Can a law firm seize my bank account over a private debt?
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Can a law firm seize my bank account over a private debt?
My bank rep told me that it was a tax garnishment and that a court order was issued. I don’t owe taxes and I’m guessing this is a private debt but I don’t owe anyone $32.656.96 which is what they seized my account for.
Asked on October 3, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If there was a judgment (a court determination that you owed money) against you, a creditor or their collections agency or law firm could get an order freezing or garnishing your bank account. The first step is to find out if this is a legitimate debt supported by a judgment, and whether it's against you (or whether, for example, they got you confused with someone else). While you can do this on your own, you are much better off retaining an attorney to help you--if someone thinks you owe them $32k, it's well worth the expense to get legal help.
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