How Do I Set Up a Payment Plan for a Judgment I Owe

[aud25]

My question involves judgment recovery in the State of: Washington

I partially lost as a defendant in small claims and owe $600. I have read that if the debt is not paid within 30 days or a payment plan is not put in place, I could have my wages garnished.

I do not make very much money and would like to be able to pay $50/month for 12 months to pay my debt. Who is responsible for initiating a payment plan or collection process? Do I wait for the person I owe to make the first move? I don't want to just send a check for $50 in the next 30 days if thay don't agree on the payment plan amount. I am afraid they will not accept my payment.

[Mr. Knowitall]

If the judgment is simply for $600, you can ask the prevailing party if he will accept payments of $50 per month. If he says "yes", confirm it in writing and stick by the deal. If he says "no", my personal approach would be to make the $50 payments anyway such that he'll have little incentive to go back to court and, if he does so, the court will see your good faith effort to pay off the debt consistent with your means.

[SChinFChin]

I don't know how little you make, but Federal law prohibits wage garnishments if your weekly wages are less than 30 times Federal minimum or 30*7.25=$217.50/week.

Washignton state is stricter, it's 40 times Federal minimum or $290.00/week, or 75% of your wages exempt whichever is greater. See:

http://www.bcsalliance.com/debt1_washington.html