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California Collections Questions & Answers
4 Answers | Asked in Small Claims and Collections for California on
Q: What legal actions should I take before reporting to credit bureaus if the defendant didn't pay per judgment ?

I won a lawsuit and the defendant was ordered to pay me certain amount of money per judgment (but no deadline was specified in the judgment). The defendant haven't paid for about a month. What legal actions should I take before reporting to credit bureaus? And when can I start to charge... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 27, 2023

Simply winning a lawsuit does not guarantee you are paid. The Courts do not force anyone to pay.

Once you have a judgment, you can apply the tools and techniques of judgment collection. These include judgment debtor examinations, wage garnishments and bank levies.

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for California on
Q: If a debt collector does not provide proof of ownership do I need to write them to confirm their not providing proof?

I sent a debt verification letter requesting proof that the debt collector purchased the right to collect as well as a signed agreement between the original creditor and I. Instead, all they sent were multiple billing statements.

I’m wondering if I need to confirm in writing that they... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Feb 27, 2023

A debt collector does not own the debt. The creditor assigns the delinquent account to the debt collector, and can recall the account at any time. Debt verification has nothing to do with the assignment of the debt.

A debt buyer is a company that purchases delinquent accounts from the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for California on
Q: does a process server have to try more than once to contact the individual being served ?

A process server never saw me but just once left the papers at my door

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2023

In California, a process server is generally required to make a reasonable effort to personally serve the individual with the legal papers, which may include attempting to serve the papers at the individual's residence or place of work, or by mail or other authorized means.

However, if...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Collections for California on
Q: what is required to file with form civ-100 in order to get the judgment from the court?

I have a stipulation that is defaulted so now we need to get a judgment. A form Civ-100 is filled but we need to know what else should be submitted to the court to get the judgment.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2023

In order to obtain a judgment from the court, you will need to follow the process outlined by the court in the jurisdiction where the case is being heard. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction, there are some general steps that you will need to follow:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: What does a debt collector ask for when a client hires them.

My ex landlord, sent me to a collection company.

I explained to the collection company that I followed the law in all respects and if anyone did something wrong, the landlord hasn’t supplied me with the law requires. The supporting documents, receipts and security deposit. The landlord... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 19, 2023

When a client hires a debt collector, the debt collector typically asks for information related to the debt, such as the name and contact information of the debtor, the amount owed, and the nature of the debt. In addition, the debt collector may ask for any relevant documentation or records related... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Small Claims for California on
Q: If I have a judgment that I'm trying to collect, can I use the court system to intercept a tax refund?

They are self employed and they say they don't work much so wage garnish seems tough,they don't seem to have a lot in there name or so they say, is the only other route where the court auctions there stuff and pays me...?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2023

Yes, you may be able to intercept the debtor's tax refund to satisfy a judgment. In California, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) may be able to intercept state tax refunds and apply them to outstanding judgments. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can intercept federal tax refunds... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for California on
Q: A creditor has filed a garnishment petition against my husband and I's bank account for an old debt of my husband's.

The debt is from 2011. We have received the lien request and also the garnishment directly from our bank. We have not received any summons from the court giving us the information (I had to find it online). Can they take us to court on this old debt? Are they not required to serve us - either by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2023

In California, a creditor may garnish a bank account with a valid court order, which is typically obtained after a judgment has been entered against the debtor. The creditor must provide notice of the garnishment to the debtor by personal service, mail, or overnight delivery. The notice must... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Collections for California on
Q: If a judgment isn't renewed PROPERLY, does it expire? A judgment was entered by the court on 6/28/12.

A Notice of Renewal of Judgment was filed in court on 6/6/22

The case summary shows on 10/28/22, "Notice of Case Reassignment and Order for Plaintiff to Give Notice" filed by clerk.

The Notice of Renewal of Judgment was finally served on judgment creditor on 1/12/23.... View More

Gregory Mark Fitzgerald
Gregory Mark Fitzgerald
answered on Jan 20, 2023

To be timely, the Application for Renewal must be filed within 10 years of the judgment entry date. The date of service of the Application or Notice of Renewal does not change that. When the Application is filed, the judgment is automatically renewed. It is just that it cannot be enforced until 30... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Collections, Contracts and Construction Law for California on
Q: Can a home contractor cancel without notice, demand payment in three days, then send to collections during negotiations?

A contractor had two projects on a single dwelling home and only completed one. Attempts made to get the second done were either not answered, or appointments made only to be canceled, for four months after the first part was completed. When the issue was escalated to the contracting company... View More

Joshua D. Brysk
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answered on Jan 19, 2023

It sounds like there is still a possibility to negotiate a solution which will be most beneficial for both parties. If direct talks are not working, I would to the contractor that a mediation be used. If a resolution cannot be reached, each party has potential claims and only a thorough review... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Collections for California on
Q: I bought a car paid in full with personal check. Friend was to pay me back but no payments made. How can I retrieve car.

