If you have been ordered to pay a civil court judgment, it is important for you to make good on that judgment immediately. If you are unable to pay it in full, payment arrangements are usually acceptable, especially in the case of large judgments. The most important thing, however, is that you show you are willing to comply with the judge’s orders or the settlement to avoid additional punishment, such as wage garnishment or liens against your property.
1- Disclose Your Financial Situation
Before you can make payment arrangements for a civil court judgment, you will probably need to disclose your financial situation either to the court or to the plaintiff. This demonstrates your willingness to pay what you owe, and will convince the other party that you can’t make the full payment at once. As soon as the judgment is rendered, start collecting bank statements, pay stubs, investment information and other assets to provide as evidence.
2- Cite Financial Obligations
You might have a healthy income, but if you have several financial obligations, such as child support or alimony, you might not be able to pay a full civil court judgment up front. To make payment arrangements, you should be prepared to show proof of those obligations, in the form of a court order or bank statements or a letter from the creditor. Please note, however, that obligations life cable television and gym memberships are likely to be dismissed.
3- Request a Reasonable Arrangement
The best way to make payment arrangements for a civil court judgment is to suggest a pay schedule that you can live with. Don’t let it be insulting – like $2.00 per month until it is paid off – and make sure it is commensurate with your income. You may not have to provide this information to the court system, which will usually allow litigants to work it out amongst themselves, but contact the plaintiff as quickly as possible after the judgment has been rendered.
4- Make a First Payment
Again, your willingness to comply with the judge’s orders will determine how easily you can make payment arrangements on a civil court judgment. Within reason, the plaintiff can reject your proposal and go back to court to pursue wage garnishments or other means, so do your best to be amenable. Make your first payment as quickly as possible to show that you are going to hold up your end of the bargain. A first payment of double what you will pay in the future is usually advisable.
5- Notify of Problems
If you find that you are unable to continue the payment arrangement you made for a civil court judgment, let the plaintiff know immediately the nature of your obstacle. The sooner you provide notification in writing, the more lenient he or she is likely to be, especially if your reason is legitimate and valid. To avoid future court hearings, you may want to go ahead and provide proof of the financial hardship you are experiencing.
