Christopher S. Mulvaney,

Attorney and Counselor-at-Law

---

THIS WEBSITE INCLUDES GENERAL INFORMATION & THE OPINIONS OF CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY. IT IS INTENDED TO STIMULATE A BASIS FOR QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR PARTICULAR FACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES — BEFORE YOU ACT.  THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU WANT LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE MAKE A ZOOM APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK WITH ME.

CONTACT CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY FORM

DISCLAIMER:

The use of email or this form for communication with MULVANEY LAW OFFICE, PLLC does not establish an Attorney-Client Relationship. If you don’t think I have responded, please check your spam folder. Time-sensitive information should not be sent through this Form or through email. Sensitive information can be uploaded to an encrypted Dropbox folder in your client file. Google Review Link Yelp Review Link

---

Gonzaga University School of Law – Spokane, Washington – Class of 2002 – Cum Laude The Latin phrase “Deo patriae, scientiis, artibus” translates to “For God and country through sciences and arts”.  The initials A.M.D.G. on the seal of Gonzaga Law School stand for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is Latin for “For the Greater Glory of God” the Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits): a Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

_________________________

What does it mean to have a Judgement issued against you?

To have a judgment issued against you means that a court has made a legal decision, or a 

judgment, stating that you owe a debt to another party, typically a creditor. This happens when a creditor sues you for an unpaid debt and wins the case, either after a trial or because you failed to respond to the lawsuit, leading to a default judgment. 

Key things to know about a judgment against you:

• It’s a legal order to pay: A judgment is a court order that requires you to pay the debt you owe to the party that sued you.
• Creditors can use powerful collection methods: Once a judgment is entered, the creditor (now called a judgment creditor) can use the court’s assistance to collect the debt. This might involve:
  • Wage garnishment: A portion of your paycheck is withheld and sent directly to the creditor.
  • Bank levies: Your bank account can be frozen, and funds can be taken directly from it.
  • Property liens: A legal claim can be placed on your property (like real estate or a car), potentially leading to its seizure and sale to satisfy the debt.
• It affects your credit: A judgment can significantly damage your credit score, making it harder to obtain future credit or loans.
• It becomes a public record: Judgments are entered into the public record and may appear on background checks.
• Interest accrues: The judgment amount will likely accrue interest over time, increasing the total amount you owe.
• You have rights and options: Even with a judgment against you, you have options to deal with it, such as:
  • Negotiating a settlement: You might be able to negotiate a payment plan or a settlement for a reduced amount with the judgment creditor.
  • Vacating the judgment: In certain situations, you may be able to challenge the judgment and have it set aside by the court, particularly if you weren’t properly served or the judgment was entered in error.
  • Filing for bankruptcy: Bankruptcy can eliminate certain types of debts, including judgments, and stop collection efforts. 

In summary: A judgment against you signifies a court-ordered debt that gives the creditor legal avenues to collect the amount owed. Ignoring a judgment can have serious consequences, including wage garnishment, bank account levies, and property liens. It’s crucial to understand your rights and options and take action to address the judgment to mitigate its impact on your finances. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

---

Washington State residents can meet with me in Zoom/DocuSign from anywhere in the world, and I can notarize their electronic signatures because I am a remote online notary.  Just email me an image of your photo ID.