The Ins And Outs Of Default Judgments
Many people go through periods of financial hardship. Lean times can result in an inability to repay creditors in a timely fashion. A judgement debt collection agency, like Nationwide Judgement Collections, has the right to take legal action to recover any debt owed to them. One of the legal avenues that a debt collection agency may choose is the filing of a default judgment. It's important for consumers to understand what a default judgment is in order to protect themselves in the future.
What is a Default Judgment?
Put simply, a default judgment is a legal document that is issued by a court. The judgment is the culmination of a civil lawsuit that a creditor or collection agency files against you. Consumers have a legal obligation to repay any debt they incur. If the debt is transferred to a collection agency by the original creditor, the collection agency will follow through with a civil lawsuit on the original creditor's behalf. A default judgment gives a collection agency certain powers that can help with the recovery of the debt you owe.
What Does a Default Judgment Do?
A default judgment gives a creditor or collection agency the legal right to pursue a variety of collection methods that would otherwise be unavailable. Collection laws vary from state to state, so the type of action a default judgment authorizes will depend on the jurisdiction you reside in. Typical actions that are approved after a default judgment is entered include wage garnishment, bank account levies, and property liens. Each of these actions is designed to give the creditor or collection agency access to your finances so that they can attempt to recover any money you owe on your debts.
What Kinds of Property Can Be Seized With a Default Judgment?
Some types of property are considered exempt when it comes to collection activities. A default judgment will not give a creditor the right to seize your home, the furnishings inside your home, or any clothing that you might own. Most other types of property are considered fair game. A creditor can take back a vehicle they loaned you, direct debit money from your checking or savings account, or place a lien against real estate that you own. Valuable jewelry or decorative items within your home can be taken and sold at auction to generate money that will be applied toward your debt.
An attorney will be able to help you understand which types of property are at risk after a default judgment has been entered against you.