARs (Suspicious Activity Reports), unknown accounts, or surveillance.

How to Use Phase 1

  1. Send all applicable templates simultaneously — Cast a wide net for information
  2. Use certified mail — Return receipt requested for each
  3. Keep meticulous records — Date sent, tracking number, response deadline
  4. Document non-responses — Their silence is evidence
  5. Analyze responses carefully — Look for admissions, gaps, and inconsistencies
Critical Timing

The Debt Validation Letter must be sent within 30 days of the collector's first contact to trigger full FDCPA protection. Don't delay on this one.

What You're Looking For

From Their Documents
  • Breaks in the chain of title (assignments not properly executed)
  • Missing original note (they may only have copies)
  • Robo-signed documents (fraudulent signatures)
  • MERS issues (electronic system problems)
  • Securitization defects (PSA violations)
  • Evidence of monetization (your note deposited as asset)
From Their Non-Response
  • RESPA violations (failure to respond to QWR)
  • FDCPA violations (continued collection without validation)
  • Admission by silence (failure to deny = admission)
  • Evidence of inability to prove their claim

Next Phase

After gathering information (or documenting their failure to provide it), proceed to Phase 2: Affidavits & Legal Notices to establish facts and notify of violations.