why? court judgment doesn't show on credit report

Anonymous · ‎01-22-2013

Hi all I am new but delighted to be here. I live in California and 10 months ago I was sued by a debt collector for a credit card debt and the judge awarded the judgement to the plaintiff. Now I'm just curious why the judgement haven't show up on my credit report as public yet. I haven't paid the judgement, but if I do will it then appear on my report. Sorry this is just confusing to me but if someone can help explain I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Anonymous · ‎01-23-2013

The courts themselves do not report to the credit bureaus. There are individuals / firms that contract with the credit bureaus to amass the data contained in civil court files such as judgments and report them to the bureaus. The fact that this particular judgment is not reporting is definitely in your favor. It could be that they missed it in their data sweep or that there was not enough identifying information to pin it to your file. If it is relatively recent then it may be the information hasn't worked it's way through yet.

In my more irresponsible days I had two judgments filed by the same law firm in separate cases. One found its way to my credit report (on two of the three bureaus) and the other never did. The problem is bigger than simply credit reporting though. The judgment will allow them to attach bank accounts or wages in most circumstances. And if you are ever looking to purchase a home then a search of public records will most likely find it and put a kink in the process. I know that with one of the judgments I was able to call and negotiate a settlement of immediate payment for satisfaction that was about 50% of the total amount. If you do something like that just get it all in writing before sending any funds.

Anonymous · ‎01-23-2013

A garnishment and bank levy are separate, post-judgment orders that would need to be filed.

Not all states allow wage garnishment.

The judgment can show up on your report any time until it would be against the FCRA for reporting it. That is 7 years from the date filed or your states SOL, whichever is longer. I have never seen one stay beyond the 7 years. A Tax Lien is different.