A common misconception some debtors have is: "If I ignore a debt, it will eventually go away." Creditors, for their part, often have a similar thought: "It is so old it isn't worth it." Both misconceptions misunderstand the process of judgment enforcement. The key understanding is timing.
A judgment, in Washington State, is generally valid for 10 years. Then it can be extended for another 10 years. The whole time it is accruing interest - and often at 12%. That means that after 8 years, the judgment has doubled in value. It also means that after only about 3 years the accrued interest is likely to offset any collection fees and costs if the debt can be recovered.
Standardization processes are key to success
A common discussion we have with clients is that the most reasonable course of action is to address the standard garnishment processes. If the standard garnishment processes do not solve the problem now, then we pin the case, and try again when the debtor's circumstances improve.
The wisdom to wait
So, if you have a judgment for a few years ago, then it may be worth bringing to our attention (or another law firm that focuses on creditor rights), to evaluate whether now is a better time to try to collect.
We focus on practice helping creditors navigate this process, enforcing judgments primarily through bank and employment garnishments. We believe in your right to recover what you're owed, and we're here to help ensure that ignoring a debt doesn't mean it goes away.
Don't let misconceptions about debt recovery keep you from pursuing your rightful dues. #GarnishmentGurus#DebtRecovery#CreditorsRightsA common misconception some debtors have is: "If I ignore a debt, it will eventually go away." Creditors, for their part, often have a similar thought: "It is so old it isn't worth it." Both misconceptions misunderstand the process of judgment enforcement. The key understanding is timing.
A judgment, in Washington State, is generally valid for 10 years. Then it can be extended for another 10 years. The whole time it is accruing interest - and often at 12%. That means that after 8 years, the judgment has doubled in value. It also means that after only about 3 years the accrued interest is likely to offset any collection fees and costs if the debt can be recovered.
A common discussion we have with clients is that the most reasonable course of action is to address the standard garnishment processes. If the standard garnishment processes do not solve the problem now, then we pin the case, and try again when the debtor's circumstances improve.
So if you have a judgment for a few years ago, then it may be worth bringing to our attention (or another law firm that focuses on creditor rights), to evaluate whether now is a better time to try to collect.
At Garnishment Gurus, we specialize in helping creditors navigate this process, enforcing judgments primarily through bank and employment garnishments. We believe in your right to recover what you're owed, and we're here to help ensure that ignoring a debt doesn't mean it goes away.
Don't let misconceptions about debt recovery keep you from pursuing your rightful dues.
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