How to Remove a Judgment From Your Credit Report

A judgment is a formal court decision, typically arising when a creditor sues an individual for an unpaid debt. While it obligates the individual to fulfill the court order, it impacts financial standing. Historically, judgments appeared prominently on credit reports as public records, significantly affecting credit scores and access to financial products. However, since a 2017 settlement, credit reporting agencies largely stopped including civil judgments on consumer credit reports. Despite this, judgments remain public records and can still influence opportunities like loan approvals or employment background checks.

Identifying Judgments and Their Financial Footprint

Understanding your financial standing begins with reviewing your credit reports. You can obtain a free copy weekly from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. While civil judgments are generally no longer displayed in the public records section of these reports, the underlying accounts that led to the judgment, such as collections or charge-offs, will likely still be present.

When reviewing your credit reports, examine sections detailing collection accounts, past-due debts, and any remaining public records entries, especially if the judgment is older. Look for details such as the creditor’s name, the original amount owed, and the date the account was opened or became delinquent. Although the judgment itself may not be listed, the negative payment history associated with it will negatively impact your credit score. For comprehensive insight, you may also need to check public records directly through court websites or a third-party service, as judgments remain publicly accessible. Note down specific details like the court name, case number, filing date, and the judgment amount, as this information is important for any future actions.

Methods for Addressing Judgments

Even if a judgment no longer appears on your credit report, addressing the underlying public record is beneficial. Several methods can help mitigate a judgment’s impact on your financial profile. Each approach requires specific documentation to confirm the judgment’s status or to demonstrate inaccuracies.

Satisfied Judgments

Paying off a judgment does not automatically remove the record from public view or guarantee its removal from older credit reports. Once the debt is fully paid, it becomes a “satisfied judgment,” still visible in public records but indicating the obligation has been met. To reflect this status, obtain a “Satisfaction of Judgment” document from the court where the judgment was filed. This document serves as official proof that the debt is settled and should be kept for your records.

Inaccurate Judgments

Judgments can sometimes appear with inaccuracies or be entirely incorrect. This could occur due to an incorrect amount, mistaken identity, or a judgment paid but not properly recorded as satisfied. You are responsible for providing evidence to demonstrate such errors. Documentation like payment receipts, court records, or proof of identity for mistaken identity cases are essential to support a dispute.

Judgments Past the Reporting Period

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) dictates that most negative information, including judgments if reported, can remain on a credit report for seven years from the filing date. If a judgment is older than this period and still appears on a credit report, dispute it for removal based on its age. While the judgment may still exist as a public record, its removal from a credit report due to age limits can still be pursued.

Vacated Judgments

A vacated judgment means the original court ruling has been legally overturned or set aside. This occurs through a successful appeal or a motion filed with the court, often due to procedural errors or new evidence. If a judgment has been vacated, it provides a strong basis for its removal from public records and any credit reports where it might still appear. The documentation for this method is a certified court order confirming the judgment has been vacated.

Steps to Dispute a Judgment with Credit Bureaus

If you identify an old judgment on your credit report or find inaccurate information, initiating a dispute with the credit bureaus is the next step. This process allows you to formally challenge information you believe is incorrect or should no longer be reported. It is distinct from addressing the public record directly, but it can lead to updates on your credit file.

You can dispute information with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion online, by mail, or by phone. Online disputes are often the fastest, allowing for quick submission and tracking. When disputing by mail, use certified mail with a return receipt to ensure your correspondence is received and tracked.

Clearly state the reason for your dispute. Specify if the judgment is satisfied, inaccurate, past its reporting period, or vacated. Include all supporting documentation gathered, such as a Satisfaction of Judgment, court orders, payment records, or proof of mistaken identity. Keep copies of everything sent, including dispute letters and supporting documents, for your records. Upon receiving your dispute, credit bureaus are required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to investigate the claim within 30 days, extending to 45 days if you provide additional information. During this period, the bureau will contact the entity that furnished the information for verification. You will receive notification of the investigation’s receipt and, once completed, a summary of the results and any changes made to your credit report. If the dispute is unsuccessful and you believe the information is still inaccurate, consider further action, such as submitting a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.