Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Georgia

Judgment entered without my knowledge

I received civil papers responded within the time limit with my answer and months later I find out a judgement was issued against me. I never had a trial, I was never informed of the judgement by the court. I only found out when I was ordered to ADR and then two days later they said that I no longer need to attend because a judgement was entered in this case. This was a few days ago and when icalled the court thety said the judgement was entered June 13. I am trying to appeal given the circumstances. BecauseI was not properly ontified with legal paperwork Iam passed the 30 days limit but I was told to submit anyway with explanation. How can a judgment be entered without a hearing, trial or anything else. Why was I not notified with official documents by the court or the Palintiff's attorney. All they sent was a collection type general letter stating a judgement was entered in their favor and I need to pay. But there was nothing attached, no court order or anything so how.


Asked on 8/15/08, 9:23 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

Re: Judgment entered without my knowledge

You messed up. If you decide to be your own lawyer, you need to keep up with calendars and check on them regularly just like an attorney. It is not the court's duty to check them for you, although as a courtesy some courts do mail notices. Your failure to check court calendars is not generally grounds for an appeal.

To get a copy of a judgment, simply go to the court.

When you get sued in the future, see a lawyer right away beforehand and you will avoid problems that cannot be fixed once the case is over.

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Answered on 8/15/08, 9:47 am
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Judgment entered without my knowledge

No one here can read the pleadings and documents to see what happened. See a lawyer who can do that, though the money might be better spent on resolving any valid debts. If the debt is valid and owed, all the effort of fighting a lawsuit usually just delays the inevitable.

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Answered on 8/15/08, 10:26 am


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