Once a creditor has a judgment, there are a number of powerful collection actions they can take!
Prior to filing a law suit or obtaining a judgment, most creditors of unsecured debt can only attempt collection in the form of collection calls and sending bills. While annoying, these collection tactics have little power. Learn how to stop collection calls, read Put An End to Harassing Creditor Calls here.
Once armed with a judgment, “judgment creditors” have the power to take severe collection action. These collection actions include:
- Wage Garnishment
- Bank Account Levy/Garnishment
- Lien on Property
These collection actions are powerful and may be devastating if you’re already struggling financially and trying to make ends meet.
Wage Garnishment
Wage garnishment is when money is taken directly out of your paycheck before you receive it, and sent to your creditor. Learn more about wage garnishment in our article Bankruptcy Stops Wage Garnishment.
Bank Account Levy/Garnish
A bank levy is when your bank account is frozen and money is seized by your creditor to help satisfy the judgment against you.
Lien on Property
Creditors can place a lien on real property. This is an encumbrance or a claim on your property. Effectively this means that if you sell the property you will be required to pay the judgment out of the proceeds of the sale.
You Must Be Notified Prior to Garnishment
Pursuant to Georgia state law, O.C.G.A. 18-4-64 the judgment creditor must provide proper notice of their intent to pursue garnishment. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, including personal service, service to your attorney of record, or mail.
Bankruptcy Can Erase Debts
Filing for bankruptcy can erase debts and prevent wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens. Bankruptcy can completely eliminate judgments creditors have against you. Bankruptcy also stops pending law suits and prevents the filing of future lawsuits for unpaid debts incurred prior to filing for bankruptcy.
Contact us for a free consultation. Together we’ll explore how bankruptcy can help you eliminate judgments and erase debts.
We proudly serve the people of Savannah, GA and the surrounding areas, including Richmond Hill, Hinesville, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Tybee Island, Clyo, Ellabel, Midway, Ludowici, Springfield, Pembroke, Brooklet, and Garden City.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
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