Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Massachusetts

Unable to pay by due date

Since I did not go to the initial small claims hearing the plaintiff won by default. I have been ordered to pay the debt within 30 days. If I do not pay by the due date will they issue a warrant for my arrest or will they schedule another hearing to determine my ability to pay?


Asked on 6/11/08, 1:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

JOHN TATOIAN LAW OFFICE OF JOHN A. TATOIAN ESQ.*Licensed Only in Massachusetts

Re: Unable to pay by due date

The Plaintiff has a number of options, not the least of which is to file an application pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 224, Section 14. This application effectively summons the judgment debtor to appear in court so that the judgment creditor can examine the debtor as to the nature and extent of his/her assets available to satisfy the judgment. Usually, a payment scedule is ordered by the court at such proceedings, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 224, Section 16. If the debtor fails to comply with the order of payments, the court may treat that as a contempt of court, punishable by a fine of not more than $20 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days.Please feel free to contact my office for a free initial assessment of your specific situation.;)))

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Answered on 6/12/08, 5:04 pm


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