What is the name of your state? Florida
Will appreciate any information on the following:
After experiencing four hurricanes in my state, two of which were a direct hit to my home/business, I made the apparently unforgivable mistake of missing one (1) payment to a creditor. All other creditors have been very willing to work with me, but this particular creditor sued me as soon as I had met the proper threshhold, and are clearly unwilling to negotiate. I made a payment after being notified of the intent to sue - and they refused to cash the check. Their best offer was a demand for 2.5 x the normal payment per month, plus a healthy down payment. (very funny, Mr. Grinch).
So they have served me and I have answered the summons, properly, and within the time limit (20 days). I have no illusions they will not get their judgement. But what I am trying to understand is: If they wouldn't take my payment, how can they (expect to) get more with a judgement? I own nothing except a house with 2 mortgages, and an 8-year old car with a title loan on it for the value of the car. Most of my personal effects (furniture, etc.) are from the "early goodwill" period, and I have no "real" jewelry, etc.
As a single person, self-employed, with no dependents, can my wages be garnished? I have various clients, which sometimes change. Can my bank accounts be garnished? If so, what percentage? If so, what can I do prevent either of these from happening?
Can they garnish even if it can be shown I could not then pay for ordinary living expenses (food, shelter(mortgage), utilities, insurance)?
Most importantly, about how long will it be before a decision is rendered? A week, a month? I trying to see a timeline between judgement and potential collection efforts...
Is there "any" chance the judge could order this creditor to accept payments, since I can prove I made good faith efforts to pay?
Are there any grinch-busters out there?
Thanks for any input.
Will appreciate any information on the following:
After experiencing four hurricanes in my state, two of which were a direct hit to my home/business, I made the apparently unforgivable mistake of missing one (1) payment to a creditor. All other creditors have been very willing to work with me, but this particular creditor sued me as soon as I had met the proper threshhold, and are clearly unwilling to negotiate. I made a payment after being notified of the intent to sue - and they refused to cash the check. Their best offer was a demand for 2.5 x the normal payment per month, plus a healthy down payment. (very funny, Mr. Grinch).
So they have served me and I have answered the summons, properly, and within the time limit (20 days). I have no illusions they will not get their judgement. But what I am trying to understand is: If they wouldn't take my payment, how can they (expect to) get more with a judgement? I own nothing except a house with 2 mortgages, and an 8-year old car with a title loan on it for the value of the car. Most of my personal effects (furniture, etc.) are from the "early goodwill" period, and I have no "real" jewelry, etc.
As a single person, self-employed, with no dependents, can my wages be garnished? I have various clients, which sometimes change. Can my bank accounts be garnished? If so, what percentage? If so, what can I do prevent either of these from happening?
Can they garnish even if it can be shown I could not then pay for ordinary living expenses (food, shelter(mortgage), utilities, insurance)?
Most importantly, about how long will it be before a decision is rendered? A week, a month? I trying to see a timeline between judgement and potential collection efforts...
Is there "any" chance the judge could order this creditor to accept payments, since I can prove I made good faith efforts to pay?
Are there any grinch-busters out there?
Thanks for any input.