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North Carolina Collections Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: Is there a wildcard exemption outside of bankruptcy in NC? All of the Info I find involves claiming bankruptcy.

if someone's home is already protected by tenancy by the entirety, would that make them eligible to use the wildcard exemption because technically they did not use the homestead exemption? Thanks

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jun 24, 2023

Yes, the "wildcard" exemption is available if the residence is protected by "tenancy by the entireties". It can be layered on top of the car exemption, tools of the trade exemption, etc. to protect excess value in those items or it can be used to protect a second vehicle, for example.

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: I am now a judgement debtor in NC. I am trying to protect 2 cars outside of bankruptcy. Neither has alot of equity.

The first is worth 13k with a 10k loan, jointly owned. The second is worth 4k owned by me alone with no loan. I can't imagine either car being worth taking. Which car is in more danger of being taken, if any?

Also, my house is protected by TBE. Do I get a wild card exemption or is that... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jun 14, 2023

You do receive a wild card exemption. Be careful with your estimate of car values. Use "retail" value, not trade in. A creditor does have the ability to request the Sheriff take a jointly owned car or a car with a lien on it when enforcing a Writ of Execution, so it can happen. Whatever... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: My house is protected by tenants by the entirety. I have a civil judgement against only me from a creditor.

Can I sell the house without paying the judgement? Do most creditors renew judgement liens after 10 years?

Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on Jun 13, 2023

I would have to look at the specifics here, but all but certainly, if the judgment is only against one party, then the house is exempt from the judgment.

You will likely be able to sell without paying off the judgment. The final decision will ultimately come down to the title company....
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1 Answer | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: Am I obligated to pay for something that a business charged me less for a year ago and is now trying to reclaim the fund

I had received work done on my vehicle from caliber collision under two claims. Geico covered part of the claims and caliber Charge me for the remaining balance. Apparently the lady at the desk made a mistake and didn’t charge me the full amount. Now it is a year later and they are calling me... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on May 18, 2023

It's impossible to answer this question without reviewing all of the paperwork you signed - repair estimates, invoices, etcetera. Many times with insurance claims, the repair shop includes in the paperwork that you are responsible for anything insurance will not pay for. More facts are needed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: Husband got notice of right to have exemptions designated. House is in my name. Bought pre marriage. Can they seize it?

The amount owed is under 6,000. He had a arbitration hearing and was told they had 10 years to collect. This was last year.

Since my name is the only one on the house, should I add it on the paperwork as an exemtion?

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on May 9, 2023

If your name is the only name on the DEED (not the mortgage), your husband does not list the house on his Motion To Claim Exempt Property because he does not own it. The judgment is NOT a lien on the house. If you pass away and he inherits the house, THEN the judgment will become a lien on the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: I was served a civil warrant from a credit card company. I can't make the court date. Will I goto jail if I don't go?

This credit card is from 6 years ago. I lost my job lost my husband and mom all at same time . I was in financial problems. I'm on disability now because of all the trauma.

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Apr 25, 2023

If this lawsuit is in North Carolina, what you would be served is not called a warrant, it's called a summons and complaint. If the lawsuit was filed in Virginia this would be called a Warrant in Debt. Are you sure you posted your question in the correct state? If this is from six years ago,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: What should I expect when I go to the county sherrif office for a writ of execution? I have no money to pay the judgmen

Judgement. I live in NC. My house and car are exempt. I have no savings and nothing of value. I have no bank account. I receive paper checks. I am in no position to pay or to agree to a payment plan at this time.im not concerned with interest because i am debating on claiming bankruptcy in the... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Mar 20, 2023

The answer depends upon whether or not you timely filed a Motion To Claim Exempt Property to claim the exemptions in your house and particularly in your car. If you did timely file that Motion, just speak to the Sheriff and explain your situation. Most likely, the Sheriff will just return the Writ... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: I later moved to North Carolina. Is my wife’s property safe from my debt

I have a judgment from nine years ago in Florida. I sold my property and left the country for five years. I moved to North Carolina with my new wife. she purchased a house under her LLC which I don’t own. We have a prenuptial agreement about separate debts and separate assets filed before the... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Feb 27, 2023

A judgment for money owed against you personally should not be collectible against any assets in your wife's name only unless the creditor can prove that you are hiding your assets by placing them with her LLC or in her name. In order to do so, the creditor would have to undertake additional... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: I need a listing of lawyers in Mecklenburg county that can consult me on a debt collection suit
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Feb 1, 2023

You don't mention if you are trying to collect from someone, or if you are defending a collection against yourself, or if this is a business collection matter. If you are defending against a personal collection you could start out with consumer bankruptcy attorneys (many also defend... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Law and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: I would like to know if a lien enforcement company can come to a personal residence to remove property.

