What Does a Credit Card Judgment Mean?

By Amber Deanwater

A court order which acknowledges that a credit card cardholder owes a debt and explains the way the debt may be recovered is called a credit card judgment. Typically a credit card judgment is issued when a credit card cardholder fails to make required minimum monthly payments and has not attempted to work with the credit card provider to come to an agreement for bringing the account current.

Idealistically speaking, before getting to this point, it would be best to contact the card provider so things do not get out of hand. Credit card providers are often willing to work with a cardholder to either arrange a payment plan or to arrange for a pay off in full for a reduced debt amount.

A collection agency may end up with your credit card debt if you do not work with the credit card provider. Once this happens, you will no longer be able to negotiate with the credit card provider. Filing a legal action against you is not an option which collection agencies like to entertain. This is because law suits are costly and time-consuming. In light of this, collection agencies prefer to work with you to resolve the debt issue. They would prefer that you arrange to make a lump sum payment or agree to monthly payments.

If your debt does come before a judge for a credit card judgment, you have the right to appear before the judge and plead your case. If the debt is not yours or if the seizing of the assets would mean serious difficulties for you, the judge may take this into consideration. However, this is viewed on a case-by-case basis.

It is good to know that not all assets may be seized and the judge will ascertain which assets may be used to recover the debt. It is also possible that money may be taken from your bank account, your wages may be garnished (depending upon state law), and a lien may be placed on your real property.

It goes without saying that a credit card judgment will create havoc with your credit score. You will most likely be denied for most credit products and, if you are approved for any credit products, exorbitant annual percentage rates (APRs) and annual and monthly fees will be associated with those which are offered to you. Additionally, your credit report can carry this credit card judgment for up to seven years.

It is important to keep in mind that a credit card judgment will likely affect future employment opportunities or advancement related to your current position. Additionally, a credit card judgment can make finding reasonable rates for home and car insurance very difficult.

Once the credit card judgment has been issued, do your best to pay the credit card debt off as quicikly as you can. Keep in mind that you can contact the credit reporting agencies after the debt has been paid in full to request that the debt be removed altogether or, at the very least, be revised to a "paid" status. - 29866

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