"Satisfaction of Judgment" even though I still owe money?

Question

We have been working with a collector on a judgement that was placed on us. They garnished our bank acct. for a good portion, but we still had some to pay. We have made two payments since, and my records still show I owe around $400 more. Yet today, we have received a "Satisfaction of Judgement" document, and I have verified the clerk of the court has received it as well. I tried to call the collector to find out the status of our account with them - but get no answer. I am not sure how they can send a Satisfaction doc to the courts, if we still have a portion of the debt outstanding? Or has this been removed some how? Please no bashing on the fact I have a judgement/debt. The circumstances are complicated, but we ARE doing all we can to take care of the debt.

Any advice or wisdom on what this means, and what I need to do to make sure I am truly paid up - is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Maybe you got the math wrong, or maybe they just decided to give up on the last little bit.  As long as the court is happy, you're done.

Answer 2

I would assume that the court has declared you are paid in full. Keep that letter and guard it with your life because if that company for any reason decides to send you a bill later or if they sell the account to a collections agency ( they do that a lot) then you will need it. Did you have an attorney during your court time? Call him or call one from your local phone book and ask them what they think. They will more than likely tell you not to pay. Best of luck.

Answer 3

If you received the "Notice of Satisfaction of Judgment" directly from the court, then you are no longer obligated to pay.  The court has considered the judgment fulfilled.

The collection agency has accepted what you have paid and closed the account.  They may have just plain closed up shop or left town, either way you are in the clear.  Make copies of the court documents and hang on to them in case they are needed in the future.

Hope this answers your question

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:  The advice contained herein is for informational purposes only.  It is not to be construed as Legal Counsel nor Legal Advice.