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What can creditors do to you if they take you to court and a judgment is entered against you?

Last Updated: May 31, 2011

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Once a judgment is entered against a debtor for non-payment, creditors can go back to court to get a judgment execution order. This order will provide a mechanism for creditors to collect what is owed. Specific rules vary from state to state, so legal assistance is strongly advised. Typical ways creditors receive payment include liens on a home or other real property, wage garnishment (i.e., a deduction of up to 25% of a debtor's disposable income to go toward debt payment), and repossession of property involved with the debt (e.g., furniture or electronic equipment used as security for loans used to purchase them).

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