Justice of the Peace Wharton County Precinct 3
Justice of the Peace Wharton County Precinct 3
The Justice of the Peace Wharton County Precinct 3 is presided over by the Honorable Judge Donna Wessels. The court is located at P.O. Box 184, 340 W. North St., Louise, TX 77455. As mandated by the Texas Constitution, counties must establish between one and eight justice of the peace precincts, based on their population. In Wharton County, there are four Justice of the Peace courts, with approximately 823 such courts across Texas.
This blog explores collections vs. debt relief through bankruptcy, providing insights for debtors facing judgments. With over 25 years of experience as a debtor’s attorney, I’ve filed over 4,000 Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases in the Southern District of Texas. If you have a judgment against you and are uncertain about how to proceed, bankruptcy may provide relief.
You Have a Judgment—Now What?
If you’re a creditor, obtaining a judgment is only the beginning of the collection process. Collecting the money owed can be challenging without understanding the available legal remedies, including writs of garnishment.
For debtors, the pressure of a judgment can be overwhelming. At this juncture, bankruptcy may offer a fresh start, protecting your assets and stopping garnishment actions.
Understanding the Role of the Justice Court
Justice courts handle a variety of civil matters, including:
- Civil Suits: Claims for money damages up to $10,000 (exclusive of interest).
- Evictions: Landlord-tenant disputes.
- Enforcement of Deed Restrictions: Cases not involving structural changes to a dwelling.
Procedures:
- Filing a Claim: Clearly outline the damages and ensure the defendant is named correctly.
- Citations and Service: Citations are served personally, often by a Constable or Sheriff.
- Discovery and Trial: Evidence is critical; failure to comply with discovery may result in case dismissal.
Collections Through Writs of Garnishment
Once a judgment is obtained, creditors can use legal tools like writs of garnishment to collect money owed:
- Bank Accounts: Garnishment can freeze and seize funds.
- Property Seizures: Non-exempt property may be auctioned to satisfy the judgment.
- Abstracts of Judgment: Filed with the county recorder to place a lien on real property.
For debtors, garnishments can feel invasive and financially draining. If you’re facing garnishment, bankruptcy may provide relief by halting collection efforts and potentially discharging the debt.
Why Bankruptcy May Be the Solution
Bankruptcy laws in Texas allow debtors to protect assets like their primary residence, vehicles, and retirement accounts while discharging most unsecured debts. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings can stop garnishments, repossessions, and even foreclosures.
If you’re struggling to pay a judgment, call us for a no-obligation consultation. We specialize in helping debtors navigate the legal system and find the best path forward.
