Wage garnishments and collections
in Law ·
Here is the situation. I have several questions regarding a garnishment and an ongoing legal proceeding. To give you all enough context so you can offer the best advice, I’ll start from the beginning. 🙂
I have been separated since 20XX. My ex-husband and son managed to set up various service contracts—internet, Max subscriptions, and things like that—using my information through AT&T customer service. I canceled everything within my power, but I was essentially forced to pay those bills on their behalf. At least, I was paying the ones I received before the separation while I was still living with them. Because I haven't been able to register at a new address, I am still officially listed at my old residence. I have already appeared in court twice over this exact same issue. Each time, their lawyers failed to show up, and the judge dismissed the case. Just the day before yesterday, I had to go back to court for the same matter yet again (this makes it three times now), only to find their attorney actually present this time. The moment we stepped into the courtroom, she attacked me, claiming that because I changed my name, I am responsible for everything. Essentially, she is holding me liable for unpaid balances that I never even knew existed, using my Social Security number as proof of identity. We have another hearing scheduled for May. I have protested every single time. I have written detailed appeals and laid out my arguments, but I am at my wits' end. I am currently living on minimum wage as a renter, and my landlords are hesitant to register my residency... and I’m not sure if it would be wise to ask someone else to register me at their address. Can anyone advise me? What should my next move be? I have all my documentation ready. Should I try to contact the judge directly? She presided over one of my previous hearings. Should I be filing more formal appeals? To whom, and what kind? Please, I need help.
I have been separated since 20XX. My ex-husband and son managed to set up various service contracts—internet, Max subscriptions, and things like that—using my information through AT&T customer service. I canceled everything within my power, but I was essentially forced to pay those bills on their behalf. At least, I was paying the ones I received before the separation while I was still living with them. Because I haven't been able to register at a new address, I am still officially listed at my old residence. I have already appeared in court twice over this exact same issue. Each time, their lawyers failed to show up, and the judge dismissed the case. Just the day before yesterday, I had to go back to court for the same matter yet again (this makes it three times now), only to find their attorney actually present this time. The moment we stepped into the courtroom, she attacked me, claiming that because I changed my name, I am responsible for everything. Essentially, she is holding me liable for unpaid balances that I never even knew existed, using my Social Security number as proof of identity. We have another hearing scheduled for May. I have protested every single time. I have written detailed appeals and laid out my arguments, but I am at my wits' end. I am currently living on minimum wage as a renter, and my landlords are hesitant to register my residency... and I’m not sure if it would be wise to ask someone else to register me at their address. Can anyone advise me? What should my next move be? I have all my documentation ready. Should I try to contact the judge directly? She presided over one of my previous hearings. Should I be filing more formal appeals? To whom, and what kind? Please, I need help.