Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Oregon

I am currently being garnished at work for a hospital bill and have been for the last few weeks. I spoke with the collection company and they said they served me and now have a judgment from the court so there is nothing I can do. I never have been served with anything regarding this so my question is can they legally obtain a judgment and what can I do to dispute this?

Sincerely,

Tammy Van Hoose


Asked on 1/12/12, 7:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Lillian Suelzle Watson Gresham Family & Bankruptcy Law

Ask for a copy of the judgment and/or go to the courthouse and take a look at the documents in the collection file. You have a right to look over the judgment. They may have served you at an old address or the address you listed with the Oregon Department of Motor vehicles. You should find look into their proof of service to see if they followed the rules and served you when you did not understand that you received papers. It could be that it was mailed to you and you didn't open the envelope. If you wish to dispute the judgment, it is important that you understand the facts first. However, do you actually owe the hospital the money? Even the judgment is set aside, that doesn't mean they couldn't file a new claim. After you understand how they obtained the judgment; then you may want to see a bankrupty or debtor's attorney to see if the debt is valid or if it can be discharged in bankruptcy.

Read more
Answered on 2/08/12, 9:15 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in Oregon