Expert: Terry Leeders - 5/10/2009

Question
I filed bankruptcy in 10/05. Suntrust Bank was under the bankruptcy, but however their is still a civil judgment out for me. It was filed 11/04. The bankruptcy was discharged in 2/06 so why wasn't this judgment satisfied? They are telling me now I still owe it and that my bankruptcy doesn't count because I didn't file 90 days before or 90 days after the judgment. Can this be true? Please help me to understand this.

Answer
The debt is discharged in the case (unless they objected and won in your case).  The fact that the judgment happened can stay on your credit report for up to 7-10 years.  They cannot collect on the debt.
If you owned real estate, they may have recorded a lien on the home, which you might be able to strip off thru your bankruptcy case depending on your exemption and how much equity was there at the time. If this is the case, call your bankruptcy attorney and they can possibly help 'avoid the lien'.