THE POWER OF CONTEMPT TO ENFORCE JUDGMENTS

THE POWER OF CONTEMPT TO ENFORCE JUDGMENTS

Can you go to jail for unpaid debt? Behind bars for skipping out on your bills? Technically, imprisonment for unpaid debt is unconstitutional.  In fact, the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act specifically prohibits debt collectors from threatening seizure of property or imprisionment on civil matters unless the ability to take such action is lawful and the creditor intends to take such action.

Because, just like life, with the Constitution and laws, there are caveats, and one or more of those may be the reason you, or someone you know, ended up locked behind bars.  

From employers refusing to pay employees to "deadbeat dads" skipping out on child support, the court has held that these individuals are in contempt of court and thus imprisoned for failing to pay debts.

LEVYING A SAFE DEPOSIT BOX

LEVYING A SAFE DEPOSIT BOX

I am a child of the 1980's and a huge movie fan. One of my childhood favorites is The Goonies. The Goonies search for a hidden treasure in order to save their neighborhood. While our post judgment collection activities are never as exciting as the adventure of the Goonies or another of my favorites, Indiana Jones, occasionally our post judgment work is exciting. One such instances is levying on a safe deposit box.