If you lose your case in District Court, you can try to appeal but appeals are usually not successful. A lawyer’s help is needed to appeal. If you lose, the other side gets a Judgment. A Judgment is an Order saying that you have to pay them money and/or to do something.
If you do not pay, the other side will probably try to collect it. They can garnish (try to take money out of) your wages or bank account. They can also garnish your wages or bank account if you do not answer the Complaint in the time given or if you do not show up to court and lose. Do not ignore a lawsuit against you.
Your money may be protected from collection if you get Social Security, veteran’s benefits, a pension, or public benefits. You may have to take steps to protect it. Your wages are protected if your net weekly earnings are less than 40 x the state minimum wage or about $1,520 a month. See our fact sheet, Garnishment and Your Rights.
A Judgment will stay on your credit report for at least 7 years. It will show up when you apply for credit. A credit counselor may be able to help get a payment plan with the other side. Look for a nonprofit credit counselor. Be careful about people who charge you money to help you with your debts.
Bankruptcy is also a possible way to deal with debt. You should talk to a bankruptcy lawyer for more information.
Call 2-1-1 statewide. You can also text them your zip code at 898-211 or chat online at www.211unitedway.org. They can help you find credit counselors or bankruptcy referrals.