Q: A relative has a judgement against him of $1902. He did not go to the hearing. I would like to help him.
The balance represents his co-pay for a portion of time he was in the hospital. I'm not a lawyer, but if his insurance paid their share, can he not pay his share? I would like to approach the collection attorney and attempt to negotiate a one time payment that is less than the total amount due. If they are not willing to reduce the amount, he can make a payment every month until it is paid off. Would he be liable for penalty or interest if he stretch it out? He lives in New York City
A: The settlements you propose are reasonable and done all the time. Call the lawyer who got the judgment and work it out. They will likely require your friend to be on the phone to verify his identity. You are not a lawyer, so you cannot represent him, although you can speak on a call where he is on also.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
