Judgment Consequences of a Garnishment and a Bank Lien

The judgment consequences of a garnishment and a bank lien are that both appear in the public records section of your credit report for 7 to 10 years. A civil judgment also can cause your credit score to decrease significantly. Depending on your current credit score, a judgment can cause a significant enough drop to prevent you from obtaining new lines of credit. Civil Judgments When you have a debt like a loan or credit card and you stop making payments, the lender considers you in default of your credit or loan agreement. Usually, lenders...

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Debt Consolidation Guide to Canada

Are you suffering with debt and struggling to keep your head above water? Well, if you are, you are not the only one. Thousands of Canadian families like you are in desperate need of consolidation services. These families are looking to financial experts to help negotiate, on their behalf, for creditors and lenders to lower interest rates and consolidate or bundle multiple lines of credit. Read on to learn how you can get the debt consolidation help you need. Instructions 1 Contact Credit Solutions (see Resources). A licensed, bonded, independent...

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How to Remove Debt From My Credit Report

The debt found in your credit report can turn you into a prisoner. The reason for this analogy is when you have debt, you do not have the freedom to use your money the way you would like, so essentially, you are being held captive by your credit obligations. However, the restrictions that debt imposes on your finances were created by you. In order to reduce the restrictions put forth by your credit obligations, you need to rid your credit report of outstanding debt. Instructions 1 Determine the amount of debt on your credit report. Before...

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Requirements of Credit Collection Pleadings in New York

If you default on your debts, your creditors can sue you to recover the amount you owe as well as attorney's costs. However, creditors and debt collectors don't have the absolute right to sue -- they must follow state and federal laws and procedures. New York requires creditors to sue within a certain period of time and to send appropriate notices prior to filing a lawsuit. Statute of Limitations As of June 2011, New York has a statute of limitations of six years on consumer debts such as credit card debts. Thus, creditors must file their...

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How Does Debt Stacking Work?

Debt has become a way of life for most Americans, it seems. The Federal Reserve reports that as of October 2010, Americans carried nearly $2.4 trillion in debt. About $800 billion of that is revolving debt, which is primarily carried on credit cards. Total revolving debt has decreased from $957.5 billion in 2008, suggesting Americans may be making a concentrated effort to pay off their debt. Debt Stacking Principles Debt stacking is a method...

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How to Keep Your Credit Safe From Fraud

Managing your credit isn't limited to making your payments on time and keeping debts low. Monitoring your credit activity and preventing fraud is also key to good credit management. Leaving credit card numbers and statements lying around puts you at risk of identity theft. But by following a few simple tips, you can keep your information safe. Instructions 1 Review credit activity. Don't get into a habit of paying bills and not reviewing your statements. Open credit card statements as soon as they arrive and review the activity to ensure...

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Credit Scores & Closing a Bank Account

Your credit score plays a vital role in your ability to obtain and use credit, but it is not affected by deposit accounts such checking or savings accounts. Credit scores are based on your credit transactions, such as using credit cards or obtaining a car loan, and closing or opening a bank account doesn't count. Credit Score When you apply for a loan, creditors want to know if you are a reliable borrower. They look at your credit report...

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How to Collect a Commercial International Debt

Due to the recent economic downturn, an increasing amount of people and businesses have defaulted on their international debt obligations. As a result, many creditors are seeking ways in which to collect international debts. Collecting a debt internationally, however, must satisfy international laws and agreements regarding debt collection. Not all countries have mutual agreements for the collection of debts in the other country. Instructions ...

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Debt Settlement Program Guide

The availability of consumer credit and personal loans allow people to make many purchases that they might not be able to afford otherwise, but excessive borrowing can lead to burdensome levels of debt. Once you amass a large debt load, it can take years of careful budgeting to get debt-free, which prompts many debtors to search for other means of getting out of debt. Debt settlement programs involve hiring professional services to negotiate with your creditors to lower your debts. Debt Settlement Basics Debt settlement companies work on...

