Expired Judgment.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I have a notice from a law firm offering a settlement on a judgment that was entered on 1/21/2002.  This means that the 7 years for reporting has expired and I don't see it on my credit report. My question is, if I don't pay them, can they file another judgment on the same account, or are they out of luck and thus gives me more room to try to settle this for much less.

Thanks,

[Anonymous]

Short answer:  Generally, an unpaid judgment can be renewed.

We're talking about two different things here:  how long an existing judgment can be reported AND how long a creditor with a judgment can go after you.  What expired was the reporting on an existing judgment, not whether or not you owe the money.

Sounds like they were within SOL when they got the original judgment.  If your state allows unpaid judgments to be renewed (and the majority do), and they meet the renewal SOL, then they could come after you again, and then you have another judgment reporting for 7 years.  They would probably have to make best efforts to serve you again.  And there probably will be other opportunities to negotiate the amount up until the next judgment.

Just depends on how much you want to chance it.

There is lots of info in the "state resources" threads, but this is a very specific question that may or may not be covered, and you might just be better off calling the court to find out if a judgment can be renewed.