How Many Creditors Can Garnish Someone's Wages at One Time?

Both federal and state laws protect debtors who are the target of multiple wage garnishments. In addition to limitations on the percentage of a debtor's paycheck that can be garnished each week, you can also seek relief from garnishment by filing for bankruptcy. Multiple Wage Garnishments When a creditor wins a lawsuit against you, most states give it the option of garnishing your wages to collect the amount you owe. If you are the target of more than one lawsuit, you can be the target of more than one garnishment order. There is no limit...

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How to Check Whether a Visa Debit Card Is Valid

Visa debit cards are similar to credit cards, except that payments made with the card are deducted directly from your bank account. Any purchase made with a debit card will not incur interest payments since your own dollars are used to make the purchase. If you found or have an old debit card in your possession, you must first verify that the card is active and has funds behind it before you use it. Fortunately this is a simple process. Instructions...

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The Right to Run a Credit Report on a Borrower

Whenever you apply for a loan, even if it's only for a $300 credit card, your creditor has the right to check your credit history before approving the loan. It's important not only to pay your bills on time, but to avoid applying for too many credit cards at once -- every serious inquiry into your credit history can lower your score by as much as five points. Written Permission Employers and lenders must get written permission before they can run a credit report on a borrower. State in writing that you intend to run the borrower's credit...

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Do Debt Consolidations Really Work?

Debt consolidation is a process of taking many debts and combining them into a single debt. Usually, the debt being consolidated is unsecured, high-interest credit card debt. The advantages of consolidating debt are psychological and financial relief. Psychological Relief When people get over their heads in debt, it can cause psychological distress. Some of the tell-tale signs include avoiding looking at your bills and receiving phone calls...

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Consolidating Credit With Low Interest Rate

When a person owes money to multiple creditors, he may consider consolidating his debts into a single debt. This can be done by approaching a finance company that offers consolidation loans. Under consolidation loans, the finance company will buy off an individual's current debts and issue him a new, larger debt. Taking on a single debt, particularly one with a low interest rate, can be financially advantageous to the debtor, as long as he understands the new loan's terms. Debt Consolidation When a finance company consolidates a person's...

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How Credit Cards Collect on Judgments in New Jersey

If you don't pay your credit card bills, the charges don't just go away. The credit card company will attempt to collect its debt, and may even sue you. In New Jersey, after a credit card company successfully sues a debtor, it must attempt to collect the judgment on its own before asking the court to take further action against the debtor. Contact Debtor After the court enters a judgment, the plaintiff must contact the debtor to attempt to collect the debt. The creditor must inform the debtor of the amount of the judgment and attempt to...

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How to Report to the Texas Credit Bureaus

Texas credit bureaus follow the Federal Trade Commission's Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This act requires them to report credit information with accuracy and fairness. Consumers and businesses can report information to the Texas credit bureaus. This can include missing account information, accounts placed for collection and judgments. Many of the nationwide credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion operate within the state of Texas...

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How to Remove Negatives on a Credit Report

Maintaining a good credit report and high credit score mean a lot in today's world. Oftentimes it is impossible to buy a home, a car or even rent an apartment without good credit.If your credit reports have negatives on them that are keeping your score low, removing them may help your score jump into a higher category. The process of removing them can be done by oneself, instead of paying a firm to remove them for you. Instructions 1 Order your credit reports from all three credit bureaus. If you have not obtained one in the past year,...

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The Best Programs for Reducing Credit Card Debt

If you've made a budget but can't stick to it or if you find that your expendable income doesn't begin to cover your debt, you may consider looking into programs for reducing credit card debt. Reputable agencies can assist you in determining which debt reduction option is appropriate for your financial situation. However, the Federal Trade Commission warns that certain programs and services have inherent risks attached--and some programs might cause you to pay more in the end than you would had you handled debt yourself. What Are Options? ...

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Connecticut Homestead Exemption Statute

Connecticut is one of many states that gives debtors protection from losing everything to a creditor. Even if a creditor obtains a judgment -- a court ruling that the money is owed to her -- Connecticut statutes protect some of the debtor's property, including his homestead, from seizure and sale. Connecticut defines a homestead as owner-occupied real estate that serves as the owner's primary residence. Money Judgments If a debtor refuses to pay, a creditor can go to court to obtain a judgment against him. Using the judgment, the debtor...