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Debt Settlement & Credit Counseling

Debt settlement and credit counseling are both different ways of dealing with overwhelming debt. However, they also both have negative aspects to them. Before considering either option, you may want to try to get out of debt by yourself with a debt payment plan. If you have tried that in the past, these options may help you get control of your finances. Benefits of Debt Settlement Debt settlement is when you offer the creditor a smaller lump...

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Can You Garnish Social Security Income for Unpaid Rent?

A person who moves into a residence and agrees to pay rent is legally obligated to so do. If a person fails to pay the rent, then the landlord may attempt to collect on the debt through legal force. In certain cases, the landlord may be allowed to garnish the person's income. However, a private creditor cannot legally siphon off money from a person's Social Security benefits. Garnishment Garnishment is a debt collection tactic that must be specifically authorized by a civil court of law. If a creditor attempt to pursue the garnishment of...

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How Soon Can They Freeze Your Bank Account After a Default Judgment?

If you have been called to a court hearing by a creditor, that creditor is pursuing its legal right to file suit and is interested in recouping debts as quickly as possible. If you miss the hearing for any reason, the court will likely award a default judgment, which can fast-track the legal process that allows the creditor to seize your bank assets. However, the freezing of a bank account requires action on the creditor's part, and its delayed actions or a debtor's appeals can add many months to the process. Legal Process The legal process...

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Can a Collection Agency Take Your Possessions?

Collection agencies have a number of ways of compelling a debtor to pay the money for an unpaid debt or bill. However, in general, a collection agency is not allowed to seize a person's property unless that property has been used to secure the loan. The closest the agency can come is garnishing the person's wages or, in some cases, placing a lien on their property. Debt Payment Under U.S. law, the only time a debt collector can seize a person's physical property is when that property has been used as collateral for a loan. For example,...

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Unpaid Debt Laws

Statute of limitation laws place a limit on how long unpaid debt can be collected. After that date, collectors are not allowed to demand payment of the unpaid debt. The consumer may waive their statute of limitations by reaffirming the debt. Even when the debt is within the statute of limitations, there are strict laws on what collectors can and cannot do to collect unpaid debt. Statute of Limitation The statute of limitations is how long...

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Integrity Debt Options

Integrity Debt Options is a private debt settlement and consolidation services company. The company offers consumers several products and services designed to help consumers improve their credit score, reduce their debt load and avoid bankruptcy. The company also offers investment opportunities for those looking to earn a return on an investment in credit debt. Debt Settlement One option available at Integrity Debt Options is debt settlement. This is the process by which consumers settle their debt agreements with their lenders at costs...

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Will a Credit Freeze Prevent Me From Renting an Apartment?

When you decide to move from your current apartment to a new one, the landlord or property manager at the new complex will likely pull your credit information to determine if you are likely to be a good tenant. If you have placed a credit freeze on your personal information with the credit bureaus, you need to remember this freeze when you give your application to the landlord. PIN Codes When you put a credit freeze on your credit information...

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How a Civil Judgment Against You Works

Civil judgments are damaging to your credit and can lead to bank garnishment and even bankruptcy if not resolved. Civil judgments, also called monetary judgments, are legal documents signed by a judge. The judgment orders you to pay a specific amount of money as damages stemming from a civil lawsuit over credit card debt or some other dispute. A judgment from a credit card lawsuit requires you to pay the full balance owed plus court and attorney's costs. Default Judgments Some people receive so-called "default judgments" after failing to...

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Does a Down Payment on a Car Improve a Credit Score?

A down payment on a car does nothing to improve a credit score -- but paying more money down on the car could make credit approval easier. Down payments are usually necessary on automobile loans for several reasons, including reducing the monthly payments to an affordable level for the buyer's income and other credit obligations. Down payments also represent an investment by the buyer. Theoretically, a buyer is less likely to stop making payments...

