So you just got a letter from your bank that your account has been frozen. Or perhaps your checks have started bouncing when there’s clearly enough money to cover them. One way or the other, you have discovered that a creditor has levied on your New Jersey bank account to collect on a judgment. This is certainly not the way to start your day, and the question you're probably asking yourself is: Why was this done without my knowledge?
Do They Have to Give Notice of a Bank Levy?
Why didn’t you get notice that the creditor was going to do that? Aren’t they supposed to tell you in advance? Well, the answer is, no they do not. New Jersey law allows a creditor to levy on a bank account without giving you notice in advance. Why?
Well, what would you do if you found out that a creditor was going to levy your bank account in 7 to 10 days? You would close the account, of course! Knowing this, the law allows for a sniper attack on your account. However, that does not mean that the creditor can take your money without notice or without giving you a chance to object.
Then How Do I Fight the Levy?
When your account is levied, the money isn’t actually taken by the creditor; it is frozen by the bank. They hold it administratively pending further order by the court. The creditor must then make what is called a Motion for Turnover of Funds, with notice to you, giving you the opportunity to object.
Want to Find Out How to Get Some (or All) of Your Money Out of the Levy? Then download my FREE NJ Bank Levy Survival Kit NOW
You don’t have to wait for this, however. You can file a motion to object to the levy and be heard. There are some defenses to a levy, so if you have one, you should assert your rights. A creditor can freeze your money without notice, but it cannot take it from you without a fight.
So What Do I Do?
The first thing you need to do is download my free Bank Levy Survival Kit to fight it yourself without having to hire a lawyer!
But you still need to deal with the debt after the levy. If you live in New Jersey, owe more than $10,000 to the creditor, want a lawyer to represent you to negotiate a payment plan, and are ready to take action, then just click this link to schedule a call with me to discuss your case.
Want more information on how to fight back with your creditors? Then download my free book, The Biggest Secrets Your Creditors Don't Want You to Know. Become empowered and protect your rights! Are you a visual learner rather than a reader? Do you enjoy watching YouTube to learn new things? Then check out my 3-part video series on how creditors use lawsuits in New Jersey to collect debts. Just click here for more information on how to get the links!
If your debt situation goes beyond one or two creditors, however, and you are wondering whether you need a solution to a bigger problem, then download my free book, Am I In Too Deep? A Guide to Knowing When You Need to File Bankruptcy in New Jersey to find out if bankruptcy might be the solution.
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