20,000 in c.c. debt?

Question

what happens if you cant pay your credit cards?? do they take you to court or what? AND what if they cant find me??

Answer 1

If you don't pay, you will get sued. If they can't find you, its likely the courts will allow that you be served with the lawsuit by a publication in a newspaper where you last lived.
If you never work again and live as a street person for the rest of your life, the judgments may not affect you.
But if you work, your wages will probably be garnished.
Regarding bankruptcy, the law was changed not too long ago, and if you're working it may be difficult to get rid of your debts by filing bankruptcy. You may still have to pay your debts
There are no debtors prisons in America so you wont go to jail for not paying your credit card debts. The only debts that might get you in jail are child support debts and debts relating to what you owe the I.R.S. ( taxes )
You can not be held in contempt of court for not paying your credit cards. You can be held in contempt if you are served with an order to appear in court for a debtor exam to tell about your assets. If you do not show up, the court could issue a bench warrant for your arrest.
But the arrest is because you didn't show up in court as ordered, its not because you didn't pay your debts.
You can't be put in jail simply because you don't pay your credit card debts

Answer 2

They take you to court and they get judgement against you.
If you don't have a job & you do not own anything,
then after they harass you for a couple of years then, it is written off.
But if you have a job, the court will garnish your wages, sometimes an employer will fire you simply for this reason.
Now, if you want to you can file bankruptcy & you get a clean slate.
But if you get a "jack-A-s-s" for a judge he can order you to pay your bills, if you don't...you are in contempt of court & you can face jail time. We do not have debtor's prison in the USA, but they can still get you on a contempt violation.

Trust me there are always a way around the system. If they can't find you, they will attempt to garnish your bank accounts, seize any property that you own.

PLEASE WRITE THIS DOWN: They cannot take your house from you if you own it, free & clear.
They cannot take your vehicle from you, if you own it, free & clear.

And whatever you do:
NEVER...NEVER...NEVER...Borrow money to pay off a bill!
This by far is one of the most stupidest things that you can possibly do. Do not EVER let a creditor talk you into this crapola.

I understand how these things can happen. Credit is so much fun & some people have this as an addiction.
This is just as bad as an addiction to drugs, food, sex, meth, alcohol anything else out there.
Some folks, just can't help themselves & this requires many years of counseling and a good support group.

Answer 3

Don't worry, they will find you unless you are living on the streets. They will call neighbors, relatives, and known associates (I know, I used to have to hunt people down). And, as others have mentioned, you will be fine if you never hold a legitimate job, never have a checking or savings account, and never want to own a real asset (Home, car, etc.), they will never see their money. But...If they do file suit, and you don't show up to court, 99% of the time, the judgment will be granted. Once it has been granted, there is no going back, no going back to court, no appeal, nothing. That judgment will follow you around the rest of your life until the last penny is paid either though garnishment, leins, etc. I would try to get this taken care of before that happens.

Answer 4

My dear friend -
First of all, credit card debt is bad. Look deeply inside you and ask yourself "why do I need things I cannot afford?". Just because you have credit does not mean that you are rich. Contentment in life with what you have is a richer life than life with debts and constantly having to fear -

Instead of figuring out how to escape detection, look to see if you can set your life to a more happier path.

A well wisher - Hope you see the light!!

Answer 5

Believe me, your credit will follow you everywhere! You need to face the responsibilities by paying them off. Cut up your cards, call the credit card companies to see if they will settle for smaller amount and start paying them monthly. If, you can consolidate them, then, it would be even better. But, try going to a credit counselor and come up with a plan of paying them off and living a cash life for a few years.

Answer 6

Hey man, the best advice I can give you is use your leverage as a debtor to your advantage. call the cc company and let them know of your situation. Ask for lower interest, lower payments, and if all else fails, threaten them with bankruptcy. Usually, they will be willing to settle your debt for much less than you owe if you make the payment that you and them negotiate. CC Companies hate to lose money. The thought of bankruptcty will shake them. DO NOT HIDE FROM THEM. Take responsibility for your debt and try to work it out. Unless of course you want to face fraud charges by hiding from them. It will catch up to you in the loing run.

Answer 7

You better write the credit card company and explain your situation so they can work with you to solve it.

And yes they can, not only that, but they can take your pay check before you even get it.

Answer 8

I have around 20K in CC debt and aside from months of phone calls there have been no consequences. I have had this debt for over a year.

Answer 9

if you try to run then you will be facing major jail time when they do finally catch up with you (you can't possibly run forever, you'd never be able to open another bank account or credit card, apply for a job, ect.) if you can't pay the $20,000, you need to look into bankrupcy. its not that bad, and it will save your life.

Answer 10

if you cant pay they take you to court or just send bill collectors after you just tell them amount of payment you can make they usually go for this cause after all they just want there money back some times they make you give back what you bought depends on what was bought like t.v. they take back clothes no oh they can find you any where