There is a bad credit card debt in my name from about 5+ years ago. It was originally $8,000 but grew to nearly $30,000 in interest, fees and penalties. There is a sum of money about to be distributed to me by the same bank. It was in an account with my dad's name on it and mine. Dad died. Because the money was in CD's and other funds it's taking some time to release, but recently, for the first time in two years, I've heard from a legal firm (supposedly) asking me to pay the nearly $30,000 debt again. No one has said they're taking this money, but it's strange they suddenly appear again. I'm older, disabled, living on social security and own absolutely nothing. The debt really isn't mine, but I understand that because it's in my name, they've got no one else to target. Can they keep the money that's supposed to be released soon? It's way less than half of what they want.

They will have to have a judgement to attach this money.

Did they ever get a judgement ?

They will have to have a judgement to attach this money.

Did they ever get a judgement ?

No. No judgement. They never tried. I really have nothing and never did. However, I'm concerned that the release of funds is being overly delayed and wonder if they're stalling. How long would it take to get a judgement?

You have to be notified, served legal papers.

But you can cash a CD out same day, even if you cash it out early, you merely lose interest. You go in with legal ownership, and the CD, and they have to give you the money.

It's mostly in mutuals and one group of them should be released this week; the other is a floating fund and can't be touched until July (every 3 months).
How long does it take to get a judgement and don't I have an opportunity to challenge it?