Schenevus, NY Bankruptcy Law Firms & Lawyers

You cannot place a lien on that person's property unless they consent to it. The homeowner would have to sign a trust deed over to you in order for you to obtain a lien on their property.

Whether your car would be liquidated in the Bankruptcy depends on the exemptions that would apply. When Kansas exemptions apply a vehicle worth up to $20,000 can be protected. Other states, such as Missouri at $3,000, have much less protection. If you've moved states within the last 2 years you'll probably want an attorney to assess what exemptions apply. Even in the situation where there is unprotected equity there are some reasonable options such as paying the equity yourself over approximately 6-12 months or paying the equity in a Chapter 13 plan over the course of 3-5 years. Finally, although you didn't mention whether the vehicle is still being paid on or otherwise has lien, it would have to be paid off even if filing Bankruptcy or the car could be taken.

It would seem that you have little choice if you already are seeing judgments come in.  If, as you say, you knew nothing of the action that produced the judgment, you might want to consider an order to show cause to vacate the judgment.  Further you mention that you own the apartment and owe rent.  Is it a condo, a co-op, or what?  That coould all make a difference regarding the effect of the judgment.