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How to Collect Debt From an Estate

An estate includes all of the financial and physical assets a person leaves behind when they die. Debt collectors or anyone else who holds a debt against that person may collect the debt from the estate. Collecting a debt from someone who has died is more difficult than during life, simply because the estate is broken up amongst all debt holders. Anyone who has a legitimate claim against the estate should take immediate action to collect on it. Instructions 1 Determine who is responsible for the debt. If the deceased person is solely responsible...

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Why Is a Charge-Off Still Collectible?

Many consumers misunderstand what a charge-off is. Though a company may list a debt as a charge-off, this does not mean the consumer no longer owes the debt. Companies can continue to attempt to collect charged-off debts. A consumer with a charge-off should understand how the charge-off process works and how to deal with the debt. Definition A charge-off is an accounting practice in which the creditor claims that the company cannot collect the debt. As this creates a business loss for the company, the company receives a tax deduction,...

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Will a Collection Agency Release a Lien?

Collection agencies collect debts for original creditors that are not secured by a debtor's assets. The company can secure the debt by filing a lawsuit and placing a lien against the debtor's home, car, boat or vacant land. A lien obtained through a lawsuit is known as a "judgment lien" and prevents the individual from selling the asset that carries the lien unless he pays off the collection debt. Judgment liens do not remain attached to an asset...

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Do You Claim a Settled Credit Card on Taxes?

Potentially higher income tax bills are one disadvantage of debt settlement. The Internal Revenue Service requires listing of credit card settlement on income tax returns---if the settlement is for $600 or more. The IRS treats savings through debt settlement as income. Credit card companies send documentation about the settlement to the taxpayer and the IRS. Form 1099-C People settling debts for at least $600 receive a form from the IRS called "IRS Form 1099-C: Cancellation of Debt." Creditors send the form to debtors in January of each...

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Relief & Credit Card Counseling

When it feels as if you're in financial free fall, a credit counselor may act as your parachute, preventing you from hitting rock bottom. To find relief, you must first address your true financial situation and create a new plan to map your route to financial freedom. By setting boundaries for yourself, you will have an easier time knowing when to stop spending. Credit Score Before going to a credit counselor, it's important to gain a basic...

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Criteria for Credit Management

Mismanaging credit card accounts can impact your finances for several years. For example, negative information regarding late payments can remain in your file for seven years and lower your credit score. People who have poor credit histories are usually given lower credit lines and charged higher interest rates because they're considered to be a greater financial risk. Managing your credit responsibly can save you money and headaches. Interest Charges Make a payment plan for your credit cards to avoid paying interest charges over a long...

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How to Figure Out the Payoff on Loans

Paying off a debt is a highly satisfying experience--especially if that debt is a home loan or a mortgage. It's very important to pay off a debt correctly, though. If you inaccurately pay off a debt, you may leave a small amount of interest. This interest can build again--unbeknownst to you--and cause late payments that can decrease your credit score. Figuring a payoff is relatively easy. Instructions 1 Review the most recent loan statement...

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Which Debt Should I Pay Off First With Extra Money Involved?

Debt can be overwhelming and alarming once it starts to build up. If you find that you have extra money and are deciding what to do with it, starting to pay off debts can be a good place to start. There are many different strategies and considerations for figuring out which debts to pay off first. Debt Snowball Method The debt snowball method entails paying off the smallest debts first regardless of the interest. This method is built on the idea that you have a certain amount of money that you are dedicating towards paying off debt each...

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Lien on Property & Credit

When you owe money to a creditor, one of the means that the creditor can use to collect the debt placing a lien on your property. While you can elect to place a lien on your property as collateral when applying for a loan, in some cases, a creditor can place a lien on your property without your consent. Liens on Property When you owe money to a creditor and refuse to pay back the debt, the creditor can take legal action by filing a lawsuit against you. If the judgment is in the creditor's favor, the creditor then has the legal capacity...

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Tennessee Laws for Unpaid Medical Bills

Tennessee law considers medical debt an unsecured debt similar to a credit-card bill. Creditors in the state must follow federal regulations with regard to collecting an unpaid medical bill, including refraining from intimidating or harassing tactics. State law has created programs to help those with low income pay off medical debts, but many are left out due to the restrictive eligibility requirements. Debt Collection Regulations The state of Tennessee considers medical debt as a written contract for debt-collection purposes. A patient...

