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[barraq]

My friend had a $4k credit card that never paid for, was served and did not show up to court, now his bank account was frozen and owes 18k, will he be protected under bankruptcy laws for that debt if filed?

[caffar]

Sure....filing for Chapter 7 will stop wage garnishment...
Your friend learned a very bitter lesson about why it's important to show up in court.

I'd frankly be a bit concerned how a $4K bill ended up being judgment of $18K...I realize that not showing up in court can subject you to big add on fees....but this is ridiculous.

[ricki]

Consumer debt judgments can be included in bankruptcy. But your friend better act fast. If the creditor has alread attached the bank account, they will be able to take all the funds before the bankruptcy filing can stop them.

[barnett]

He can try but bankruptcy usually doesn't happen for that amount. Courts prefer people pay their debts. As the other posters have said, bankruptcy does not mean you don't have to pay, it is just a legal way to settle, he should expect to pay some part of it.