Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in New Jersey

I have an outstanding college tuition bill that I was unaware was not paid since my father had been paying tuition. I have just recieved notice of a judgement against me and a bill that was originally $8000 is now $40,000. I have no problem paying the original amount, but am I liable for almost $32000 in fees?


Asked on 5/28/10, 1:58 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Jef Henninger, Esq Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq.

That sounds crazy. Unless and until you deal with the judgment, you are stuck with it. Call me at 732/773/2768 to discuss.

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Answered on 5/28/10, 5:10 pm
John Corbett Corbett Law Firm LLC

Do not delay! Act immediately to consult a lawyer near you who handles commercial matters and can have the judgment set aside.

From the information that you provided, it sounds as if the judgment was a surprise to you. If that is true, you may hove have been properly served with papers which means that you did not have a chance to defend (or settle). That is one of the very few reasons why a court might set aside a judgment. So, the scenario goes like this (1) you engage a business lawyer; (2) your lawyer applies to the court that issued the judgment to have it vacated because you had no notice of the suit; (3) you respond to the Complaint by an offer to pay the full amount claimed without the excessive fees.

None of that can work unless you act promptly. Judgments can only be set aside if you can show excusable neglect.

This answer presumes that the original judgment was entered by a New Jersey court. If you were sued in another State and the judgment was docketed in NJ for collection purposes, you will have to re-open the case where it was originally filed. The principles should be the same.

See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm

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Answered on 5/30/10, 6:56 am
Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

You need a lawyer to look this over and fight for you.

Come down and see me, I am in town just across from the Courthouse on Main Street.

Please call my office to make an appointment. This initial consultation for one half hour will be free of charge, and I will let you know what I believe I can do to assist you further.

Robert F. Davies, Esq.,

Phone: 201-820-3459, Hackensack New Jersey.

Let my secretary know you found me through LawGuru.

Disclaimer: This answer is based only on the statements you have made, and may not be accurate. Your question and any response does NOT create an attorney-client relationship between you and this law firm. You can not rely on the statements made by an attorney given over the internet. The exact facts of your situation, including facts which you have not mentioned in your question, may completely change the result for your situation.

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Answered on 6/09/10, 11:46 am


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