Is it too late to get settlement with River Heights while they have a garnishment order

[cedric86]

Jurisdiction

Indiana

I was originally sued by Unifund for credit card debt in 2020 in Indiana. I represented myself. Requested arbitration because of the agreement included with the Barclays credit card. Judge denied it and said because the plaintiff chose to go the route of court. Eventually got MSJ against me. Everything was being efiled. I didn't hear anything else from the company. I was also newly diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, and that was out of site out of mind. In Dec 2025, my bank withheld funds. When I called that's when I found out River Heights (thru Velo Law Office) had a garnishment on my account. Apparently, they bought the judgement from the original collector. I had not received any calls, mail or noticed any efiles. That caused me to look my account up online and I saw that there had been motions/proceedings going on since 2021. One included a hearing that I missed because I didn't know about it. I also noticed, they said I was served, but it was to an old address and had no signature.

Now I'm due in court next week for proceedings/supplemental/garnishment hearing. What are my options or steps that I need to take. I really don't believe I was served properly. But, I can see I do not want to be bothered with this company, especially while still dealing with cancer treatment. The amount due is about $3500 and they have already withheld about half of that. Can I offer a settlement for them to just keep what is being withheld now? Is that enough? Or, are the odds not in my favor because they already have the judgement against me? I can't afford another monthly payment as my deductible and medical bills take precedence right now.

 

[adjusterjack]

Can I offer a settlement for them to just keep what is being withheld now? Is that enough?

You can offer but it's almost guaranteed that they won't accept it because they have a guaranteed payment stream from garnishment.

You would have to offer either a lump sum cash payment for a good part of the balance or monthly payments better than the payments they are already getting.

There's no reason for them to compromise unless they get better than what they are getting.