[seneca]

Hi,

The sheriff delivered something from a law firm to my 75 year old mother. They are trying to get a judgement against her for a debt she owes but can't afford to pay. She has a bank account where her social security and my deceased fathers military and small work pensions, can they take any of that?

[Fr_Chuck]

This is a yes and no, they normally can not get a social secuirty retirement, at times they can get a private retirement ( depends on the state I beleive)

Also while they can't take this money, they can freeze the bank account and make you prove that the money in it is from those checks. So they can freeze the money till you prove it is not just extra money.

Also depending on where she lives, they may get a lien on her home if she owns it, they can't make her sell, but it will have to be paid off before the deed can be transferred or sold.

Also you did not mention what type of debt. You need to look into it and find out who the debt is to and what it is for. There are many criminal companies that prey on the elderly.

[lindeelouky]

Does she own her house? There could be equity or reverse mortgage available. If she rents and is in deep debt, it's not too late to file bankruptcy and get protection from the courts, but you'd have to see a lawyer, try legal aid, right away to protect her from creditors.