I have a judgment filed by a debt collector in GA against me and trying to find a way to clean it up. I do not mind paying the balance but over the years the debt collector has tripled the amount. Credit card was established in the late 1990's. Debt creditor took over the account in June 30, 2002. I made a payment to the debt creditor in 2007 out of fear of the court summons I received. I recently tried to reach a settlement with the debt creditor which is not working. I am wondering if could vacate the judgment on the grounds of the Statue of Limitations or because I believe I was served after the judgment was defaulted in favor of the plaintiff. I am wondering what my options are and if I should hire a lawyer to resolve this.
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What additional information is needed. I have all of court papers if needed. What was the previous answer?
Each state has very specific debt collection statutes, and your questions will be best served by a GA debt collection attorney. A few items of note before you go there:There is a collection statute of limitations, and there is also in many states specific language that extends the collection statute if a payment has been made during the collection period, which you reported doing.You did not mention if you received a 1099 for discharge of the debt. If the creditor filed that form, that can give you administrative relief from the debt.If this judgment is established because of a default judgment, in many states you can return to court to have the case heard. This might give several options, including a review of the case, and often a settlement offer from the creditor or his representative. They often will not want to undertake additional costs of collection, including legal fees. Keep in mind they will have to produce the documentation and prove you owe the debt, and papers often get misplaced, etc.There are also firms that professionally dispute these types of debts. I can't recommend any specific ones here at JA, but they are easy enough to locate.Lastly, a good attorney in your area is the best course of action for dispute/settlement.I see you have responded, and are waiting for my answer. Thanks from Just Answer.