How to Make Payments on Judgements

A judgment is a very negative credit event and should be taken seriously. Judgments are awarded in civil court after a creditor or debt collector wins a lawsuit against you for an unpaid debt. "The New York Times" reports that judgments are often awarded when people fail to appear in court to defend themselves. Such judgments are called "default judgments" and give the creditor or debt collector the right to garnish your bank account or wages.

Instructions

1

Contact the creditor or debt collector that was awarded the judgment against you. Find the name and telephone number on court papers you received notifying you of the judgment. If you don't have the papers, visit your county small claims court to search court records listing your name. A clerk can help you find the public record detailing the judgment.

2

Negotiate a payment plan with the creditor or debt collector for the full amount due. The judgment and threat of wage and bank account garnishment gives the creditor or debt collector complete leverage, making it unlikely that you will be granted a payment arrangement for less than the full balance.

3

Request the terms of the agreement in writing. Make on-time payments to the creditor or debt collector whose address is listed in the agreement. Keep records of all your payments, including, possibly, copies of cashier's checks.