How to Remove a Judgment From Your Credit Report

Judgments used to show up on your credit report, but that changed in 2017 when Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion stopped including them. That means you should not see a civil judgment listed on your credit report today.

However, judgments are still public records, and lenders, landlords, and employers can find them through other sources. Even if they no longer impact your credit score, they can still affect your ability to borrow money or qualify for housing.

If a judgment does appear on your credit report, it may be an error—and you have the right to dispute it. Here’s what you need to know about how judgments work, how they can affect you, and what steps to take if one shows up on your credit report.

Why Judgments May Still Show Up

Even though the three major credit bureaus removed civil judgments from credit reports in 2017, mistakes still happen. Old data can sometimes slip through, or third-party sources may report information incorrectly.

Here are the most common reasons you might still see a judgment on your credit report:

• Data errors: Outdated records may have been carried over from older reporting systems.
• Third-party furnishers: Companies like LexisNexis sometimes provide public record data that ends up in your file by mistake.
• Incomplete updates: Not all records get corrected right away, which is why it’s worth checking all three credit reports regularly.

How to Remove a Judgment if It’s Reported

If you see a judgment listed on your credit report, it’s an error—and you have the right to get it removed. The process is similar to disputing any other incorrect item.

• Step 1: Request copies of your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
• Step 2: File a dispute with each credit bureau where the judgment appears.
• Step 3: Include supporting documents, such as a court record showing the judgment was vacated, satisfied, or dismissed.
• Step 4: Follow up to make sure the credit bureaus investigate and remove the incorrect entry.

Keep copies of everything you send. If the judgment doesn’t get removed after your first dispute, you may need to resubmit or escalate the matter.

How Judgments Still Affect You Outside Credit Reports

Even though judgments no longer lower your credit score, they can still cause problems in other areas of your life. Lenders, landlords, and even some employers can check public records before making a decision.

A judgment on your record may lead to:

• Loan denials: Lenders may see the judgment and decide you’re too high-risk.
• Wage garnishment: Courts can order a portion of your paycheck to be withheld until the judgment is paid.
• Property liens: Creditors may place a lien on your home or other assets until the debt is resolved.

In most states, judgments remain in public records for seven to ten years. Some states allow creditors to renew them, which means the impact can last even longer. Checking your state’s rules is the best way to know what to expect.

What to Do if You’re Sued for a Debt

Getting sued by a creditor or debt collector is stressful, but ignoring the lawsuit will only make things worse. If you fail to respond or appear in court, the judge will likely issue a default judgment against you.

Here are the main options if you’re sued for a debt:

• Pay the debt: If possible, paying in full stops the lawsuit and prevents further action.
• Negotiate a settlement: You may be able to reach an agreement with the creditor for less than the full balance.
• Defend in court: If you believe the debt is not valid, you can present your case and request dismissal.

If you’re unsure what to do, it may be worth contacting a consumer rights attorney or financial advisor for guidance.

How to Prevent Future Judgments

The best way to deal with judgments is to prevent them from happening in the first place. That means addressing debt issues before they reach the courtroom.

Here are a few strategies that can help:

• Stay in touch with creditors: Open communication can sometimes prevent legal action.
• Explore payment plans or settlements: Many creditors would rather work with you than take you to court.
• Consider bankruptcy as a last resort: In extreme situations, filing for bankruptcy may be the best option to wipe out or restructure debt.

When Professional Help Makes Sense

Sometimes, resolving debt issues on your own is not realistic. That’s when professional help can make a difference.

Here are two common situations where outside help is worth considering:

• Legal support: An attorney can help you respond to a lawsuit or challenge an invalid judgment.
• Credit repair assistance: A credit repair company can help dispute incorrect information on your credit reports, including any judgment that should not be listed.

Final Thoughts

Judgments should not appear on your credit reports today, but they can still affect you through public records. That’s why it’s important to monitor your credit reports and check court records if you suspect a judgment might be out there.

By staying proactive, addressing debt early, and seeking help when needed, you can reduce the impact of judgments and protect your financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a judgment hurt my credit score today?

No, judgments no longer impact your credit score. Since 2017, the three major credit bureaus stopped including them in credit reports. However, lenders can still see judgments through public records, which may influence their decisions.

Do I still have to pay a judgment if it’s not on my credit report?

Yes, you’re still legally responsible for the debt even if it’s not listed on your credit report. A creditor can pursue collection through wage garnishment, property liens, or bank account levies until the judgment is satisfied.

Can I settle a judgment for less than I owe?

In many cases, yes. Creditors may agree to accept a lump sum or reduced payment to close the account. If you reach a settlement, make sure you get written proof that the judgment has been satisfied.

What happens if a judgment gets renewed?

If state law allows, a creditor can renew a judgment before it expires. That extends the amount of time they can try to collect from you. In some states, judgments can be renewed multiple times, keeping the debt active for many years.

How often should I check my credit reports for errors?

It’s a good idea to review your credit reports at least once a year. You can get free copies from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com. Checking regularly helps you spot mistakes like a judgment that shouldn’t be there.