Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

being sued but have no money

I am being sued for a large amount of money,a slander case,if this person was to win,I have no way of paying it..no insurance,don;t own any property,have about $25 in the bank and at this time I am not employed..what would happen to me?


Asked on 1/31/03, 12:12 am

6 Answers from Attorneys

Alvin Tenner Law Office of Alvin G. Tenner

Re: being sued but have no money

A judgment is good for 10 years and can be renewed for another 10. This can prevent you from buying property in the future. You might wish to consult with the legal aid office in your area.

Read more
Answered on 2/03/03, 4:29 pm
Larry Rothman Larry Rothman & Associates

Re: being sued but have no money

If you have no assets, the judgment against you cannot be collected. You may have defenses to the case or can settle the case. Please call me at 714 363 0220 for free consultation.

Read more
Answered on 1/31/03, 10:15 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: being sued but have no money

Sounds like bankruptcy is an option; otherwise there could be a judgment against you that could be used to levy on wages in the future.

Read more
Answered on 1/31/03, 2:21 pm
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: being sued but have no money

Thank you for your posting.

When you are sued, you basically have three options (1) fight, or defend, the case; (2) negotiate and settle the case; or (3) declare bankruptcy. I suppose an additional option is to do nothing, and if you have nothing to collect, they will get nothing, but a judgment is renewable every 10 years, and may be around a long time. This means if you get money, a job, a bank account, win the lotto, etc., in the future, you may find yourself paying anyway.

A bankruptcy would stall the lawsuit, although intentional acts may be NON-dischargeable, if the creditor objects by filing an adversary complaint. This might be the cheapest way out of it.

I hope that this answer helps, but if you have other questions, need more information, or feel that you need legal representation, please contact me directly via email at [email protected]. I�m happy to help in any way that I can. Best of luck.

Read more
Answered on 1/31/03, 4:47 pm
Amy Ghosh Law Offices of Amy Ghosh

Re: being sued but have no money

You should hire an attorney and vigorously defend your case!!!

Read more
Answered on 1/31/03, 1:07 am
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: being sued but have no money

You stated that you are unemployeed and have no money. If you also have no property, house. car etc. you should contact the other party and tell them that you have nothing and if they proceed you will be forced to file bankruptcy.

Read more
Answered on 1/31/03, 1:35 am


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in California