Civil Judgement; will they seize my 15 year-old car?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Civil Judgement; will they seize my 15 year-old car?
I have about $10,000 in judgements against me for credit card debts. I am NOT in bankruptcy yet. I’m unemployed, don’t really have any assets except for a 15 year old car. This is not a collectible or sports car, just a basic GM product with 150,000 miles on it.Will they bother to seize the old heap? I really need it to look for a job. I’ve read that Mass law allows you to keep a car worth up to $700, exempt from judgements. This is technically worth (slightly) more than, I suppose.
Asked on May 18, 2009 under Bankruptcy Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
J.V., Member, New Jersey Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
I am not admitted in MA but specialize in this area of law in NY and CT. When a state does allow for repossession of a car as long as it does not fall within the parameters of an exemption is is fair game to creditors to repossess.
That being said many creditors will find it does not pay to repossess such an old car. it costs the creditors money to pay for the repossession of an item such as a car and if the value of the car is not deemed sufficient often times they do not proceed.
I would say you should call whomever has the judgements and speak to them. Try to set up payment plans even if a small token amount until you find employment. that would ensure your car is not repossessed.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.