writ of Garnishment

Michigan-I was served w/garnishment judgement for an unpaid hospital bill in the amount of $500. What are my options?? The writ indicates I have 21 days from date of served document to file reply-unclear of that statement--Can I contact the plaintiff to make arrangements--Please Advise!!

[bigun]

Sure you can contact the plantiff. If you had done so months ago, you would probably have not been sued.

Contact the Clerk of the named court immediately to clarify. You have 20 days from the date of service to "reply"--that means answer the charges and file the reply and proof of service both with the clerk and with the plaintiff. It has to be in the right format--the clerk can point you to the forms in a law library (usually at a county-city building). If you do not answer, a default judgment can be entered against you, entitling the accusing party to what it asks for. For $500 I'd contact the plaintiff and settle.

[JETX]

Read the instructions included in the notice. There are certain circumstances allowed by state laws that could be in place allowing you to challenge the Writ of Garnishment.

You have 21 days from receipt to file your challenges or the garnishment action will proceed without further action.