A judgment in New Jersey is a court order requiring a party (the debtor) to pay a sum of money to another party (the creditor). It’s essentially a legal pronouncement that one party owes the other, enforceable by the court.

Understanding how judgments work in New Jersey can be crucial, whether you’re facing a potential judgment against you or trying to collect on one yourself. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

Types of Judgments:

• Money Judgments: These are the most common, ordering the debtor to pay a specific amount of money. (Think unpaid credit card bills or breach of contract damages.)
• Non-Money Judgments: These require the debtor to perform a specific action, like returning stolen property or complying with a contract term.

The Judgment Process:

1. Lawsuit: The creditor files a lawsuit against the debtor in the appropriate court.
2. Trial or Settlement: The case goes to trial or the parties reach a settlement agreement.
3. Judgment Issued: If the creditor wins, the court issues a judgment in their favor, specifying the amount owed by the debtor.

Collecting on a Judgment:

Once a judgment is in place, the creditor can take various steps to collect the debt, including:

• Wage Garnishment: Court order requiring the debtor’s employer to withhold a portion of their wages and pay it directly to the creditor.
• Bank Levy: Court order to freeze and seize funds in the debtor’s bank accounts.
• Property Lien: Placing a legal claim against the debtor’s real estate or other property, potentially leading to foreclosure or repossession if the debt isn’t paid.

Important Things to Remember:

• Judgments in New Jersey remain valid for 20 years and can be renewed for another 20 years.
• Debtors have certain rights, including the ability to appeal the judgment or file for bankruptcy protection.
• There are exemptions that protect certain assets from being seized to satisfy a judgment, such as a primary residence and personal belongings up to a certain value.

Seeking Legal Help:

Navigating the complexities of judgments can be daunting. If you are facing a judgment or have questions about collecting on one, seeking assistance from a qualified New Jersey attorney is highly recommended.

Additional Resources:

• New Jersey Courts website: https://www.njcourts.gov/
• New Jersey Law Library: https://www.njstatelib.org/
• American Bar Association: https://www.americanbar.org/

Remember: Knowing your rights and understanding the legal process empowers you to navigate the landscape of New Jersey judgments with confidence.

I hope this information provides a helpful overview of New Jersey judgments. Please note that this is not a substitute for professional legal advice.

Schedule a free bankruptcy consultation with Jennifer Weil, a New Jersey bankruptcy attorney, to discuss your options.