Bad Judgment is hurting my Credit?

[chewbaba1]

I recently discovered that I have a civil judgement for $1600.00 on my credit report that is almost 8 years old, from an old land lady. I did not know this was on my record. I am trying to buy a house, and my lender is telling me I must have this removed not only off my credit report but also I must have a satisfacation of judgement from the courts. My question is this: I was never served for this court hearing, Either through the mail or in person, and I knew nothing of this case until just a few days ago. What can I do to get the courts to recoganize that I was not properly served so that I can either get another hearing, or just have this removed from my record all together?
Also how long can this judgement stay on my credit report?
Please email me back at: [email protected]
Thanks

 

[JETX]

Your post says that you didn't know it was on your record, but also that you know who got the judgment ("an old landlady").

Also, since you don't claim that the judgment is in error (just that you didn't know about it), I assume that the claim and amount are valid. If so, contact the judgment holder and make payment. Make sure she gives you a 'Satisfaction of Judgment' and files it with the court. This will fix all the problems.

However, if you dispute the judgment, you will need to contact the court and file for a case review claiming failure to serve. This could take several weeks and, if the current judgment holder can show that she made proper effort to serve with public notice, you will still lose.

You decide... pay the judgment, get a release and move on with your life or spend a lot of time trying to get it removed and then only maybe.

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Steve Halket
Judgment Recovery of Houston
[email protected]
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This is my PERSONAL OPINION and is not legal advice! Consult your local attorney for your specific situation and laws!