Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge? (2024)

Table of Contents
Understanding a Judgment Examples of How You May Find Out About a Judgment Is There a Judgment Against Me Without My Knowledge? What is SoloSuit? How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector Resolve your debt with your creditor Settle your medical debt Guides on arbitration Stop calls from debt collectors Federal debt collection laws can protect you Get debt relief in your state Debt collection laws in all 50 states Statute of limitations on debt state guides Check the status of your court case How to stop wage garnishment in your state Other wage garnishment resources How to settle a debt in your state How to settle with every debt collector Other debt settlement resources Personal loan and debt relief reviews How to repair and improve your credit score How to resolve student loan debt Civil law legal definitions Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection How-to debt guides Learn more with these additional debt resources FAQs

Chloe Meltzer | December 06, 2023

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge? (1)

Legal Expert
Chloe Meltzer, MA

Chloe Meltzer is an experienced content writer specializing in legal content creation. She holds a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University, complemented by a Master’s in Marketing from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge? (2)

Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge? (3)

Summary: There might be a judgment against you without your knowledge. If there is use SoloSuit to respond in 15 minutes and win your lawsuit.

If you have borrowed any type of money, whether from a lender or a creditor, you must repay it. When you are given a line of credit or a loan, you are agreeing to pay it back or suffer the consequences. If you do not, then the lender or creditor can sue you.

Typically you will receive information regarding the lawsuit, and if you do not respond, you will lose by default judgment. You do not want to let it get to this point if you can help it because a judgment can negatively impact your finances and credit long term.

Unfortunately, sometimes you may find that you have an outstanding judgment against you. This is not a fun process, but it is important to find out about it to get it taken care of.

Understanding a Judgment

Judgments can occur for two reasons, but it is always because the creditor has won the case against you in court. Judgments provide the opportunity for a creditor to pursue you to obtain the debt you owe, along with interest and even attorney's fees.

See Also
Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights NC - Wake Family LawNorth Carolina Landlord Tenant LawsJudgment Liens: What Every NC Homeowner Needs to Know - Thomas & WebberWelcome to LawHelpNC.org | A guide to free and low cost legal aid, assistance and services in North Carolina

After a judgment occurs, the creditor can use methods such as wage garnishment to pay back your debt. This is why you want to be aware of any lawsuits against you before a judgment is filed against you. This can happen in one of two ways:

  1. You do not show up in court
  2. The debt is legally yours

Examples of How You May Find Out About a Judgment

Aside from the fact that you should have received information regarding the original lawsuit against you, there are other ways that you may find out about a judgment against you after the fact.

  • Wages garnishment: This is one of the most common ways that a creditor will seize your finances. Wage garnishment legally allows a creditor to take a certain percentage of your paycheck for each issuance. Usually, this will not exceed 10 percent of your gross wages but may go up to 25 percent of your weekly wages.
  • Freezing of assets: Creditors also have the opportunity to freeze your bank account. This means you will have no warning, and suddenly you will not be able to access any of your funds. This is a terrible situation to be in.
  • Property liens: If you own real estate, then the creditor can notify the lenders of the lien, which will not allow you to sell or transfer the property before satisfying your debt. In some states, this is automatic as soon as a judgment is obtained in the county where it is recorded.

SoloSuit makes it easy to win a debt collection lawsuit.

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without My Knowledge?

Although it shouldn't happen, people have judgments entered against without their knowledge frequently. It may happen if you did not receive the original summons in the mail or you recently moved addresses. Often it is the result of a process called “sewer service.” Sewer service is when the collector does not serve you properly with the Summons. Consequently, you never learn of the lawsuit, you never respond, and then you lose; the first time you hear about the lawsuit is when your wages are garnished.

Judgments do not always show up on a credit report. If you did receive a summons, then you can typically call the court indicated on it to check if there has been a judgment file against you. Overall, if you have been given a notice of debt, the best choice is to respond and attempt to pay it or settle as soon as possible. If you worry you've been sued without your knowledge, you can call your local court and ask them if there are any lawsuits against you, giving them your first and last name.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to respond to a debt collection lawsuit.

How it works: SoloSuit is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your answer. Upon completion, you can either print the completed forms and mail in the hard copies to the courts or you can pay SoloSuit to file it for you and to have an attorney review the document.

