Dear RDT, Civil judgments like the one you describe are a debt owed through the court. In the past, the judgment would have become part of your previous tenant’s credit report with no action on your part. However, Experian no longer shows judgment and tax lien information as part of a consumer’s credit history.

How does a civil judgment affect your credit?

Because the credit bureaus regularly peruse court records, a civil judgment against you will appear on your credit report. The judgment serves as a record of unpaid debt and will lower your credit score.

How long does it take to pay off a judgment?

If state laws grant your creditor more than seven years to collect, however, the judgment will remain within your credit history for the duration of the enforcement period. While paying off your judgment is admirable, it does little to improve the damage having a judgment on file does to your credit rating.

How does satisfying a judgment improve your credit score?

Many young couples assume that paying an adverse account on their credit report improves their credit score. Satisfying a judgment does not improve or affect your credit score.

How long does Chapter 7 judgment stay on credit report?

Chapter 7s can stay on your credit reports for up to ten years from the date you filed. Currently, civil judgments do not appear on your credit reports at all. Yet this change was due to a settlement the credit bureaus made (more on that below). The FCRA still allows judgments to remain on credit reports for seven years from the filing date.

What happens if I dispute a judgment on my credit?

If you dispute an unsatisfied judgment and the effort is unsuccessful, you need to do whatever it takes to convert it to a satisfied judgment. Sure, it’s going to be on your credit report either way, but would-be lenders are going to be much more willing to lend to someone who shows a history of paying their debts.

How to know if a judgment has been filed against you?

1 letter in the mail or phone call from the collection attorneys; 2 garnishee notice from your payroll department; 3 freeze on your bank account; or 4 routine check of your credit report.

Can a creditor take you to jail for a judgment?

The creditor won’t be able to repossess or foreclose on your home or car. Unless you pay off the debt, the lien cannot be removed and unless the lien is removed, you will have difficulties selling your home. However, you cannot be taken to jail for not paying your debt.

What should I do if I have a judgment against me on my credit card?

In your case, I’m advising you to pull all three reports right away. Your priority is finding out exactly what you owe and to who — and soon. In my experience, if a credit card company went to the trouble to take you to court and get a judgment against you for unpaid bills, you owe at least $5,000.