Writ of Execution on Goods and Chattels NJ

[daleysl]

I received a Writ of Execution on Goods and Chattels in regard to a 12k judgment against me in NJ. I have no job, no bank account, do not own a home or car. Does anyone know if the court officer will come to my home and inventory and seize my personal property? I do not own anything of value, my furniture is old and cat-scratched. However, my teenaged children each have a computer and a Playstation. I have no way to prove that I do NOT own these things myself, and it would suck to see them taken from them. The computers are basic, and over 4 years old, nothing fancy. NJ only allows me to exempt $1000 worth of personal items, not including my clothing. How likely is it that someone will come knocking to go thru my things? I have started to make $125 per month payments to the court officer, and plan to increase the amount when I am able to find a job.

[howdidithappen]

Just wondering who had the writ issued?

[catleg]

Since this is under 15k, I assume this is a Special Civil Part judgment.

While no one can say for certain, it's unlikely they're going to try and take your stuff. You can create enough confusion as to ownership that they really can't take the kids' computers, not to mention you have a state $1000 exemption, which, as it turns out, will also come into play should they successfully get a bank garnishment (they have to give the first $1000 back, but you have to ask).

The "officers" (read: collectors) of the Special Civil Part, unlike regular sheriff officers, get a 10% commission on whatever they collect. However, what has been happening is that these fellows try to skim the cream by collecting on the largest judgments they can find, even from regular civil court or other counties. So if you're handing over $125 to them at whatever interval without any fuss, they'll most likely leave you alone.

Incidentally NJ law requires that a good faith effort be made to collect against personal property before the judgment can be docketed against any real estate in your name. Normally they meet this requirement by serving you with an information subpoena, not sure why they went this other route instead.

[GoingDown]

I wonder if they want my used underwear with tire tracks in it?