Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

I have a judgement against me dating back to 1998. When you have a Judgement against you how long do they have before the Judgement can no longer be inforced? I thought 10 years but now have a collector calling my dads house and mailing letters out. Of course $5000.00 is now $20,000 + with interest. Can you help me with this?


Asked on 1/01/10, 9:23 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

A judgment lasts ten years. It can be renewed for another ten if done before it expires. You might check at the courthouse whether it was renewed. If it hadn't been, then the collector might be violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and you could collect their information to go after them legally, if you wish.

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Answered on 1/06/10, 10:35 am
Carl Starrett Law Offices of Carl H. Starrett II

Judgments in California are valid for 10 years, but they can be renewed. The first step would be to check the court records to see if the judgment was renewed. If the judgment was not renewed, then that is the end of the ball game. They cannot collect. If the judgment was renewed in a timely manner, you may need to consider bankruptcy or making payment arrangements.

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Answered on 1/06/10, 11:31 am
Melvin C. Belli The Belli Law Firm

They're right a judgment lasts 10 years then can be renewed for another 10. So check and make sure they did that or else tell them to pound sand. Since they have had such great luck in collecting over the last 10 years maybe they should cut a deal with you, but if you call them then they know you're alive but if they were half way smart they would have found you by now.

So either call and talk to them or continue to hide. If you do talk to them don't give them your address and don't call from a phone with traceable ID i.e. your house phone or your cell phone. That is if you still want to hide from them. Better yet hire an attorney to negotiate for you and then you can keep a lowered profile.

Good luck.

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Answered on 1/06/10, 8:19 pm


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