A judgment can seem to appear out of nowhere, the result of a debt left unpaid for quite some time. People usually find out about judgments when the certified letter arrives from the courts, notifying the debtor of a court hearing on the disputed debt. However, factors such as relocation and marriage (and name changes) can make it difficult for the courts to locate you. However, the court proceedings don't stop, and the judge for the case issues a court order to pay the debt plus court costs and other fees. This order is called a judgment.
Instructions
- 1
Check your credit report. The credit bureaus report any judgments that appear under your social security number. The presence of a judgment on the credit report is a dramatic dip in the score, as this is a major negative mark on the report. You can access a free credit report once a year (see Resources).
2Contact the county clerk's office for a judgment request. Many of these agencies will require you to fill out a request form and present identification in order to receive the information. Other smaller offices may be able to answer the question without a form. Call first to ask about the procedure so that you can come prepared. All court judgments come through the county clerk's office for processing, so if a judgment has been made against you, the county clerk will know.
3Ask the county clerk to search for pending summons or hearings under your name. This is the way to find out about a judgment before the court date. If you do find a judgment, contact the attorney and judge to arrange a settlement prior to the court date.
4Inquire about the source of a garnishment or bank account lien. Sometimes, you find out about a judgment once your check has been garnished or you bank accounts have been accessed to pay back the debt. Contact the bank or human resources department at work to find out the source of the judgment. Then, contact the company to learn the total amount owed. You may be able to make a lump sum payoff.
0 comments:
Post a Comment