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What Happens When a Deceased's Unsecured Debts Are Not Paid by the Estate?

Collection calls can be difficult to deal with, especially when they are not for your own debts, but those of a deceased relative. If a loved one recently died, you may be unsure about how to handle the debts and how to settle them. You are not responsible for the debts of another person, even if you were related. Settling the Estate When someone dies, both debts and assets they leave behind become their estate. If the person made a valid...

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How to Buy a Computer With No Credit Checks

There are many ways to obtain financing to buy a new computer with no credit checks. Be wary of the terms of the contract to ensure you are not paying too much in interest or fees and make sure the products you do buy are warrantied for at least a year and are of good quality. Any one of the steps below can provide you with a computer without the hassle of a credit check. Instructions 1 Start an account with Blue Hippo. After you make roughly 10 payments on a computer that is in layaway, they will finance the rest of it and sent it out to...

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How Long Can a Company Try to Collect a Bounced Check?

Writing a bad check can happen through a simple math error or mix-up at the bank. A bad check can also be a serious criminal offense depending on the intent of the check writer. A business owner or creditor has a varying amount of time to collect a debt resulting from a bad check, depending on the state. This statute of limitations may not be as important in a case involving criminal activity. Statute of Limitations The statute of limitations on debt collection for a bad check varies but usually falls in the two- to three-year range, according...

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Can I Be Sued for Unsecured Credit Card Debt?

Falling behind on credit card payments is frustrating and frightening. Credit card companies can sue debtors to recover unsecured credit card debt. Fortunately, debtors can do things to minimize the risk of litigation and laws to protect debtors against unscrupulous collection practices. Lawsuit Frequency The number of debt collection lawsuits is increasing, according to the Debt Collection Answers website. The site reports that "12,000 debt collection suits are expected to be filed in 2010, up from 9.300 in 2009 and 4.400 in 2007." Still,...

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What Happens to the Interest Rate When a Credit Card Account Is Charged Off?

A charge off of your credit card account is issued by the creditor when you don't pay your debt in time. A charge off is a declaration of the creditor that your debt is counted as a loss for their company. You will no longer be able to buy anything using that credit card account but you are still responsible for paying off the debt. It is very advisable to avoid charge offs by making payments on time. Time for Payment The duration before...

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How to Make Payments on a Defaulted Student Loan

When you fail to make payments on a student loan, it eventually goes into default status, which means that you are seriously delinquent on payments. This appears on your credit report and damages your credit score. Plus, you might start to owe additional fees on your student loan. Unfortunately, a defaulted student loan will not go away on its own, and getting a student loan discharged in bankruptcy is rare. Therefore, the only way to remedy a defaulted loan is to begin making payments on it again. Instructions 1 Look up the lender's name...

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How to Build a Good Credit Line

Establishing a long, good credit history involves acquiring lines of credit with credit cards and loans, and keeping these accounts in good standing. Poor credit habits can quickly lower your rating. Once you have a bad rating, it takes time to undo or fix the damage. But you don't have to accept a bad rating, you can build better credit and qualify for other types of financing. Instructions 1 Read your credit report for accuracy. Monitor your personal credit report once a year to check for fraudulent activity and accuracy. Request removal...

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Fast Ways to Build Credit

Many items are bought on credit today such as vacations, mortgages and other minor expenses. Building credit provides a history to show that you are responsible and reliable. It can influence if you get approved for a mortgage, a car loan and even a rental apartment. Learn how to build credit fast and you will open doors to opportunities not previously available to you. Secured Credit Card Sign up for a secured credit card. When you apply...

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Credit Card Consolidation Vs. Debt Payment Business

When you are being overwhelmed with debt, you may look to either a credit card consolidation service or debt payment business to help you. There are distinct differences between the two services. Function: Credit Card Consolidation Credit card consolidation is the act of getting a loan to consolidate all of your credit card debt into one loan. This can be done through a personal loan or using home equity. Function: Debt Payment Business...

