Q: I won 50,000 from the ga lottery, what entities will collect debt from my winnings, be specific. Med bills, cellphon bil
I just want to know what agencies or anything can collect debt out of my Georgia lottery winnings when I go to collect. Like will medical bills cell phone carriers, credit card companies?
A:
You've posted in the "Bankruptcy" section, so we assume you have filed for bankruptcy relief, or will do so imminently.
If so, the automatic stay prevents any creditor from taking any action against you or your property, subject to the bankruptcy court's orders.
If you have not filed for bankruptcy relief, but no creditor has yet taken a judgment against you, you should be entitled to retrieve your winnings without obstruction. If any creditor has reduced its claim to judgment, it behooves you to collect your winnings before any such creditor discovers your entitlement, as it could then issue a writ of garnishment and tie up your winnings, to the extent of its judgment.
Collect your winnings, then speak with an experienced attorney licensed in your jurisdiction about your alternatives.
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