mountain man
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia
thanks in advance for any and all advice, etc
this all took place in the state of Virginia...
Back in '97 or '98 I acquired an unsecured credit card from a local bank with a limit of $500. I used this card and paid on it for three or four years and eventually lost my handle on it due to medical issues, etc. A judgment was acquired against me in my absence in the year 2001 I think. Out of fear, I began making some partial payments toward the judgment amount and eventually i couldn't keep up with those payments. Then a few years later around 2003 or 04 maybe, I think they acquired another judgment against me (same account). I'm not sure if this was an extension or how that worked. Anyway, the judgment amount was for around $1,100 or so. During this time period I had relocated a few times. During the year 2004 or so I tried contacting the bank to arrange an agreement and possible pay off only to be met with what seemed like rage from the employee on the other end. They were pissed that i wouldn't give them my new contact info. Didn't really think they needed it if I was paying off the debt over the phone. With that, I just forgot about the debt and put it in the rearview. I never owned a house and they never came after my wages or bank account. The judgment showed on my credit for 7 years and the judgment showed in the online court case records up until a few years ago I think. I know for sure that it's not showing now. Not sure if that means the judgment has expired or not. I know in VA that the SOL on judgments is 10 and 20 years depending on which court and that it can be renewed for another 10 or 20 as well. Here's my issue.... the debt is on my conscious and I want to pay it off, however I want to do so ONLY when I have full leverage. It's never been my intention to not pay it back. would have done so long ago had they been cordial when I voluntarily called them ready to pay. I don't want to do anything that will cause them to renew the judgment (if it hadn't been renewed in 04 or so)...and also I really don't want to cause this thing to pop back up on my credit after I pay it (showing as paid) since it's not on there now. I know most people reading this are saying 'well hell, they never came after you about the money...no garnish, no calls, no letters....then let it go'. But I at least owe them 500 bucks I feel and may even pay the $1,100 judgment. What are the steps? How do I find out if they sold the debt without waking a sleeping dog? The last thing I want to do is have them say 'well, with interest you owe 4 thousand dollars!' ....especially since once again I'm trying to come to them. That's why I want to come to them when they have no leverage. Even if they said the judgment has expired and it's no longer in our hands, I'd still probably walk in there and lay 500 bucks down on the desk for them. Anyway, where do I start without digging my own grave? thanks
thanks in advance for any and all advice, etc
this all took place in the state of Virginia...
Back in '97 or '98 I acquired an unsecured credit card from a local bank with a limit of $500. I used this card and paid on it for three or four years and eventually lost my handle on it due to medical issues, etc. A judgment was acquired against me in my absence in the year 2001 I think. Out of fear, I began making some partial payments toward the judgment amount and eventually i couldn't keep up with those payments. Then a few years later around 2003 or 04 maybe, I think they acquired another judgment against me (same account). I'm not sure if this was an extension or how that worked. Anyway, the judgment amount was for around $1,100 or so. During this time period I had relocated a few times. During the year 2004 or so I tried contacting the bank to arrange an agreement and possible pay off only to be met with what seemed like rage from the employee on the other end. They were pissed that i wouldn't give them my new contact info. Didn't really think they needed it if I was paying off the debt over the phone. With that, I just forgot about the debt and put it in the rearview. I never owned a house and they never came after my wages or bank account. The judgment showed on my credit for 7 years and the judgment showed in the online court case records up until a few years ago I think. I know for sure that it's not showing now. Not sure if that means the judgment has expired or not. I know in VA that the SOL on judgments is 10 and 20 years depending on which court and that it can be renewed for another 10 or 20 as well. Here's my issue.... the debt is on my conscious and I want to pay it off, however I want to do so ONLY when I have full leverage. It's never been my intention to not pay it back. would have done so long ago had they been cordial when I voluntarily called them ready to pay. I don't want to do anything that will cause them to renew the judgment (if it hadn't been renewed in 04 or so)...and also I really don't want to cause this thing to pop back up on my credit after I pay it (showing as paid) since it's not on there now. I know most people reading this are saying 'well hell, they never came after you about the money...no garnish, no calls, no letters....then let it go'. But I at least owe them 500 bucks I feel and may even pay the $1,100 judgment. What are the steps? How do I find out if they sold the debt without waking a sleeping dog? The last thing I want to do is have them say 'well, with interest you owe 4 thousand dollars!' ....especially since once again I'm trying to come to them. That's why I want to come to them when they have no leverage. Even if they said the judgment has expired and it's no longer in our hands, I'd still probably walk in there and lay 500 bucks down on the desk for them. Anyway, where do I start without digging my own grave? thanks