Pittsburgh Judgement Removal Lawyer

Judgement Removal Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

Sometimes individuals with judgements don’t realize they have one until they go to buy a car, refinance their home, or get a certain job. In Pennsylvania, non-criminal judgements can be attached to your DOT record, your home loan, or your credit, and can follow you for years. If you need to get a judgement against you removed, a Pittsburgh judgement removal lawyer can provide the legal guidance you need to clear your name.

Hire a Judgement Removal Lawyer With an Established Practice in Pittsburgh

Ryan R. Smith Law Offices has a reputable law practice in Pittsburgh with a thorough understanding of federal and state judgement removal laws. We can help you take the steps to remove a judgement.

We believe that everyone makes mistakes, but they should not define your life. A former judgement shouldn’t stand in the way of you living as you wish. We have the resources to help you with your judgement removal case.

Pennsylvania Judgement Removal Laws

Pennsylvania judgement removal laws help individuals fulfill financial obligations, court orders, and penalties while also protecting them from indefinite liability. In general, a judgement remains enforceable for five years.

In most cases, if a creditor or the agency responsible for filing a judgement does not revive the judgement before the five-year period ends, the judgement becomes unenforceable and unrevivable. However, if the filer revives the judgement every five years, the judgement can remain on your record or loan indefinitely.

Types of Judgements Eligible for Judgement Removal

If you have any of the judgements listed below against you, you can hire a judgement removal lawyer to assist in getting them removed:

• Old credit cards from creditors or third-party debt collectors, also called debt buyers
• Medical debt from physicians or hospitals
• Lease or rental debt from a former landlord
• Unpaid DOT-related penalties
• Business contract dispute decisions
• Default judgements from the small claims court

In 2024, there were 3,558 default judgements filed in Allegheny County against individuals who failed to respond or failed to appear. These types of judgements can attach to your name, record, and reputation, following you around until you address them.

How a Pittsburgh Judgement Removal Lawyer Can Help

When you enlist the help of a Pittsburgh Judgement removal attorney, you increase your chances of clearing your record. An attorney can take certain actions in favor of removing any judgements against you that you would otherwise have a hard time doing on your own. Some of the most effective ways a Pittsburgh Judgement removal lawyer can help include:

• Identifying whether the judgement is still enforceable or has expired.
• Determining if there were any procedural errors made on the part of the creditor or filer.
• Negotiating a settlement with the individual, business, or agency holding the judgement.
• Filing a motion to vacate the judgement by petitioning to open or strike the judgement with the Allegheny County Department of Court Records, Civil/Family Division, in the City-County Building on Grant Street in Pittsburgh.
• Removing home liens that prevent loan refinancing, loan modification, or the selling of your home.

A knowledgeable attorney can provide invaluable insight on what proof you might need to get a judgement removed. They can potentially help obtain evidence in support of the following common defense strategies used in a judgement removal case:

• Providing legal documentation explaining proof of improper service, meritorious defense, or excusable neglect.
• Obtaining evidence of mistaken identity or proving that identity theft occurred.
• Collecting payment and settlement documentation records.
• Retrieving court dockets and other records to identify instances of discrepancies.
• Reviewing the revival process and timeline of judgement revivals.

Different defense strategies work better for different kinds of cases. An attorney can review your situation to determine the most effective course of action. Forward planning by a legal representative can reduce future complications.

FAQs

How Long Can a Judgement Be Enforced in PA?

In PA, a judgement can be enforced for an initial five years. If the judgement is revived via proper protocol and within the five-year timeframe, it can remain enforceable for another five years.

This timeline can be repeated indefinitely. To effectively remove a judgement for which the filer is continuously reviving within the timeline and according to PA laws, a judgement removal attorney can work with you to get the judgement removed permanently.

Can You Have Judgements Removed?

Generally, yes, you can have judgements removed. This typically involves a judgement removal strategy or tactic, depending on the type of judgement it is.

Judgements that may be more difficult to have removed include those resulting from delinquent payments to government agencies, such as the DOT or small claims court. A judgement removal lawyer can be a helpful resource for determining how to get old judgements against you removed.

How to File a Motion to Vacate Default Judgement in PA?

To file a motion to vacate a default judgement in PA, you must first file a petition to open or strike the judgement. You must also include an answer to the judgement that presents valid legal grounds and sound evidence for judgement removal. A PA judgement removal attorney can help you determine a defense and garner valid evidence to present a plausible argument for your case.

What Is Exempt from a Judgement in PA?

In PA, debts for certain categories are exempt from judgement. In other words, some things cannot be enforced as a judgement. These include school books, clothing, some household goods, a small cash amount, and unemployment benefits. These items, however, are not automatically exempt. You have to assert these exemptions at the time of collection. A PA judgement removal attorney can help protect your rights.

Connect With an Experienced and Effective Pittsburgh Judgement Removal Lawyer

If you are facing roadblocks due to a judgement that was filed against you, you can take action to get it removed. Some cases are easier than others, but when you are represented by an aggressive Pittsburgh judgement enforcement attorney who gets results, you can overcome this hurdle. Contact Ryan R. Smith Law Offices to discuss how to clear your name.