If the debt is valid then there is no defense. If there's evidence the debt or any part of it is invalid you will have a chance to present it at the hearing. The most important factor is making certain you file ALL of the exemptions for real and personal property that apply under NJ statutes, including any "wild card" options. Most especially the homestead exemption if you are a homeowner.
If a judgment is in place the judgment holder can execute it under the provisions of the law of the debtor's state. It would not be necessary for the creditor to transfer the debt to a collection agency. That being said, a judgment is not transferrable, so if the original judgment holder did not record the judgment and take action they could not simply "pass it on" to another collector unless that collection agency was acting in their behalf and was part of the original suit.
you "satisfy" a judgment by paying balance in full or settlement. but understand that once a judgment has been issued by a court then there can be no one else that does this.
Yes, provided there is an outstanding judgment against you. Without the judgment, neither the agency nor the original creditor has any recourse for garnishment, and will not be able to obtain an order for garnishment.
No. Court is a must
Yes, if a collection agency files a lawsuit and is awarded a judgment against the debtor. In the majority of U.S. states a judgment can be executed against bank accounts even those held jointly. The exception would be a marital account held in Tenancy By The Entirety (TBE) when only one spouse is the judgment debtor.
A collection agency cannot call your employer to garish your wages. In order for your wages to be garnished, you must be sued by the collection agency. And the agency must win a judgment against you.
If you have a judgment from a collection agency and it is valid, you have to pay it to have it reversed. If it is not valid you can try to appeal it.
No. A collection agency may not legally make any false claims. However, they may have obtained a judgement by default if you failed to answer a summons.
If a judgment is in place the judgment holder can execute it under the provisions of the law of the debtor's state. It would not be necessary for the creditor to transfer the debt to a collection agency. That being said, a judgment is not transferrable, so if the original judgment holder did not record the judgment and take action they could not simply "pass it on" to another collector unless that collection agency was acting in their behalf and was part of the original suit.
The defendant debtor will receive a notice of final judgment from the court where the suit was heard and a judgment was awarded. The notification may be served by an officer of the court or independent agency or it may arrive by certified mail.
you "satisfy" a judgment by paying balance in full or settlement. but understand that once a judgment has been issued by a court then there can be no one else that does this.
If you are sued, then yes. First, the collection agency must try to collect from you. Then they can sue you if you don't pay. If they win, the judge can issue a judgment against you. And that is how they can freeze your bank account.
Yes, a collection agency can freeze your bank account, but only under certain circumstances. A freeze can only occur after the collector obtains a judgment. They would have to go to court to get the judgment against you.
If they obtain a judgment against you, some state's houses are protected
Yes, provided there is an outstanding judgment against you. Without the judgment, neither the agency nor the original creditor has any recourse for garnishment, and will not be able to obtain an order for garnishment.
No. Court is a must
Yes, if a collection agency files a lawsuit and is awarded a judgment against the debtor. In the majority of U.S. states a judgment can be executed against bank accounts even those held jointly. The exception would be a marital account held in Tenancy By The Entirety (TBE) when only one spouse is the judgment debtor.