What happens if I am unable to pay a small claims court judgment?
If you are unable to pay a small claims court judgment in Maryland, there are a few steps you will need to take. First, you should contact the court and explain why you are unable to make the payment. The court may consider your circumstances and grant an extension before any further steps are taken. If the court grants you an extension and you are still unable to pay, they may order a number of collection methods in order to recover the money, such as wage garnishments, asset seizures, or the reporting of the debt to a credit agency. Depending on the debt amount, a collections agency may also be brought in to help with the process. It is important to remember that failure to make payment on a small claims court judgment will negatively affect your credit score and could lead to further financial difficulty. Additionally, the court may also pursue criminal charges if there is a reason to believe the debt is being intentionally avoided. Therefore, it is always best to take action as soon as possible if you are unable to pay a small claims court judgment. Contacting the court and explaining your financial situation can be beneficial and might result in a more lenient payment agreement.
Related FAQs
What is the maximum claim amount in small claims court?Are there any other remedies available to me for nonpayment of a small claims court judgment?
What is the process for obtaining a garnishment order in a small claims court case?
What happens if I cannot attend the small claims court hearing?
How does the evidence presented in a small claims court hearing differ from that presented in other courts?
How do I write an answer to a summons in a small claims court case?
Are there limits on the types of disputes that can be heard in small claims court?
What is the process for appealing a small claims court decision to a higher court?
Are small claims court decisions binding?
Can I submit evidence by mail in a small claims court case?
Related Blog Posts
What is Small Claims Court and How Does it Work? - July 31, 2023Maximizing Your Chances of Success in Small Claims Court - August 7, 2023
7 Tips For Submitting a Winning Small Claims Court Case - August 14, 2023
The Pros and Cons of Taking Your Case to Small Claims Court - August 21, 2023
Preparing for Your Small Claims Court Hearing - August 28, 2023