Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Michigan

Need options regarding debt collection judgement against me

I have had a doctor sue me for an old bill. The judgement against me is for the original bill plus all his court costs and interest. I wrote and offered to pay the original bill but asked him to drop the suit as I cannot afford to pay his court costs. I am on disability for depression and anxiety disorders and my check is practically spent by the time I receive it. I have next to nothing in the bank either. His attorney requested paperwork from me to prove my poor financial condition. I sent what they asked for and waited for several months. Now they call and he expects me to pay all this money, almost $450! I am still willing to pay the original bill in installments. He does not seem to understand or care of my plight. What if I just pay the original bill and not the rest? Can they put me in jail? This judgement was made in Traverse City where I used to live. I no longer live there. What are my options here?


Asked on 10/08/03, 6:15 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gregory J. Roth Gregory J. Roth, PLLC

Re: Need options regarding debt collection judgement against me

They cannot put you in jail for failure to pay the bill- there are no "debtors' prisons" in America. However, if you fail to respond to a valid subpoena regarding your finances, you could face contempt of court. My advice to you would be to file a motion for installment payments in the court where the judgement was taken. This will offer you protection (from them taking money out of your wages) while you pay the balance. For the limited amount of money at stake, this seems to be the best option. Make sure that if and when you pay the judgment off, you have the plaintiff enter a satisfaction of judgment with the court. Good Luck. www.lawgreg.com

Read more
Answered on 10/08/03, 5:51 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in Michigan