A few months ago a collection agency contacted me stating they represented a local hospital and they were sueing me. I contacted them and disputed the amount, but later realized the amount was correct. They offered me to make arrangements. A few days before the court date, I called and made arrangements. The agency said there was not need to go to the court date. I didn't go. The agency has filed a judgement lien on me. My payment arrangements were to be paid monthly. I called today to make the payment by a prepaid credit card (today was the day the amount was owed), but the agency said they couldnot accept that payment. I don't have a checking account. They said since I didn't keep up with my agreement, they probably would have to take other actions. I offered to send the money the next day, but the agency said I could send the money, but they couldn't say they would take further actions. Does this mean they are going to garnish my wages? Do I have any rights since I didn't attend the court date? Is there anything I can file now?

Why did they say they could not accept it, sounds fishy,

But if you don't keep the agreed to plan ( assuming it is in writing, if it is not in writing, there is no real plan anyway)
But if you don't pay according to the plan, yes if garnishment is allowed in your state, they may garnish. If your "plan" is not in writing, they can do it anyway, even if you are paying according to a verbal plan.

I should clarify... they stated they could not accept the payment via credit card but by check by phone only.


If they can garnish my wages, will I be notified. Can I file an exemption?

If you ever do check by phone have a separate account you only keep that money in, old trick, they find out your checking account number so they can take all your money.

Normally no you are not notified about the garnishment a few states require a notice but normally something like 7 days.

Many states do not have exemptions allowed, there are set rules to what money can be taken, and how mcuh can be, varies by state greatly, a few states don't allow at all.