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How to Remove Errors on Your Credit Report

Consumers understand that lenders such as banks and credit card companies need to review their credit reports before making a lending decision. What some consumers do not realize, however, is that employers, insurance companies and landlords also routinely base decisions on the contents of an applicant's credit. If your credit report contains errors that lower your score, you could find yourself passed over for a job you're well-qualified for or paying higher insurance rates than you deserve. To ensure that each consumer possesses an accurate credit...

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Does Paying Off Loan Early Affect Credit?

Qualifying for credit involves more than a strong credit rating; your debt-to-income ratio is also an important part of the equation. Paying off loans early can positively affect your credit rating in several ways, as well as reduce your overall debt-to-income ratio. Always check the fine print on any loan to determine if there are penalties involved for early pay-offs. If you have more than one loan, pay off the ones with the highest interest rates first. Payment History A consumer's payment history accounts for the greatest percentage...

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North Carolina Foreclosure Help

If a debtor fails to make mortgage payments on time, he risks foreclosure. During foreclosure, the lender goes to court to reclaim the property and recover its loss. Ultimately, foreclosure results in the loss of the debtor's home as well as seriously affecting his credit rating and ability to find new housing. North Carolina offers free counseling to debtors facing foreclosure to help them avoid this possibility. State Home Foreclosure Prevention Project The State Home Foreclosure Prevention Project, or SHFPP, is a free program designed...

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Top 5 Ways to Get Out of Debt

Getting out of debt can be a long-term project, but there are some ways to speed up the process. If you have $9,000 in credit card debt at 15 percent interest and make only the minimum payment every month, you will spend 19 years paying off the card, according to CNN Money. An aggressive debt-management plan can significantly cut the amount of time and money you spend getting out of debt. Stop Charging Purchases Avoid increasing your debt...

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Ways to Reduce Debt Quickly

In order to reduce your debt quickly, you must be willing to make changes in your spending habits so that you can pay extra money each month toward your debts. Reducing debt is not an easy process, but it's not an impossible one either. If you are ready to cut back on your spending, you can reduce your debt quicker than you may think. Get a Second Job One way to get a little extra money to put toward paying off your debt is to get a second...

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Can I Pay Off Student Loans?

Student loans may take several years to pay off. Most student loans start out with payment terms of about 10 years, although you can extend that length if you consolidate the loans and lower your monthly payment. If you owe a lot on student loans, it may seem difficult to finally pay them off, but it is possible to do it. Student loans are rarely discharged during bankruptcy, and the only way to not pay them is to become permanently disabled. ...

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How to Pay a Receivable Recovery Collection Account

The term "collection agency" can cause worry and make your blood pressure increase. While debtors frequently view debt collectors in a negative light, many collectors are simply doing their job. Often a debtor can talk to the collector to try to work out a payment arrangement that is agreeable to the collector and you. Collection agencies must adhere to federal law when attempting to collect a debt. Instructions 1 Calculate your budget. Before you speak with a collection agency representative, determine how much you can pay monthly toward...

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Will Paying Debts on My Credit Report Raise My Score?

If your credit score could use improvement, your first thought may be paying off some of the debts that appear on your credit report. Although it often happens that paying the debts on your report results in a higher score, it's not always the case. Understanding which debts are good for your score, and which are dragging it down, will help you to use your money wisely. Credit Scores A credit score is a ranking of a consumer's credit, based...

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Do It Yourself Debt Reduction?

Debt restricts what you can accomplish by taking away your future income. If you have borrowed too much money, don't beat yourself up. Make a commitment to move on and improve your financial situation from this point. Take responsibility for the fact that you have spent more than you earned and move forward. Budget Your Money The first step in winning financially is to establish a solid plan. A budget should be a realistic picture of what you will earn and spend, and should be updated each month. If you are married, your spouse should participate...

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