Justice of the Peace Harris County Precinct 7 Place 2 and Your Options
Securing a judgment in court is a major victory, but for creditors, the real challenge lies in collecting on that judgment. Whether you’re a creditor looking to enforce payment or a debtor facing aggressive collection tactics, understanding how Justice of the Peace courts operate is key.
As a former bankruptcy attorney with 25 years of experience and over 4,000 cases filed in the Southern District of Texas, I’ve helped countless debtors navigate exemptions and collection strategies. Let’s discuss what happens next when a judgment is issued, focusing on writs of garnishment and how bankruptcy can help debtors gain control of their financial future.
The Role of Justice Courts in Collections
Justice of the Peace courts, such as Harris County Precinct 7 Place 2, play a critical role in civil matters involving amounts up to $20,000. Presided over by Judge Sharon M. Burney, this court handles eviction cases, enforcement of deed restrictions, and small claims suits. If you’ve won a judgment here, the following collection tools are at your disposal:
- Abstract of Judgment:
Filing an abstract of judgment places a lien on any real property owned by the debtor. This ensures that the creditor has priority when the property is sold. - Writ of Execution:
After 30 days, creditors can request a writ of execution, enabling the seizure and sale of certain non-exempt personal property to satisfy the debt. - Writ of Garnishment:
Available 7 days after the judgment, this allows creditors to garnish bank accounts. However, wages remain protected under Texas law. - Turnover Orders:
With a court hearing, creditors can request turnover of non-exempt assets, including tax refunds or financial accounts.
The Debtor’s Perspective: Bankruptcy as a Shield
For debtors, collection efforts can be overwhelming. Creditors often use garnishments and liens to pressure payment, but Texas exemptions protect certain assets, including:
- Your homestead
- Wages
- Retirement accounts
However, bank accounts are not protected, and garnishment can leave you struggling to meet basic needs. If you’re facing multiple lawsuits or insurmountable debt, bankruptcy may offer relief.
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Discharges most unsecured debts, providing a fresh financial start.
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Creates a repayment plan to manage debt while protecting your assets.
How We Can Help
If you’re a creditor struggling to collect or a debtor facing relentless lawsuits, we can guide you through the legal options. Our team specializes in:
- Enforcing judgments through garnishments and turnovers
- Defending debtors against aggressive collection efforts
- Filing bankruptcy to resolve multiple debts at once
Justice of the Peace Harris County Precinct 7 Place 2
Located at 5300 Griggs Rd, Houston, TX 77021, this court handles thousands of debt lawsuits each year. Presided over by Judge Sharon M. Burney, the court operates under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Rules of Evidence.
Whether you’re navigating collections or defending against a judgment, knowledge is your most powerful tool. Contact us today for a consultation to explore your options.
