Collection process for an out of state account for an ATL condo HOA

I am a board member for a 100+ condo HOA in ATL. Last year, a resident turned his unit over to the bank for foreclosure and left in the middle of the night owing the HOA over $8,000 in fees. This former resident is gainfully employed as a lounge singer on a well known cruise ship. Despite constant prompting by the board and property manager, the prior HOA attorney did not pursue collection of the debt prior to the debtor's departure. For several reasons, we replaced our HOA law firm. Our new HOA attorneys have located the debtor in CA. But it seems our new attorney (and his boss) have turned over the collection of the debt to the board of directors and the HOA property manager. The attorney has provided the names of 4 CA attorneys for us to contact so as to serve the debtor in order for us to begin the process of collecting this debt. Is this the normal practice of Atlanta HOA attorneys to collect out of state debts or is it normal practice to turn it over to the property manager and the board of directors? We would appreciate any information on this matter. Thank you.

Lordy, why and who allowed this fellow to accumulate $8,000 in debt? Is this unpaid assessments or fines or interest? - you just say "fees." Did you file liens? Liens are collectible against the property. Of course, if he wasn't paying you, he obviously wasn't paying the mortgage - or probably other creditors as well.
A cruise singer might be gainfully employed, but just barely - they are literally singing for their bed and board and some spending money. Cruise ship entertainers aren't exactly a Las Vegas headliner. I doubt there would be enough that you'd legally be allowed to garnish. If forced, he would probably file bankruptcy, if he already hasn't. Harold

You can be sure the bank will know if there are liens, but the bank lien is first in line and if there is no money left, too bad for anyone else. The bank is only concerned about recovering their loan, not anyone else's. The bank's only responsibility is assessments from the date they take back possession. Any fines, interest, etc not covered by a lien is not the bank's responsibility. Why would it be? Harold

Kelly, I live in Atlanta also. We had an owner who lives in DC. We filed in GA and had them served in DC no problem. You may need to select a new attorney's firm that knows what it's doing.