Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in New Jersey

Open Judgement
There is an open judgement against me for an uncollected debt. Recently, I received a supbeona for information. It states court rules require that I answer within 14 days from date of receipt and that if I do not answer the attached questions within the time required they may ask the court to conduct a hearing to determine if I should be held in contempt. When a respondant elects not to answer will the court generally require the defendant to appear. If found in contempt are fines about as serious as the penalties get? Lastley, this supbeona was not sent to me directly, but to a family member who forwarded it to me. In the interest of time sensitivity can I demand the attorneys send this document to me directly?

Asked on 10/10/07, 10:33 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

John Corbett Corbett Law Firm LLC

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Re: Open Judgement

Service of document is governed by the rules of court. If the family member lived with you and is over the age of fourteen and competent, it is good service on you.

If you don't answer the interrogatories, the court will hold the hearing and, unless you have good cause, will probably put you in the county jail until you do answer them. If you don't show for the hearing, the judge will issue a warrant for your arrest. Once arrested (which always seems to happen on a weekend), you will sit in jail until the court gets around to the hearing after which you will probably go back to jail until you answer the interrogatories. Fines are additional.

Answers to the interrogatories are a legal requirment. Judges don't like to be ignored.

Answered on 10/10/07, 10:44 am

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