What Are Judgments & How Do They Affect Your Credit?
A judgment is a court ruling stating that you legally owe money to a creditor or debt collector. While credit bureaus no longer report judgments, lenders and collection agencies still have access to court records, and unpaid judgments can still impact your financial future.
Types of Judgments That Can Affect Your Credit
- Civil Judgment – A court ruling that you owe money to a creditor.
- Default Judgment – Issued if you fail to appear in court after being sued.
- Vacated Judgment – A judgment that has been overturned or dismissed.
- Satisfied Judgment – A judgment that has been paid in full but still appears in records.
- How Judgments Affect Your Financial Future
- Legal Consequences – A judgment can lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens.
- Credit & Loan Approval Issues – Lenders may still check court records for judgments.
- Higher Interest Rates – If approved, expect higher interest rates on loans & credit cards.
- Security Clearance Risks – Judgments can impact government & military job approvals.
Important: Judgments no longer appear on credit reports as of 2017, but debt collectors and lenders can still find them through court records.
How to Remove a Judgment from Your Credit History
Even though credit bureaus no longer report judgments, lenders, landlords, and background checks may still access them. Removing or vacating a judgment can help protect your financial reputation.
- Verify the Judgment Details & Check for Errors
Before taking any legal action, verify that the judgment is accurate and enforceable:
- Check your court records – Contact the court where the judgment was filed.
- Verify the details – Ensure the debt amount, case number, and plaintiff information are correct.
- Look for procedural errors – Judgments can be dismissed due to improper service or incorrect filings.
If there are ANY errors, you may be able to dispute or vacate the judgment!
- Motion to Vacate a Judgment (If Applicable)
If the judgment was issued in error, improperly served, or filed incorrectly, you may be able to have it vacated (removed).
- File a motion to vacate the judgment with the court.
- Provide evidence that the judgment was issued unfairly or improperly.
- Attend a court hearing if required.
A vacated judgment is removed from court records AND lenders can no longer use it against you.
- Negotiate a Settlement & Request Satisfaction of Judgment
If vacating the judgment is not possible, you can try to negotiate a settlement.
- Offer to settle the judgment for less than the full amount.
- Request a “Satisfaction of Judgment” document after payment.
- Ensure the judgment is marked as “satisfied” in court records.
Settled judgments remain in public records, but satisfied judgments look better to lenders.
- Dispute a Judgment on Background Reports
Even though credit bureaus don’t report judgments anymore, they may still appear on background checks, mortgage reports, and rental screenings.
- Request a copy of your background check.
- Dispute any incorrect or outdated judgment records.
- Send documentation proving the judgment was vacated or satisfied.
This is especially important for job seekers, renters, and security clearance holders.
- Wait for the Judgment to Expire (State-Specific Time Limits)
If disputing or vacating the judgment is not an option, you may have to wait for it to expire.
- Most judgments expire after 5-10 years but can be renewed by creditors.
- Once expired, the judgment is no longer enforceable.
- Check your state laws to see if the creditor can renew the judgment.
If the judgment has expired, request its removal from public records.
How Long Do Judgments Stay in Public Records?
Judgments can be renewed indefinitely in some states, so it’s best to settle or vacate them ASAP.
How Credit1Solutions.com Helps Remove Judgments Faster
- We dispute incorrect or outdated judgments using FCRA and FDCPA laws.
- We assist clients in filing motions to vacate judgments when applicable.
- We negotiate settlements and request satisfaction of judgment documents.
- We help clients remove judgments from background reports and rental screenings.
Instead of waiting years, we help clients legally remove or minimize judgment impact as soon as possible.
Client Testimonials
Jessica P., Homebuyer
“A judgment was still showing up on my mortgage background check. Credit1Solutions.com helped me get it removed, and I finally got approved!”
David R., Military Personnel
“I needed a judgment removed to secure a security clearance. Credit1Solutions.com handled everything, and my record was cleared!”
Mark J., Small Business Owner
“Credit1Solutions.com helped me settle an old judgment, and my financial reputation was restored!”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I remove a judgment from public records before it expires?
Yes, if it is inaccurate, unverifiable, or incorrectly filed, or if you successfully vacate it through the courts.
Do credit bureaus still report judgments?
No, as of 2017, credit bureaus no longer report judgments. However, lenders and background check companies can still find them in public records.
How do I vacate a judgment?
You must file a motion to vacate with the court and prove the judgment was issued improperly, not served correctly, or legally invalid.
Can a judgment be renewed?
Yes, in some states, judgments can be renewed indefinitely, so it’s best to resolve them before renewal.
Can Credit1Solutions.com remove judgments for me?
Yes! We dispute inaccurate judgment records, help with court filings, negotiate settlements, and assist in removing judgments from background reports.
Get Judgments Removed the Right Way – Contact Us Today
If a judgment is damaging your financial future, don’t wait years for it to expire. Let us help.
✔ We remove inaccurate and unverifiable judgment records.
✔ We dispute errors and challenge misreported judgments.
✔ We help security clearance holders protect their financial records.
✔ We provide legal assistance in filing motions to vacate judgments.