Can Creditors Take Your Property?
The short answer is yes, creditors can take your property. However, they have to go to great length to do so. Below, we ask a few questions, and then provide some answers. Call us if you have questions—we’re here to help! 704.749.7747.
Is There A Valid Debt?
The first question when deciding the answer to the question “Can creditors can take your property?” is whether there is a valid debt. In most cases, the answer is yes. As a result, the creditor is entitled to be re-paid, per the contract you signed with them.
Do They Need A Judgment?
Except for the repossession of motor vehicles, in most cases the creditor will need a judgment in place in order to take your property. A judgment is not that difficult to obtain. As a result, most creditors are successful in procuring a judgment. One thing to keep in mind is that a judgment requires a lawsuit. If you have not been served a lawsuit, this means there is no judgment. Once a creditor files a lawsuit, you have a chance to defend against it. However, if the debt is valid there is no reason to spend time and energy fighting the judgment. One thing you might consider is responding to the Complaint (lawsuit) with an Answer, and ask for a hearing. At the hearing, you can ask the judge for an extension of time to consider filing bankruptcy or pay the creditor. This will buy you 30-90 days before a judgment is entered.
The Creditor Has A Judgment—What’s Next?
After a creditor receives a judgment against you, their next step is to try to enforce that judgment. First, the creditor must send you a Notice of Right to Claim Exemptions. It’s very important you complete this form. As a result of completing this form, you will disclose your assets and also invoke the protection of your State Exemptions. These exemptions protect you in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and in a situation where a creditor is trying to take your property.
Second, the creditor will need to obtain a writ of execution. This is a court order from the Sheriff to take possession of property. Consequently, you may now be facing the loss of property. Communicating with the Sheriff’s office about your writ of execution is a very good idea. The Sheriff will understand if you tell them you are requesting some time to file bankruptcy—they may even tell you they will give you 30 days before executing on the writ of execution.
Lastly, the Sheriff will carry out the writ of execution to seize property to be turned over to the creditor in satisfaction of the debt. Or, the Sheriff will order the sale of property to liquidate it in order to pay the creditor.
Foreclosure Is Slightly Different
All of the above is true for foreclosure, except the process differs slightly. A mortgage creditor does not need a judgment against you to file foreclosure. They must simply show in court that you are behind on mortgage payments. You will receive notice of a preliminary foreclosure hearing. You should attend this hearing and ask for an extension to file bankruptcy or get caught up on your mortgage payments. Ultimately, if you don’t get caught up, the court will set a foreclosure date. You have until 10 days after the foreclosure sale date to file a Chapter 13 to save your house.
How Can You Stop A Creditor From Taking Your Property?
Bankruptcy is the most secure way to stop a creditor from taking your property. The filing of a bankruptcy invokes The Automatic Stay in bankruptcy. This prevents creditors from attempting to collect a debt in any manner. If necessary to save an asset, you can file an emergency bankruptcy petition with the court, and our firm can help with this.
What If The Creditor Is Threatening To Take My Car?
This video about Vehicle Repossession by attorney Ian Lyngklip gives great instruction on how to protect your car from a lender who is aggressively attempting to take it. Again, the filing of a bankruptcy will stop this process altogether and we’re here to help.
Speak With An Attorney Today
If you have questions about “Can creditors take your property?” please call us at 704.749.7747. Filing bankruptcy will dramatically change your life for the better—we’ve seen it over and over with our clients. You can also click for a FREE CASE EVALUATION and we will reach out to you today. We know you have choices. We hope you choose to Recover With Us.