Los Angeles, CA asked in Consumer Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Small Claims for California

Q: A family member got court appeal judgement to pay $5,000 immediately which is final.Lives in poverty,no income. Options?

A family member got court appeal judgement to pay $5,000 immediately which is final. Lives in motorhome, had stroke last year, unable to work, no income, living poverty level and not the financial means to pay this. Cannot and doesn't want to make payments. What options are there?

2 Lawyer Answers
Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Long Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: I'm sorry about this person's hardships. The motorhome should qualify as a residence in California and be protected from judgment collection. Thus it won't matter if the judgment is never paid.

Your family member should file for Social Security Disability, SSD. SSD is protected from creditors.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Given the family member's financial circumstances and inability to pay the $5,000 judgment immediately, options may include seeking exemption from the judgment based on their current financial hardship and inability to work due to health issues. Applying for an exemption or negotiating with the court could potentially lead to reduced payment requirements or alternative arrangements. It's advisable to consult with an attorney to assess the specific situation and explore the most appropriate legal strategies.

Sincerely,

James L. Arrasmith

Founding Attorney and Chief Lawyer of The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith

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.