Respond with SoloSuit

"First time getting sued by a debt collector and I was searching all over YouTube and ran across SoloSuit, so I decided to buy their services with their attorney reviewed documentation which cost extra but it was well worth it! SoloSuit sent the documentation to the parties and to the court which saved me time from having to go to court and in a few weeks the case got dismissed!" – James

Start My Answer

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit: A Student Solution To Give Utah Debtors A Fighting Chance

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector

Are you being sued by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Resolve your debt with your creditor

Some creditors, banks, and lenders have an internal collections department. If they come after you for a debt, Solosuit can still help you respond and resolve the debt. Here’s a list of guides on how to resolve debt with different creditors.

Settle your medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

See Also
You Have the Right to Remain Informed: Miranda Rights in NC

Guides on arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Stop calls from debt collectors

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Federal debt collection laws can protect you

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Debt collection laws in all 50 states

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt state guides

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote a guide on each state’s statutes. Check it out below.

Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection by State (Best Guide)

Check the status of your court case

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created a guide on how to check the status of your case in every state, complete with online search tools and court directories.

How to stop wage garnishment in your state

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in all 50 states.

Other wage garnishment resources

How to settle a debt in your state

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created a guide on how to settle your debt in all 50 states. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

How to settle with every debt collector

Not sure how to negotiate a debt settlement with a debt collector? We are creating guides to help you know how to start the settlement conversation and increase your chances of coming to an agreement with every debt collector.

Other debt settlement resources

Personal loan and debt relief reviews

We give a factual review of the following debt consolidation, debt settlement, and loan organizations and companies to help you make an informed decision before you take on a debt.

How to repair and improve your credit score

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt.

How to resolve student loan debt

Struggling with student debt? SoloSuit’s got you covered. Below are resources on handling student loan debt.

Civil law legal definitions

You can represent yourself in court. Save yourself the time and cost of finding an attorney, and use the following resources to understand legal definitions better and how they may apply to your case.

Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection

How-to debt guides

Learn more with these additional debt resources


It only takes 15 minutes.
And 50% of our customers' cases have been dismissed in the past.

"Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law unexpectedly is kinda scary. I started researching on YouTube and found SoloSuit's channel. The videos were so helpful, easy to understand and encouraging. When I reached out to SoloSuit they were on it. Very professional, impeccably prompt. Thanks for the service!" – Heather

Start My Answer

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge? (2024)

FAQs

Can there be judgement against me without my knowledge? ›

If your wages are being garnished unexpectedly, you might be facing a judgment from a debt collection lawsuit that you weren't aware of.

Read On ›
Can a creditor get a judgement without me knowing? ›

Although it shouldn't happen, people have judgments entered against without their knowledge frequently. It may happen if you did not receive the original summons in the mail or you recently moved addresses.

Discover More Details ›
What does it mean when a debt collector has a judgement against you? ›

A judgment is a court order stating that you owe the debt collector money because of a lawsuit. You may have received a judgment because the court decided in favor of the debt collector in a trial, or because you did not respond to a lawsuit that was filed against you.

Continue Reading ›
How do I find out if there is a judgement against me in NY? ›

All judgments and court records are filed in the County Clerk Office in the County where the lawsuit was filed. You can go in person to the County Clerk Office in the County where you live to ask if a judgment has been entered against you. Most counties also allow you to search online.

See Details ›
Is it bad to have a judgment against you? ›

Having a judgment filed against you brings with it a new level of debt collection. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to ease the pain. A judgment is nothing more than a decision by a court that has been entered into the public record.

Find Out More ›
Is it possible to be without judgment? ›

Non-judgement isn't about stopping judgments from ever arising—that's impossible. It's the nature of the mind to judge. Instead, it's about changing your relationship to your judgments. Knowing that they're temporary thoughts, and you don't need to be swept away by them just because they arise in your mind.

Tell Me More ›
How do I stop a Judgement collection? ›

There are only three ways in which a judgment can be made to go away: paying the debt, vacating the judgment or discharging the debt through bankruptcy.

Show Me More ›
What happens if I do not have the money to pay the debt or judgment? ›

If you don't pay, what you owe can increase

As long as the money is unpaid, it gathers interest at 5% or 10% per year (for example, if 10% interest, $1,000 owed becomes $1,100 after a year, $2,000 at 10 years). The sooner it is paid, the less interest you will have to pay.

Explore More ›
Will a judgement be removed once paid? ›

You paid the debt: Credit agencies will remove the judgment from your credit report if you can show that you did pay your debt on time. If you paid your debt after the judgment was established on your credit report, the agency won't remove the judgment. But it will mark your debt as paid, which is helpful.