I have a UCC lien and lien enforcement called and threatened to come to my residence. There was a limited personal guarantee that states they would be allowed in terms of a default to review the assets. The company has been making this threat every two months or so but it is now weekly. They left a... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jan 28, 2023

It's difficult to address this in an online forum. Many facts are missing. It smells like scam to me. "UCC Liens and Enforcement" is supposedly the name of the collector? Have they sent you anything in writing at all? If not, another red flag of scam, including the threatening phone... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: If a collections company reports false information to the credit unions, damaging my credit score. And I dispute…

… the report, and get it removed from my credit report. If the credit score does not return to its pre incident value . Isn’t that defamation? Like textbook definition of defamation? Libel used to hurt my reputation?

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Jan 6, 2023

Probably not, no. You can try to make the argument in court, of course. Consult an attorney who does that kind of work; it will not be an inexpensive proposition.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: Is it a must that I pay this finance company even if there are issues.
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 13, 2022

A North Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. To avoid further delays, you should repost and add Civil Litigation and Collections, or reach out to attorneys in those categories to discuss options. Good luck

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, Child Support and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: A creditor has a summary judgement against me. I had a lawyer look over exemption paperwork. What's next?

I live in NC. House is fully protected by TBE. All assets are 100% fully protected. No wage garnishment in NC and I cash my paper check at a check cashing business. I deal in cash only. I have no bank account. I tried to negotiate with them before they sued and because they didn't work with... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Nov 13, 2022

If the judgment is accruing post judgment interest, you may wish to consider filing bankruptcy or settling rather than waiting it out. Judgments are good for 10 years and are easily renewed for another 10 years. Your only dangers in waiting them out is that your assets may appreciate and become not... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Collections, Small Claims and Civil Litigation for North Carolina on
Q: Can a home furniture store have someone arrested in North Carolina?

My mom rented a tv and bed from a buddies home furniture store, she has made all her payments on time but she was in a wreck and has missed 3. She is going to catch them up but needs time but the store manager isn’t very nice and is demanding the payment or item or he will press criminal charges.... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Nov 11, 2022

Criminal charges can be brought for intentional failure to return rent to own property. Intent may be presumed if she has disposed of the property, or has encumbered the property by

allowing a security interest to be placed on the property or by delivering the property to a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: Name of the Motion to substitute one exempt vehicle for a used vehicle purchased due to change in circumstances?

Owe about $80K in card debt, 6/2020 judgment-11/18/2022 writ execu against husband only-Amer Exp Ntl Bank; (cards mostly charged by me--bipolar/manic). We rec'd Not 2 Claim Exemp which was completed & filed w/ atty help. About $10K in bank which inc bill $. Live in NC, own home-both names... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Nov 6, 2022

The recent car you purchased is NOT exempt. Property purchased within last 90 days is NEVER exempt, whether bankruptcy or non bankruptcy. You cannot substitute this vehicle for the one that died. Consider having antother consultation with an attorney for a second opinion ASAP. You can keep... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for North Carolina on
Q: What is the difference between a premium lawyer and a normal lawyer? Do they come with extra features?
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Oct 24, 2022

If you are speaking about references to attorneys on this web site, there is no difference. "Premium" attorneys pay for placement and advertising on this site. Others who have profiles here do not pay for advertising and actually many do not use this service through answering questions,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: I executed a new deed adding my wife in NC last year creating TBE. She is now being sued by Discover. Is the house safe?

The debt is only in her name.

Also,, She gets a paper check and has no bank account. I cash the check for her through my bank. We have very little equity in a jointly owned car. My major concern is the house but I think she is practically, "judgement proof."am I wrong? Thanks

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Sep 15, 2022

North Carolina has long recognized the common law creation and enforcement of the tenancy by entirety concept. Here's a good UNC law review article tracing its history.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Bankruptcy for North Carolina on
Q: Is an HSA exempt from collections in NC?
Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Sep 12, 2022

There is no specific exemption for a health savings account under Federal or State law. North Carolina residents must use the $5,000.00 "wild card" exemption to cover HSA balances - assuming that the "wild card" is available. If a debtor uses up their $35,000.00 residential... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law and Collections for North Carolina on
Q: I am a contractor in Hickory/Lenoir area who was on last day completing 2nd remodeling project for homeowner.

On final day they assaulted us verbally and threatened myself, due to repeated material delays and damaged product and illness late winter. We called 911 and 2 Deputies arrived. We removed tools/equipment from that job, leaving only couple last items on job for homeowner to install themselves. Our... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Aug 26, 2022

If you received a criminal summons, hire a criminal defense attorney ASAP. Your business lawyer should be able to refer you to one in your area. Its a he said she said situation, and if this person who never shows up doesn't show up at the hearing, the criminal attorney should be able to get... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Landlord - Tenant for North Carolina on
Q: Can I remove a debt collection charge if I can provide proof that I am not responsible for the debt?

I found about $35 non-compliance fee per month charge for not providing a current renters insurance policy to my landlord. They charged me $70 for 2 months despite me having insurance. I discovered that they have a copy of my current policy and so far I only received $35, but will potentially... View More

Lynn Ellen Coleman
Lynn Ellen Coleman
answered on Jun 15, 2022

You are asking a hypothetical question. Typically a property management company would not submit this kind of thing to a credit bureau until after you move out because they would simply take the fee out of your security deposit.

Assuming that the landlord reports a debt of $35 plus late fee...
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