Judgment Settlement & Defense: Take Control of Your Finances

A court judgment is more than just a piece of paper—it is a powerful legal tool that gives creditors the right to seize your property, freeze your bank accounts, and disrupt your life. If a creditor has already won a case against you, it is not too late to act.

At Cannon Legal PLLC, we help consumers navigate the post-judgment phase. Whether you recently discovered an old default judgment or are currently facing a bank levy, our team specializes in settling judgments for a fraction of the balance and protecting your exempt assets from collection.

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Who Is Collecting on Your Judgment?

In the United States, judgments are often handled by specialized “judgment recovery” firms or the same aggressive debt buyers that filed the original lawsuit. Common entities that frequently file and enforce judgments include:

  • Junk Debt Buyers: Midland Credit Management, Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA), and LVNV Funding.

  • Major Banks: Discover Bank, American Express, and Capital One.

  • Specialized Collection Law Firms: Firms like Zwicker & Associates or Javitch Block LLC that focus entirely on high-volume judgment enforcement.

Knowing who holds the judgment is the first step in negotiating a settlement that works for you.

The Dangers of an Unresolved Judgment

Once a judgment is entered, the creditor moves from the “asking” phase to the “taking” phase. Here is how they can target you:

1. Bank Garnishment (Bank Levy)

Unlike wage garnishment (which is restricted in some states), bank garnishment is a common tool nationwide. A creditor can serve your bank with a writ, forcing the bank to freeze your funds immediately. This often happens without prior warning, leaving you unable to pay rent or buy groceries. We work to claim exemptions and negotiate the release of these funds.

2. Judgments Stopping the Sale of Your Home

In many states, a recorded judgment automatically becomes a lien on any real estate you own in that county. This means:

  • You cannot sell your home without paying the judgment in full from the proceeds.

  • You cannot refinance your mortgage.

  • The judgment continues to grow with high post-judgment interest rates. We help clients resolve these liens so they can move forward with home sales or refinances.

3. Seizure of Non-Exempt Property

While “exempt” property (like your primary clothes or a basic vehicle) is usually protected, non-exempt property is at risk. This can include second vehicles, vacation homes, valuable collections, or business equipment. A sheriff or constable can be authorized to seize and sell this property to satisfy the debt.

4. Receivership & Interrogatories

If a creditor is having trouble finding your assets, they may ask the court to appoint a Receiver. A Receiver is a court-appointed official with broad powers to take over your financial life, including:

  • Accessing your financial records.

  • Redirecting your incoming payments.

  • Forcing you to answer Interrogatories (written questions under oath) about where you keep your money. Receivership is expensive—and the creditor usually adds the Receiver’s high fees to your total debt.

How We Can Help You Settle

You don’t have to live under the shadow of a judgment forever. Cannon Legal PLLC offers several paths to relief:

  • Lump-Sum Settlements: We negotiate with creditors to accept a single payment—often significantly less than the total judgment—in exchange for a “Satisfaction of Judgment.”

  • Vacating Default Judgments: If you were never properly served with the original lawsuit, we may be able to go back to court and have the judgment “vacated” (deleted) entirely.

  • Exemption Protection: We file the necessary legal motions to ensure your protected income (like Social Security or protected wages) and property stay in your hands.

Stop the Collection Tactics Today

The longer a judgment sits, the more expensive it becomes due to interest and legal fees. Let us help you stop the garnishments and clear your title.