I moved from San Diego, CA to Odessa, Tx. After a year or so I made return trip to San Diego CA. I spoke to party I had made verbal agreement to make payments to pay me for car. I informed party I wanted car back for none payment. The party refused I would like my property returned. And take... View More

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
answered on Nov 17, 2022

you need to contact a local lawyer for assistance.

if you didn't have a written agreement it might be more difficult.

consider small claims to collect up to $10k..............but after a judgment, you will have to collect.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for California on
Q: I haven't been in Washington state for over five years. Can I be served via mail or publication in that state?
Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Nov 16, 2022

Yes. If they satisfy the court you cannot be found, the court can order service via publication.

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for California on
Q: I was served & papers were dumped on my front door with info showing. Is this a legal way to be served?
James R. Dickinson
James R. Dickinson
answered on Nov 15, 2022

Were you standing in the doorway refusing to take the papers when they were "dumped on your front door"? Don't answer here, but speak with a local attorney. [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for California on
Q: How to get the title of an abandoned vehicle that has been charged off long ago. Owner is presumed dead or missing.

A Vehicle has been sitting on my property for 5 years or so. Checked the vin, it says it has a lien on title that was sold to a debt collector and then was eventually completely charged off. Owner went missing also around five years ago. Presumed dead. No way to make contact obviously. I would... View More

James R. Dickinson
James R. Dickinson
answered on Oct 31, 2022

More information is needed regarding, among other things, why you believe you have a right to the vehicle. Speak with a local attorney. [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client relationship. You should seek an... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Collections for California on
Q: Is it there's statute of limitations in serving a notice of renewal to a defendant.

I'm in California and my creditor renewed a judgment but didn't give me notice or send the notice to wrong address which didn't belong to me .

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Oct 29, 2022

Sending you notice doesn't impact a statute of limitation.

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims, Personal Injury and Collections for California on
Q: How can I retrieve $2,000 I loaned to a former friend, last year in June? I’m in Los Angeles and she moved to Colorado.
Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
answered on Oct 23, 2022

send the former friend a Demand Letter setting forth the facts and noting you have requested the money many times.

Hopefully, there is something in writing.

in any event, close with "Payment must be made within 10 days or you will pursue any and all Civil and or Criminal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Collections for California on
Q: Looking for a collection attorney who can collect in California based on Judgment, contingency base is 50% of collected

Looking for a collection attorney who can collect in California based on Judgment, contingency base is 50% of collected amount

I have a collection case against an individual based on Judgment

So far the amount for collection is $4768, and attorney can take 50% of the amount... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Oct 20, 2022

Feel free to email me the judgment and what is known about debtor.

NOTICES: There are strict time deadlines so that you must file your lawsuit in Court or take other action or be forever barred from relief. I am not your attorney and will not be your attorney until I decide to take the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for California on
Q: Can I sue for the loss of my belongings ? Car was repossessed and all my belongings were taken and lost after recovery
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 14, 2022

Likely, yes. Repossession of vehicles is regulated under California law. They cannot just take your property or destroy it.

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Collections for California on
Q: Is the towing bill (impounded vehicle) not protected by FDCPA in CA?

My car was donated in 2019. I submitted NRL online.

In Feb 2022, a towing company sent me a bill regarding my car got abandoned and I need to pay them to claim the car. The ownership was never transferred. The notice didn't tell what other thing (e.g. dispute, show proof of NRL) that I... View More

Yelena Gurevich
Yelena Gurevich
answered on Oct 9, 2022

Can you sue for fdcpa? Possibly. Keep in mind the statutory damages are fairly small. This is not a do it yourself matter and you should hire a consumer attorney. Fdcpa allows for attorney fees so most attorneys take such cases on contingency. There may also be fcra violations. All documents would... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for California on
Q: Is this a scam?

I was emailed by a supposed debt collector threatening to sue me. The mail contains no physical address, who the parent company is through the main company. Lists several companies. Threatens to garnish my wages and freeze my bank. Also, threatens to contact employer. They have several misspelling... View More

Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
answered on Oct 5, 2022

There are certain magic words and warnings they must give. I am not familiar with those words/warnings. SOUNDS like not necessarily a scam but, still unlawful debt collection? I'd seek an attorney who handles unfair debt collection and I'd be VERY wary of giving them a nickel as that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Banking and Collections for California on
Q: Can California FTB levy my parents bank account if I'm added to the account?

My mother just died and my father wants to add me to his bank account incase something happens to him so I'll be able to pay the bills and have access to his money once he dies. I owe the Cal FTB 25K and they have levied my bank account earlier this year and took around 1200 from previous... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Oct 1, 2022

Yes they can. And while you might be able to get it back, it’s not worth it.

Simply get a power of attorney form from the bank and have your dad add you as a POD beneficiary on the account.

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