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How to Obtain a License to Become an Ordained Minister in Kentucky

Although the Commonwealth of Kentucky once required a formal minister's license of clergymen to officiate at weddings, funerals and other similar functions, the state legislature rescinded those requirements in the mid-1990s. However, to officiate at, or "solemnize" a wedding in Kentucky, you must be a duly ordained priest, minister, rabbi or other leader in regular communion with your religious order. This will grant you the authority to sign and certify marriage certificates. Instructions Wedding Officiants 1 Discuss your plans to enter...

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Can a Debt Collector Find Out Where You Work?

If you've fallen into debt, you might fear a debt collector will show up at your workplace and embarrass you in front of your coworkers. This could affect your job or chances of promotion. Dealing with a debt collector may prove challenging, but the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act imposes limits on what a debt collector can do. Debt Collector Rights A debt collector can find out where you work. She can also contact your employer to find out more information about you, such as where you live and your home phone number, if she is having...

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Software for Managing Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt can be stressful and difficult to manage. Thankfully, there are a number of different software programs to help you manage your credit card debt. These programs often can connect to your credit card accounts to give you the latest balances, transactions, payment information and other important information you need to manage the debt. Some of the software is free; other programs cost you money. Quicken Quicken is a personal...

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What Happens If a Credit Card Company Gets a Judgment Against Me?

If a credit card debt becomes very delinquent, your credit card company, or the collection agency that bought the debt, may take you to court. If they win their lawsuit, they then can use the judgment to collect the debt, which may include asset seizure and wage garnishment. Asset Seizure and Garnishment State laws vary on what property and income a creditor can take to pay off a court judgment. In many states, the creditor can garnish up...

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Is the Wife Responsible for Bills After a Husband's Death?

A husband's death is sad enough, but the widow's grief and stress may be compounded if creditors come after her for money owed by her late spouse. In some cases, such as community property states or joint accounts, the wife must pay the outstanding debt. There are exceptions, however, including accounts solely in the husband's name. Laws vary by state, so check with a certified accountant if you are unsure about your responsibilities. Individual...

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Can Collection Agencies Continue to Charge Interest After Buying a Debt?

Many companies that regularly sell to their clients on credit are not well equipped to collect what they are owed. In such instances, the company may choose to hire a collection agency, a company that specializes in the collection of debts, to get paid what it is owed. In some cases, the company may even sell the debt outright to the agency. Agencies, however, can only charge the debtor the interest called for in the debt contract. Debt Contracts All legal debts are secured by an agreement, usually a written one, that specifies the terms...

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How to Avoid Bankruptcy Loans

Life events, such as serious illness or unemployment, often leave people struggling with serious financial issues and considering bankruptcy. There are several options if you want to avoid bankruptcy. Negotiating cash settlements with lenders, securing a loan modification on a mortgage and creating a strategy for paying down debt obligations will assist in avoiding bankruptcy. Instructions 1 Consolidate debt with a secured personal loan. For...

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Debit & Credit Rules of Accounting

Debit and credit are two accounting concepts that balance each other, similar to addition and subtraction. Although they are commonly used to describe consumer options at the checkout counter, debit and credit are actual industry terms in the field of accounting. Three types of accounts are ruled by the principles of credit and debit: real accounts, personal accounts and nominal accounts. Credit and Debit Introductory Rules A simple rule...

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Marital Debt in Divorce

Unfortunately for a separating couple, the emotional trauma of a broken marriage is only magnified by the business of separating not only a pair of personal lives but also economic ones. Figuring out how to turn what used to be a partnership into two separate estates can be difficult. In separation, you have to decide what to do not only with your marital property but also your marital debt. Property and Debt Division Systems States divide...

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How Do Debt Solution Companies Work?

Debt solution companies attempt to provide assistance to debtors who fall behind on multiple debt payments and cannot fulfill obligations with their current income. Without a debt solution, the result may be a legal action to seize money or assets from the debtor to make the payment. This is beneficial neither to the lender, which still loses money, nor to the debtor, who suffers severe damage to credit and loses collateral. A debt solution is an attempt to negotiate an alternative form of payment that is more satisfactory, although debtors should...

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Can Unemployment Be Garnished in Nebraska?

Federal and state laws impose limitations on garnishment of wages after a civil judgment. Certain types of income are exempt and cannot be garnished to pay a debt. In Nebraska, unemployment payments are considered public benefits and therefore are exempt from garnishment. Garnishment: Defined Garnishment of wages is a legal process that allows a creditor to recover unpaid debt from the debtor's employer. The third-party employer is the garnishee and is issued a court order to turn over a certain amount of wages directly to the creditor...

