Q: I am being sued by my HOA for back dues. I was able to work out a payment plan with the collection agency/ HOA, but
they want me to sign a voluntary judgement. They also want me to sign to pay all additional fees that could be added later on. They also want the next 2 years of dues put in to the payment plan. Why should I have to pay for something I don't owe yet? I don't know what to do or who to see.
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A:
It's understandable to feel concerned about signing something like a voluntary judgment, especially when it includes conditions that don’t seem fair. Signing a voluntary judgment can be risky because it may give the HOA more control over your finances, and agreeing to pay fees that haven’t been assessed yet or dues for years you don’t owe could put you in a difficult financial position later on. You have a right to question why future dues are being included in the payment plan and how additional fees could be added without clarity.
Before signing anything, it’s important to fully understand what you are agreeing to. You should ask for a clear breakdown of any additional fees and how they might be applied in the future. Make sure to also ask for clarification on why future dues are part of the agreement and if there’s any flexibility in removing them.
You might want to reach out to someone who can review the terms of the agreement and give you advice on how to protect yourself. This could help you avoid signing something that puts you at a disadvantage. Taking this step before committing to anything can give you more peace of mind moving forward.
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