If you’ve recently discovered a judgment has been entered against you—or if you’ve been living with one for months or even years—you may think your hands are tied. Many people assume once a judgment is in place, there's nothing left to do but pay up or suffer the consequences.
But the truth is: you still have rights, and in many cases, it’s not too late to fight back.
At Fitzgerald & Campbell, we regularly help clients across California challenge judgments and protect their financial futures. Whether the judgment is recent or has been hanging over your head for years, it’s worth exploring your legal options.
What Does a Judgment Mean?
A judgment is a court order confirming that you owe a debt. It typically follows a creditor, debt buyer, or collection agency lawsuit. Once entered, the creditor can use powerful tools to collect, like wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens.
If you're like many consumers, you may not have even known you were sued until you found out there was a judgment against you. That’s more common than you think, especially with old debts sold to third-party collectors.
But here's the good news: a judgment is not always final—and in some cases, it shouldn’t have been entered in the first place.
Common Reasons to Challenge a Judgment
There are several legal grounds to contest a judgment in California. Some of the most common include:
- You weren’t properly served. If you were never legally notified of the lawsuit, you may be able to file a motion to vacate the judgment.
- You never owed the debt, or you already paid it. Sometimes judgments are based on inaccurate or outdated information.
- The debt was too old to be collected. California law limits how long creditors have to sue. The lawsuit should not have been filed if the statute of limitations had expired.
- You have a valid defense. Even if the debt is valid, you might have a legal defense that wasn’t heard because you didn’t appear in court.
In many cases, we can help clients get judgments overturned or reduced, and in some situations, we can negotiate a better outcome that protects their income and assets.
Time Is Critical—But You Still Have Options
While it’s true that there are deadlines for contesting a judgment, not all hope is lost if those deadlines have passed. California courts recognize that many consumers are unaware of lawsuits due to improper service or confusing paperwork.
That’s why acting quickly is important once you discover the judgment. The longer you wait, the more power creditors gain to collect—and the harder it becomes to reverse the judgment.
If your wages are being garnished, your bank account has been frozen, or a lien has been placed on your property, you must speak with an attorney immediately. A knowledgeable debt defense lawyer can assess your case and advise you on the best next steps.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
A judgment can feel like a dead end—but with the right legal support, you may have more control than you think. Whether you're trying to reverse a judgment, stop collection activity, or explore settlement options,
Judgment Contests, Settlement, & Lien Removal Attorneys in Santa Ana
Our team has decades of experience fighting for consumers against aggressive debt collectors, junk debt buyers, and banks. We can challenge bad judgments and help you regain your financial power.
Don’t wait another day wondering what to do. Contact Fitzgerald & Campbell, today at (844) 431-3851 for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you fight back—before it’s too late.