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The Sources of Financial Debt

Financial debt comes about when individuals and businesses borrow money from lenders. The lenders charge interest during the repayment of the borrowed money and make money on the transaction. People end up with debt from many sources as they borrow money from different types of lenders to use for a variety of purposes. Consumer Spending Credit card debt, auto loan debt and sometimes home equity debt fall under the broad category of debt due to personal spending. This is when people borrow money to pay for the purchase of an item that loses...

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Do You Write the Check to the Collection Agency or the Company?

When a person runs up a sizable debt with a creditor, the creditor may not even try to collect the debt itself. Instead, it will send the debt to a collection agency. The agency will either be paid a portion of the money it recovers or it will buy the debt outright. Therefore, in some cases, the debtor will make payments to the creditor, while in other cases he'll pay the collection agency. Collection Notices In many cases, a collection agency will inform a person that it is seeking repayment of her debt by contacting her through e-mail...

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What Is the Type of Credit on Credit Reports?

The types of credit that appear on all three of your credit reports -- from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion -- are installment loans, revolving loans such as credit cards and certain household bills. Civil judgments against you regarding a debt also appear under the public records section of your credit reports. Credit Account Reporting Information for all types of credit that appear on your credit report include the total loan amount, total amount outstanding, payment amounts, the date you opened the account and the name of the creditor....

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Does Debt Settlement Affect Financial Aid?

Debt settlement programs helps you pay your debts, including medical bills and credit cards, for less than you owe creditors. This strategy can save you money in the short-term, but may have negative effect on your credit score, tax liability and your ability to secure new lines of credit. Debt settlement can also reduce your chances of securing federal financial aid and private student loans to attend college. Federal Student Loans The federal government doesn't include credit history or credit score in eligibility requirements for government...

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How to Prevent Fraud With Safe Debit Cards

Debit cards work electronically like credit cards, but are less secure since they automatically transfer money from your bank account. Debit card charges are completed quickly and you are not given the opportunity to review the charges before money is taken from your account. It is important to be extremely careful when using your debit card. Instructions 1 Monitor your bank account. If you notice someone is using your card fraudulently and...

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How to Obtain a Credit Report on a Judgment Creditor

When doing business with a company, you have a right to understand its financial history in order to protect yourself and your interests from potential financial harm. A credit report provides you with information on an entity necessary to make informed business decisions. The report includes judgments made against the company, tax liens, collections and payments details, credit scores, bankruptcies, leasing, insurance, and corporate financial records. Instructions 1 Decide on what information you need to know in order to make informed business...

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How to Remove a Mortgage From a Credit Report

Your credit report provides lenders with information pertaining to your credit history. This includes previous and current loans, such as home mortgages. While positive credit information can remain in your credit report forever, you can remove inaccurate and negative credit information. This includes mortgage information that is incorrect or in error. You can remove a mortgage from your credit report as long as it is invalid or does not apply to...

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What Is the Average Debt Load of Americans?

The Federal Reserve reported in March 2010 that total U.S. household debt, including mortgages and credit cards, was at $13.5 trillion. Although it's a staggering amount, the total actually represented the first drop in household debt since records began in 1945; it was down just under 2 percent from the previous year. Average Dividing that $13.5 trillion among every U.S. resident--man, woman and child--the average debt load across the nation...

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How to Establish Credit & Repair Bad Credit

Good credit is essential to achieving financial stability. Your credit can affect your ability to obtain loans and determines your interest rate. Establishing credit takes time. Consumers with no credit and bad credit are usually grouped into the same category. The process for repairing credit is similar to the steps you would need to take to establish credit. With patience and discipline, you can establish or repair your credit. Instructions 1 Obtain your credit report to access your credit situation. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act,...

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Unsecured Credit Card Guide

Using an unsecured credit card is a way to pay for things even when you do not have the money you need. This gives you a great deal of financial flexibility, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. When choosing and using an unsecured credit card, you have factors to consider. Responsible Use Before you get an unsecured credit card, think about how you will be using it. This type of card should be used only occasionally and in cases of emergency. An unsecured credit card should not be used for random purchases or for building...

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