June 05, 2025

Attorney Q&A: Can I Negotiate My Debt After a Judgment?

37 minutes

If you're dealing with a debt collection judgment and wondering if you can still negotiate, this episode is for you. Yale Levy, a former collection attorney with 20 years of experience, joins this week's episode of The Debt Hotline to share expert insights on post-judgment debt settlement strategies.Sued for debt? Visit https://www.solosuit.com/?utm=podcast to resolve it.Yale explains how he helped collectors recover millions in debt before joining Solo, and now uses that insider knowledge to help consumers navigate the debt collection process. Plus, Yale breaks down why post-judgment settlements cost significantly more than pre-lawsuit negotiations—typically 60-80% versus 20-40% of the original amount.Here are some important tips if you're facing a debt judgment:

You can still negotiate even after a judgment, but it costs more
Communication is key—use SoloSettle, hire an attorney, or call directly
Timing matters. The earlier you negotiate, the better your deal
Wage garnishments and bank levies eliminate your negotiating power
Motion to set aside judgment may work if service was improper
Post-judgment settlements typically range from 60-80% of original debt

In this week's episode of The Debt Hotline, you'll learn:

When you can still negotiate vs when leverage disappears completely
How wage garnishments can take up to 25% of your take-home pay
Why bank levies are hit-or-miss depending on timing
How to leverage hardship situations for better settlement terms

Yale and George also answer real listener questions about statute of limitations in New York, dealing with litigation delays, setting aside old judgments, and what to do when collectors file for summary judgment after you've already settled.To submit a question to The Debt Hotline, you can: