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California Collections Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Collections and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Ok what if my lawyer says that he didn't represent me that I'm impersonating to stop calling them??
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

If your lawyer is claiming that they didn't represent you and accuses you of impersonation, you need to take immediate action to clarify the situation. Start by gathering any documentation or evidence you have that shows the lawyer-client relationship, such as emails, signed agreements, or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for California on
Q: Regarding my previous question on collecting a 21 year old debt. The statute of limitations is up in both states-

for a long time- so, If I send a cease and desist letter, how do I do so without “acknowledging” the debt? I seriously think they are just fishing and I would know if there was a judgment. But, how do I find out if I have a judgement against me in another state? Call the county? And if they did... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2024

Regarding your question about handling a debt that is past the statute of limitations in California and another state, here are a few points to consider:

1. Sending a cease and desist letter: You can send a letter requesting that the debt collector stop contacting you without acknowledging...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for California on
Q: Should I use affirmative defense or "other" to explain my bankruptcy in PLD-C-010 form?

I am being sued by a credit card company in California Superior Court. Due to my current financial situation, I cannot afford a lawyer, so I am handling everything on my own. After receiving the summons, I decided to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have already done so. Now, I need to respond to... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jun 3, 2024

I've practiced in several states, from TX and OK, to GA, DE, NJ and PA, and I've always promptly filed a simple Suggestion of Bankruptcy, with the bankruptcy court district and bankruptcy case number, and nothing more. That's always worked.

I recommend it as a show of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Collections and Child Support for California on
Q: If I have a judgement for child support arrears, can I have the judgement debtor's 401(k) levied?

In my divorce my husband was awarded the marital home, but was ordered to pay child & spousal support. I now have an arrears judgment against him for 6 figures. I am trying to collect on the judgement. He has a 401(k) and two homes, one being in CA where I have my judgement, and another which... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 11, 2024

In California, a 401(k) account can be levied to satisfy a judgment for child support arrears. However, there are specific procedures that must be followed, and the process can be complex. Here are a few points to consider:

1. ERISA protection: Most 401(k) plans are protected by the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for California on
Q: What to do if a discovery request was received 30 days after they say they sent it?

I received a discovery request on a debt collection lawsuit on May 4, 2024 by an opposing Counsel, representing JPMorgan Chase Bank. The date on the discovery request is April 4, 2024 and the proof of service also states April 4, 2024 by mail though they have sent it with regular post (and not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 4, 2024

Given that you received the discovery request after the stated response deadline, you have a few options to address this situation:

1. Contact the opposing counsel: Reach out to the opposing counsel and explain that you received the discovery request on May 4, 2024, which is past the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for California on
Q: Judgment Creditor omitted facts "allegation founded upon" from Affidavit for Order for Appearance and Exam of 3rd Person

I received a subpoena to appear in court to "answer concerning property of the judgment debtor in your possession or control or concerning a debt you owe the judgment debtor." I know the Judgment Debtor, but have no property of theirs in my possession or control and no debt I owe them. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 26, 2024

In California, a judgment creditor has the right to seek information from a third party about a judgment debtor's assets through a debtor's examination. However, the judgment creditor must provide a basis for believing that the third party has relevant information.

According to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Collections for California on
Q: What initial steps should I take to begin the appeals process and dispute the debt?

In 2012, I invested in ZeekRewards through a family member, experiencing losses when the company closed. In 2020, a debt collector alleged I owed money as a "Net Winner" from ZeekRewards. I've tried disputing this debt multiple times, pointing out discrepancies in the documentation... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

Beginning the appeals process and disputing a debt, especially in complex cases like yours involving alleged debts from ZeekRewards, requires a careful approach. First, you should review the judgment against you to understand the basis of the court’s decision and identify any procedural or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Collections for California on
Q: Will my timeshare go away after 7 years in collections? I can't afford to pay or settle
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

Under California law, debts, including those related to timeshares, typically have a statute of limitations. This period defines how long a creditor or collector has to initiate legal proceedings to collect a debt. For most written contracts, including timeshares, this period is usually four years.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Collections and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I have a judgment for an unlawful detainer action. The defendant has a collection at this time from Chase Bank.

I know I have 10 years to collect. Should I go through the motions when there is very little to collect or wait as I am second in line to Chase who is attaching her wages.

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Mar 21, 2024

The Chase garnishment will last for only 90 days, but it can be renewed. You should file yours now anyway, so that you will be the next in line when Chase's ends. Otherwise, Chase stays ahead of you if you never get to the front of the line.

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3 Answers | Asked in Collections for California on
Q: Is there a statute of limitations for promissory notes and personal guarantees for California residents?

I have a promissory Note w/ Personal Guarantee for $270,000. The note was signed in 2008

Richard L. Grant
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Richard L. Grant
answered on Mar 6, 2024

Generally, Promissory Note with Personal Guarantee in writing has s Statute of limitations OF 4 YEARS FROM DATE OF Breach/Default of the Note. Usually, the Breach is the date when the note was defaulted, the date when a payment was not made or some term in the note was not performed.

Very...
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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Homestead for California exemption questions.

Hi. So, Under the new 2021 Cali law, $300,000–$600,000 of a home’s equity cannot be touched by judgment creditors.

Does this also apply to properties that the homeowner does not live in? What other resources do lawyers have collect a judgement.

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Feb 18, 2024

It applies only to property occupied by you, or your spouse, or a very close family member. See the actual statute, below, for the definitions,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Banking for California on
Q: CA. Wife and father had joint acct. He passed, and the account got levied for debt he owed. Is this exempt, her acct now

California. Wife and her father had a joint account that they both deposited to and utilized. He passed last June, and we just received a notice of levy on the account. The bank is temporarily holding the money for 10 days. It is my understanding that after he passed, the account is now hers, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Yes, your understanding is correct. Since the bank account was jointly held between your wife and her now deceased father, once he passed away the account became your wife's individual account by operation of law. Here are the key reasons why the account levy is invalid:

• Under...
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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Collections for California on
Q: What do I need to do next? Received Notice of Trustee's Sale on a property that we have a lien against.

Non payment of purchase of building materials totaling $20,000.

Is there a way to recoup this loss?

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Feb 15, 2024

Yes, and no. Assuming your lien is validly perfected, you can advance money to the senior lien(s) to reinstate it, which will stop them from foreclosing this time around, and then initiate your own foreclosure process. There is so much to consider before you do anything like that, without much time... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Collections for California on
Q: My employer received an EWO from a levying officer in February 2024. The notice says it's for a debt collection filed

in Sept 2019. I have never received anything in the meantime. I have no idea what this is for. It's never shown on my credit report, nothing received in the mail, no phone calls. Is it legal to be able to garnish my wages now?

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Feb 14, 2024

I'm sorry this has happened to you. Debts get bought and sold all the time, so the original creditor's name might not be on the ewo. You can get a copy of the relevant legal documents from the court, particularly the proof of service and the complaint. The complaint will tell you who the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Collections for California on
Q: Just found out I was sued 10 years ago for a debt I don't recognize ! What should I do?
Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
answered on Feb 9, 2024

Hard to say for sure.

NOT everyone recalls all of their OLD debts?

Regardless, I will assume they WON the case?

IF it is over 10 years ago, any judgment is unenforceable in CA,

UNLESS they renewed it for another 10 yrs? Maybe that is how

you found out? You...
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3 Answers | Asked in Banking and Collections for California on
Q: In California, can I be served debt collection at my old address if people who live there(my old roommates)still know me
Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Feb 9, 2024

If the plaintiff claims that you were served, you would have to file a motion to quash service by proving that you don't live there. Keep in mind that the goal of the law is to give a person notice. And you obviously know about the lawsuit. A successful motion to quash does not eliminate the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for California on
Q: How many times can a lawyer call you on a secured loan if you only made a half a payment this month
Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Feb 7, 2024

Would you like to have the collateral repossessed? Seriously.

I contend that you are thinking about this all wrong. If the caller is the original creditor, I believe there is no limit. Regardless, you don't have to talk to them. In fact, you can hang up on them.

But you should...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Collections for California on
Q: What costs can be in CA After Judgment form MC-012? CA Legal fees to domesticate in FL? FL legal fees to pursue debtor?

I have a CA Family Law Court Order that ex-spouse owes me a large sum of money. He has made no payment on the debt. He resides in Florida. Can my CA legal fees to turn the Order into a Judgment in order to domesticate it in Florida be included in MC-0112 memorandum of costs?

Can Florida... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 3, 2024

Under California law, when seeking to turn a Family Law Court Order into a Judgment (MC-012), certain costs can be included in the MC-012 memorandum of costs. These costs typically encompass fees related to the court process, such as filing fees, service of process fees, and court reporter fees,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Collections for California on
Q: When can Social Security be garnished to settle a CA & FL family law Court Order money judgment? Pease cite court cases.

Plaintiff filed RFO because ex spouse took entirety of retirement accounts that were split 50-50 in the divorce. CA Court Order stated that Ex breached fiduciary responsibility and to pay plaintiff the dollar amount plus interest and legal fees. Ex has made no payment or payment plan, claiming... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 3, 2024

Given the complexities involved and the potential for both state and federal laws to impact the outcome, seeking tailored legal advice is crucial. This approach will help ensure that any actions taken are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Collections for California on
Q: Can ex spouse IRA be garnished to satisfy a Court Order debt in California.? Please suggest court cases.

Plaintiff filed RFO because ex spouse took entirety of retirement accounts that were split 50-50 in the divorce. CA Court Order stated that Ex pay plaintiff the dollar amount plus interest and legal fees. Ex has made no payment or payment plan, claiming annuities and IRAs are exempt. Note that EX... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 3, 2024

Given the complexity of these issues and the potential for significant financial consequences, consulting with a legal professional who can provide advice tailored to your specific situation is advisable. They can help navigate the legal landscape, including analyzing relevant case law and statutes... View More

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