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What am I supposed to do now?

Date: Mon, 05/21/2007 - 18:59

Submitted by lrhall41
on Mon, 05/21/2007 - 18:59

Posts: 245 Credits: [Donate]

Total Replies: 5


Last month I was served with a "Summons/Notice to Appear" about an amount I owed to a clinic in 2001. I went to the "mediation hearing| and according to court records I woed $500 in 2001. When it was my turn I talked to the judge and the attorney representing the plaintiff I explained that I started paying them and became ill and couldn't pay them any more and that agreed that the $500 was owed and was willing tomake payment arrangements to pay my debt. Their "representing attorney" took my information andd I told them that I was willing to pay $50 a month and to let me know if this was acceptable. We told me that they would bein touch with me. Well, this weekend I receive this "Final Judgement" from my county courthouse advusinf me that i owe $1,288 (including court costs, attorney's fees, penalties, taxes, etc.)
So what am I supposed to do now? Contact the attorney or wait until they garnish my wages? I am in Florida, I am not the head of household and have my bank account in my name only. I am afraid that they will freeze my bank account. I know that they can garnish my wages, but do not know up to what amount.
WOuld I help if I call them and try o negotiate or is it too late?
Please advise.


Relax..That's what you owe. It's not a decision about anything just yet. Contact the attorney..Remind them of your arrangement offer. They haven't gotten a judgement yet, but the sooner you move the better. remember, no one WANTS to garnish you, it's extra time for them, and time equals money.


lrhall41

Submitted by finsfan13 on Mon, 05/21/2007 - 19:07

( Posts: 6919 | Credits: )


No, this is a "Final Judgement" letter that I received from the courthouse. The same courthouse that I went to a couple of weeks ago trying to negotiate with their attorney. I think they are going to either freeze my account or garnish my wages. Does anyone know Florida laws about garnishment or bank accounts? I am not the head of household and the bank account is in my name only. I could add my husband is necessary.
Any other suggestions??? I could call the attorney's office and try to renegotiate, but do not know what to tell them exactly. I need some scenarios so I can prepare.
Thanks.


lrhall41

Submitted by lrhall41 on Tue, 05/22/2007 - 06:19

( Posts: 245 | Credits: )


Florida laws says only 25% of your net wages can be garnished, and the first $500 a week is exempt. From what I understand, wages that have been deposited into a bank account are exempt for 6 months. You can also claim exempt $1000 in your bank account. But you do have to file an affidavit with your court to claim you are the head of the household to get this exemption. You need to file asap because they do not warn you before they sieze your bank account.

There is a brochure on Florida debtors rights here


lrhall41

Submitted by goudah2424 on Tue, 05/22/2007 - 06:56

( Posts: 7935 | Credits: )


Ok, I checked the link and since I am NOT the head of household, I am exempt of the first net $500 per week from being garnished. I make roughly, $1,300 every two weeks net so they can take $300 because $1000 is exempt. Am I reading this correctly? Or are they entitled to take 25% of the remaning, which is $300?
Can someone explain, please?


lrhall41

Submitted by lrhall41 on Tue, 05/22/2007 - 18:21

( Posts: 245 | Credits: )