What is a court judgment
A court judgment refers to a court order that requires a person or entity to pay a debt. Once a court judgment is issued, it becomes a public record and can be listed on a person's credit report, negatively impacting their credit score and making it difficult for them to secure credit in the future.
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    How do court judgments occur?

    A court judgment is a legal decision made by a court or tribunal in response to a creditor’s claim against a debtor for non-payment of a debt. The creditor initiates legal action by filing a claim against the debtor, which sets out the amount of the debt owed, and the reasons why the debtor is in default. The debtor is then served with a notice of the claim and given an opportunity to respond. If the debtor fails to respond or contest the claim, the court may issue a default judgment in favour of the creditor.

    However, if the debtor disputes the claim, they will need to provide evidence to support their defence. The debtor may argue, for example, that the debt is not owed, that the amount claimed is incorrect, or that they were not given sufficient notice of the claim. The creditor, in turn, may provide evidence to support their claim, such as a copy of the contract, invoices or statements, or communications with the debtor.

    If the court finds in favour of the creditor, it will issue a court judgment against the debtor. The court judgment will set out the amount of the debt, the terms of repayment, and any penalties or interest that may apply. The judgment becomes a public record and can be listed on the debtor’s credit report, which can have a negative impact on their credit score.

    If the debtor fails to comply with the court judgment, the creditor may take further legal action to enforce the judgment. This may include wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or other legal remedies available under the law. It is important to note that court judgments can have serious consequences for debtors, and it is always advisable to seek legal advice if you are facing legal action for non-payment of a debt.

    Court decisions have long-term financial consequences. Fortunately, if you find yourself in this situation, there are still avenues you can explore. Credit Genie is a prominent credit repair specialist in Australia that can help eliminate judgments from your credit report. We aim to provide you with a fresh start to get your finances back on track and take control of your financial situation once again.

    What is a court judgment?

    A court judgment refers to a court order that requires a person or entity to pay a debt. Once a court judgment is issued, it becomes a public record and can be listed on a person’s credit report, negatively impacting their credit score and making it difficult for them to secure credit in the future.

    There are two types of court judgments, which are:

    • ● Consent Judgment: This is a judgment that results from an agreement between the parties involved in the legal dispute. It is usually reached through negotiations or mediation.
    •  
    • ● Default Judgment: This is a judgment made by the court when the defendant fails to respond or appear in court to defend their case.
     
    If a person is unable to pay their debt and receives a judgment against them, they can seek legal advice from a lawyer to represent them and defend their case. If they do not respond to the claim or appear in court, the court may enter a default judgment against them.

     

    If a person disagrees with the judgment made against them, they have the option to appeal the decision. They must file an appeal with a higher court within a specified time frame, usually within 28 days.

    What happens if you default on a court judgment?

    A court judgment is a final decision made by a court of law in a legal case. When a person defaults on a judgment, it means that they have failed to comply with the court’s order or pay the amount owed as per the judgment. This can have significant consequences that can impact a person’s finances and credit rating.

    One consequence of defaulting on a judgment is enforcement action. The creditor may take legal action to recover the money owed, which may include garnishing the debtor’s wages, seizing assets, or freezing bank accounts. These actions can be costly and can lead to further legal proceedings.

    Another consequence is damage to credit rating. A default judgment can have a negative impact on a person’s credit rating, making it difficult for them to obtain credit in the future. The default will appear on the person’s credit report for several years, and it can take time and effort to rebuild their credit rating.

    Legal costs and fees may also accrue on the amount owed, which can increase the total debt owed over time. These costs can be substantial and can add to the financial burden of the debtor.

    It is crucial to take prompt action if a person is unable to pay a judgment debt. Seeking legal advice or negotiating a payment plan with the creditor are some options that can help. Failing to take action can result in more severe consequences, including bankruptcy or legal action.

    If you have court judgments, then no traditional lender is likely to take you on. This doesn’t mean you don’t have other options available to you. There are lenders out there who will accept court judgments on your credit file. Of course, no matter what, you will be considered a high-risk borrower. For this reason, it is likely that you only qualify for secured loans. A secured loan is when collateral is offered up against the loan. If you fail to meet the repayments, then the asset is seized by the creditor. It takes a large degree of risk away from the creditor, allowing interest rates to be kept lower. An unsecured loan has no asset tied to it. This is a lot riskier to a potential lender, especially given your financial history. If you do go for this form of finance, expect it to come with higher interest rates. It’s important to note that court judgments will affect your ability to take out a loan, even with a non-traditional lender. They may charge a much higher interest rate that could lead you straight down the path of debt again. Be sure to do your research and make sure you are able to pay back the loan.

    How long do court judgments stay on your credit file?

    Court judgments can remain on your credit file for up to five years from the date they were entered on the register. The impact of a court judgment on your credit score can be significant, making it difficult for you to obtain credit or loans in the future. To minimise the impact of a court judgment, you should take prompt action to pay the judgment or negotiate a payment plan with the creditor. Other options available include:

    Negotiate

    Negotiate

    Consider negotiating directly with the creditor to settle the debt. This can involve paying the full amount owed, proposing a reduced payment to settle the debt, or arranging a payment plan that suit both parties.

    Apply to court

    Apply to court

    It is possible to request the court to pay the debt in instalments. 

    Bankruptcy

    Bankruptcy

    Declaring voluntary bankruptcy is an option that can be considered as a last resort. It is a serious decision that can have a significant impact on your credit report and should be approached with caution.

    Credit Repair

    Credit Repair

    Credit repair can be an effective and efficient way to remove court judgments from a person’s credit file. Credit Genie’s specialist can review your credit file to determine whether credit repair is possible and act on your behalf to remove court judgments from your credit file.

    Addressing the court judgment is a crucial first step in regaining control of your finances and clearing your credit file.

    Effect of Court Judgments on borrowing

    Traditional lenders may not consider a borrower with court judgments on their credit file, but there are lenders who are willing to accept them, typically for secured loans. Secured loans require collateral as security against the loan, reducing the creditor’s risk and keeping interest rates lower. Unsecured loans, on the other hand, do not have any collateral tied to them and come with higher interest rates, making them riskier for potential lenders.

    It is important to note that court judgments can still impact a borrower’s ability to obtain a loan and may result in higher interest rates, potentially leading to further debt. It is crucial to research and ensure the loan is repayable before committing to it.

    How to avoid a default judgment

    To avoid a default judgment, respond to the court claim promptly and provide a defence, seek legal advice, if necessary, attend the court hearing, negotiate with the creditor to repay the debt, and keep records of all correspondence. Doing this can help to resolve the debt issue before it escalates to court action.

    Removing Court Judgments

    Credit Genie can assist in removing court judgments from your credit report, increasing your chances of being approved for a loan. Our credit repair team can provide expert help and find the best solution for your situation. 

    Contact Credit Genie to clear negative listings on your credit report and improve your financial situation.

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