Continue Reading ›
How to make yourself judgement proof? ›

You become judgment proof when your current situation renders you too poor to pay. Your circ*mstances can include: Being unemployed or working a low-paying job that barely earns enough for you to afford food and rent.

Show Me More ›

How do I know if a debt collector is suing me? ›

If you're being sued, you'll receive official court papers

If you are being sued, you'll receive at least two documents. One is called a Summons and the other a Complaint. These documents are typically handed to you or might be left with someone 18 years or older at your home, work, or mailing address.

Read The Full Story ›
How long after judgment can you enforce? ›

If the defendant failed to show up at the hearing and lost, you would also have to wait 30 days from the date of judgment to start collecting. The defendant, however, has the option to file a motion to vacate judgment within 180 days after the date of the original judgment.

See Details ›
What makes a judgment void? ›

Judgment is a void judgment if court that rendered judgment lacked jurisdiction of the subject matter, or of the parties, or acted in a manner inconsistent with due process, Fed. Rules Civ.

Get More Info Here ›
How do you remove Judgement from your mind? ›

You can apply mindfulness to your experience with judgment and fear by actively directing your attention toward such thoughts as they arise, noticing they are thoughts created by your mind – not necessarily “facts.” When judgments arise in consciousness, try labeling them as just that: “judgments.” Allow yourself to ...

Continue Reading ›
What makes you Judgement proof? ›

Being “judgment proof” means you don't have enough money or assets to satisfy a court judgment against you. In short: you're too poor to pay.

View More ›
How do you fight an unfair Judgement? ›

What Can You Do If a Judge is Unfair?
  1. Request Recusal. It's possible — and necessary — for a judge to recuse his or herself when certain elements are involved in a case. ...
  2. File Appeal to Send Decision to a Higher Court. ...
  3. File a Motion for Reconsideration. ...
  4. File a Grievance on the Basis of Unethical Behavior.

View Details ›
Top Articles
Evolution of Fintech: The 5 Key Eras
Bundled Insurance Policy for Two Wheeler - Quickinsure
Katie Pavlich Bikini Photos
Gamevault Agent
Hocus Pocus Showtimes Near Harkins Theatres Yuma Palms 14
Free Atm For Emerald Card Near Me
Craigslist Mexico Cancun
Hendersonville (Tennessee) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
Doby's Funeral Home Obituaries
Vardis Olive Garden (Georgioupolis, Kreta) ✈️ inkl. Flug buchen
Select Truck Greensboro
How To Cut Eelgrass Grounded
Pac Man Deviantart
Alexander Funeral Home Gallatin Obituaries
Craigslist In Flagstaff
Shasta County Most Wanted 2022
Energy Healing Conference Utah
Testberichte zu E-Bikes & Fahrrädern von PROPHETE.
Aaa Saugus Ma Appointment
Geometry Review Quiz 5 Answer Key
Walgreens Alma School And Dynamite
Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 3 - New Living Translation
Yisd Home Access Center
Home
Shadbase Get Out Of Jail
Gina Wilson Angle Addition Postulate
Celina Powell Lil Meech Video: A Controversial Encounter Shakes Social Media - Video Reddit Trend
Walmart Pharmacy Near Me Open
Dmv In Anoka
A Christmas Horse - Alison Senxation
Ou Football Brainiacs
Access a Shared Resource | Computing for Arts + Sciences
Pixel Combat Unblocked
Umn Biology
Cvs Sport Physicals
Mercedes W204 Belt Diagram
Rogold Extension
'Conan Exiles' 3.0 Guide: How To Unlock Spells And Sorcery
Teenbeautyfitness
Weekly Math Review Q4 3
Facebook Marketplace Marrero La
Nobodyhome.tv Reddit
Topos De Bolos Engraçados
Gregory (Five Nights at Freddy's)
Grand Valley State University Library Hours
Holzer Athena Portal
Hampton In And Suites Near Me
Stoughton Commuter Rail Schedule
Bedbathandbeyond Flemington Nj
Free Carnival-themed Google Slides & PowerPoint templates
Otter Bustr
Selly Medaline
Latest Posts
USDT to BNB Crypto Exchange | Convert Tether USD (Ethereum) to Binance Coin Mainnet on ChangeNOW
Obi "Seer" Edolasim
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5760

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.