Expert: Mark J. Markus- California Bankruptcy Attorney - 5/10/2004

Question
Hi...
I lost a small claims decision against me for $2,000 for a computer. I have been making the payments, but it's hard to keep up with the payments. I am sending a request to the law firm I've been paying for a statement saying what I owe and if there is any interest still accruing. If I'm making payments that aren't making a dent in my total debt, I may want to stop paying (what's the use?). However, I cannot have them attach my wages. How do I get out of this? Will bankruptcy help me out even though I lost a judgement? How long after I stop paying them can they start to garnish my wages? I need options, because I can't pay for this piece of junk PC the rest of my life!

Thanks,
Neal

PS...I'm in CT.

Answer
Yes, the small claims judgment is dischargeable in bankruptcy (assuming it was not a fraud judgment).  However, $2,000 is an awfully low amount to be filing bankruptcy on.  As far as whether and how they can garnish your wages, that depends on the collection laws of your State.