Auto Loan Default

[yellowta]

In 1998, I lost my job & had to return my car that I had financed. I live in Texas, and the bank put a judgement on me. They had taken money out of my checking acct. to apply to the outstanding debt a couple times. If I add my name to my girlfriend's acct. at a different financial institution, can they do the same? And how long will the judgement remain?

[Mr. Knowitall]

A Texas judgment lasts ten years and can be renewed.

With a garnishment order, they can garnish a joint account with your name on it.

[yellowta]

I do not think there is a garnishment order, because nothing has ever been taken out of any of my paychecks or my irs returns. So do you think it would be safe to add me to her checking acct. or should I get a copy of the judgement & see what exactly it says before we do anything?

[seniorjudge]

I do not think there is a garnishment order, because nothing has ever been taken out of any of my paychecks or my irs returns. So do you think it would be safe to add me to her checking acct. or should I get a copy of the judgement & see what exactly it says before we do anything?

Read MKIA's answer again...he never said anything like that.

[yellowta]

I guess I don't really understand anything about the law, so I'm not sure
what you're saying.....sorry

[seniorjudge]

A Texas judgment lasts ten years and can be renewed.

With a garnishment order, they can garnish a joint account with your name on it.

The judgment was in 1998.

This is 2006.

The judgment is good for ten years.

It has been eight years since the judgment.

If you have your name on a checking account, it can be garnished, no matter who else is on the account.

If the judgment is not renewed, it will expire in 2008.

So, simple answer, tell your sweetie to keep her own checking account.

[yellowta]

thanks for the clarification. so I cannot own or have anything in my name
or get anything until the 10 yrs. is over & hope it's not renewed? Why does it not show up on my credit report though?

[GreatGadsby]

you probably just got lucky.