Q: I'm in South Carolina, A judgment has been placed on me. I don't own nothing of value. Can they collect multiple items?
Can they collect multiple items to satisfy the judgment? I own a toyota truck but it's wrecked. A gmc but it's rusted out and basically just a body. It doesn't drive. A harley but it's worth maybe 3k the judgment is 12k. Is there something I need to do to show I don't own nothing of value?
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A:
If a judgment has been placed against you, the creditor can attempt to collect by seizing non-exempt assets you own. In South Carolina, certain property may be protected under exemption laws, like a portion of your vehicle's value, personal belongings, and tools of the trade. Since your vehicles and motorcycle appear to have limited value, they may not be worth seizing to satisfy the judgment, especially if their combined worth doesn’t come close to the amount owed.
To protect yourself, it’s a good idea to review South Carolina’s exemption laws to see what assets are protected. You may need to file a claim of exemptions with the court to formally state that your property qualifies as exempt. This step can help prevent the creditor from attempting to seize items that you believe are protected.
It’s important to be honest about your financial situation and the condition of your property. If the creditor tries to collect and you’ve claimed exemptions, they must follow legal processes to dispute your claims. Keep any documentation about the value and condition of your belongings handy, as this can support your case if the issue is brought before a court.
Timothy Denison and Martha Warriner Jarrett agree with this answer
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