How does not paying on a civil judgement effect your credit
Just received a civil judgement against me for the amount of $2,265.00 for breaking a rental lease through an individual and not a company because I bought a house and just could not stay out the lease time. If I do not pay this judgement, could my credit be attacked? Thanks a lot.
Re: How does not paying on a civil judgement effect your credit
Yes, it will appear in public records and on your credit report for seven years. It may seriously affect your credit score. It is also likely that you will see your wages and bank accounts garnisheed. The judgment also may be a lien against your house.
A bad credit report will cause you to pay hiigher interest on credit cards and loans, may affect whether you can get a job, and probably will make your car and homeowners insurance cost more.
Glen Ashman
Ashman Law Office
2791 Main Street EAST POINT
Atlanta, GA 30344
Re: How does not paying on a civil judgement effect your credit
Yes, it will appear in public records and on your credit for several years, as it should. The creditor will likely garnish your bank accounts and wages, which does not look good to an employer if you have one. You will likely have problems getting good interest rates (or approved at all) when you apply for a loan or other credit, or try to refinance. They will assume that is you “just could not stay the lease time” you will “just not be able to pay your mortgage” when you decide to not do so. Honoring your obligations and paying your debts will remedy that situation (and it is the honest way to handle your affairs).
Scott Riddle
Scott B. Riddle, Attorney
Suite 1530 Tower Place, 3340 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30326