Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Judgements/ debt collections in PA

I did a voluntary reposession on a vehicle in 2007 leaving a balance of $11,000. The creditor entered a judgement against me in 8/08 but has not yet ''executed'' it stating they would agree to a payment plan. I cannot afford the $250 a month they want and want to know should I still go ahead a pay smaller amounts etc. What can they legally do in Pennsylvania to collect a judgement against a consumer?? I do have property so i am aware that the judgement will show up on the Deed to my home if not paid but what else are they permitted to do? I am willing to make smaller monthly payments to try and a pay a portion of this debt but i am worried that in the meantime they may do other things to settle the debt? My main concern is regarding my wages, accounts etc. Lastly, they're using the language that they haven't executed the judgement but i'm pretty sure it has been listed as a debt against my home. Isn't that the same as executing it? Any info/ advice etc. would be helpful! I want to make payments but can only afford around $100-150 a month and they won't agree.


Asked on 10/06/08, 11:05 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: Judgements/ debt collections in PA

Since they already have a judgment, there isn't much that you can do in the way of negotiation. Your main option would be a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. You don't have to worry about wages but they can attach bank accounts and there is already a judicial lien against any pproperty that's held in your name alone. If you're married and hold the property with your wife as tenants by the entireties the lien does not attach to the property. Unless you have other debts, you are better off working things out to pay this debt than filing a bankruptcy because the cost of bankruptcy is significant and the damage to your credit rating is considerable.

Read more
Answered on 10/09/08, 3:30 pm


Related Questions & Answers

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