Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    elizabethann55's Avatar
    elizabethann55 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 15, 2011, 01:53 PM
    Judgment Questions
    A judgment went against me by default. I am currently working on having it reopened and answer the original petition, etc. but still do not feel confident I will be able to fight the judgment entirely. It is for an exorbitant amount of attorney's fees incurred while going through divorce proceedings.

    Questions:

    1. I live in Pennsylvania. The judgment is filed in Pennsylvania (Philadelphia County). I work from home in Pennsylvania. However, the company I work for is from Maryland, as is the Payroll. Pennsylvania does not allow for wage attachment. Maryland does. Am I at risk for wage attachment on this judgment?

    2. I have never had a judgment against me in my life. I'm reading things about how a Sheriff came come out and start taking the personal property out of my home? Is this true?

    3. Is there anything I can do to prevent my bank account from being seized/frozen after judgment? I don't know if this is allowed in PA or not. About the only thing I could find for certain is they can put a lien against any property owned.

    Anything that can be contributed to my questions /situation is greatly appreciated.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
    		  
    #2

    Mar 15, 2011, 04:04 PM

    1. If the judgment is issued by a PA court then PA law covers. So the PA court will not issue a wage garnishment order.

    2. While it is possible for the plaintiff to seize any assets, it's unlikely. The value and cost of personal property is generally too little for them to bother with. Now if you have jewelry or artwork that might cover the award, they may come after that.

    3. While wage garnishment may not be allowed attachment of assets is. Bank accounts are fair game. That will be the first things they go after. And while a lien is certainly possible that's also unlikely. They want their money now, not when you sell your home.

    If you lose, the best thing you can do is try to settle. Especially if you can offer a lump sum you may be able to settle for 50-75% of the award.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
    Expert
    		  
    #3

    Mar 15, 2011, 06:12 PM

    Yes, court and attorney fees are normal, and it is not uncommon for the final amount to be twice the first cost.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Where can I buy a judgment, sell my judgment or trade it? [ 3 Answers ]

I have no experience in this field. Anybody have any recommendations? Or should I proceed with them?

CCard judgment hearing questions [ 3 Answers ]

An attorney for Federated Financial Corp (3rd party debt collector) has ordered me to appear before another attorney to give him information on my vehicles, copies of my wage statements, monthly bank statements for the past 3 years, copies of my State and Fed tax returns and real estate tax notices...

Judgment entered against defendant in 1998. Abstract of Judgment recorded 2001. [ 8 Answers ]

Judgment against defendant entered more than 10 years ago. Abstract recorded and 10 years have lapsed. Judgment not renewed as required by law. So, judgment is barred by Statute of Limitations. What action, if any, need be taken to remove the Abstract of Judgment from clouding title on real...

Obtaining a Judgment on a debt that has a prior Judgment [ 1 Answers ]

Now I thought that you can't get another judgment on a debt if there is a prior judgment obtained back in July 2004 from Ohio. But the debtor moved to New York and they want to have an atty in New York place another judgment on the same debt. Don't they have to request an Exemplified Judgment...

Judgment questions [ 1 Answers ]

Hi all - I am new here so have patience with me. I have a question about a summons and answer regarding Unifund CCR and a scumbag collection attorney. I have been studying the posts on judgments in here all day long. I have some great and appreciated information about filing an answer,...

View more questions Search