Can you be arrested for not paying a civil judgement?

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Can you be arrested for not paying a civil judgement?

If the plaintiff, creditor, wins judgement against me and I can’t pay, can I be arrested? Also, I don’t have a job or anything in my name besides my bank account with an exempt amount. Is it possible that they come after my bank account even if it holds an exempt amount? Is it possible for them to come after personal belongings (things in my apartment?) just want to know what to prepare for.

Asked on June 17, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Massachusetts

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

In this country, debtor's prisons have been done away for years where you cannot be arrested if you cannot pay a civil judgment.

Under the law, a judgment creditor can levy upon one's assets such as bank accounts and other items that are not exempt from collection. Typically, personal items in one's apartment are exempt from levy under the laws of all states in this country.


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