How to remove a paid judgment from credit

[az_r2d1]

Around 2003 my ex wife decided not to pay her hoa fees on her home. My name was still on the mortgage and a judgment was filed against her... and me. I didn't even know about this until I pulled my credit report later.

After a few heated discussions she did pay the judgment in full.
It's still on my credit report and I'd like to get rid of it. It's the only bad apple on my credit report since I have always been very responsible with credit.

What do I do now ? Do I send the bureau in question a validation letter ? Anyone have an example ? I probably need to apply for a mortgage in about a year and want it gone.
thanks

[chane]

Originally Posted by az_r2d1

Around 2003 my ex wife decided not to pay her hoa fees on her home. My name was still on the mortgage and a judgment was filed against her... and me. I didn't even know about this until I pulled my credit report later.
After a few heated discussions she did pay the judgment in full.
It's still on my credit report and I'd like to get rid of it. It's the only bad apple on my credit report since I have always been very responsible with credit.
What do I do now ? Do I send the bureau in question a validation letter ? Anyone have an example ? I probably need to apply for a mortgage in about a year and want it gone.
thanks

You should send the CRAs a verification letter, not a validation letter. A validation letter is for collection agencies.

There are some good examples here:

Sample Dispute Letters

[scorch]

Hello.

I actually read on another forum that public records can be difficult to remove because Experian and I think TU also, cross reference with another CRA called Lexis/Nexis.

See, What happens when they are supposed to verify a public Record is, they have to actually go down to the courthouse and pay a fee for the records. But what has been happening lately is EX and TU look at Lexis/Nexis or maybe even Innovis as well. If they are reporting the public record, then it's verified to them. I'm not completely sure now. Nonetheless you could be safe if you receive your Lexis/Nexis and Innovis reports and make sure you are clean with them as well.

Just write them a letter demanding your free annual credit report and treat it like a normal credit report when disputing verifying etc.

Lexis/Nexis

Welcome to LexisNexis

LexisNexis Consumer Access Program
Attn: Consumer Inquiry Department
P.O. Box 810004
Boca Raton, FL 33481

Innovis

1-800-540-2505

Innovis
Attn: Consumer Assistance
P.O. Box 1358
Columbus, OH 43216-1358

[az_r2d1]

Thanks for the tips, people.
I will start out by requesting my credit report from those 2 first.
What if the judgment is on the report(s) ?

Anyways, I pulled my free credit reports today. Turns out the judgment is on all 3. It was filed in 02, paid off in 05. It does say it will drop off my report in Oct 09, so I wonder how much of a negative effect it will have if I need a mortgage in a year. It would only be a few months away from dropping. Should I even bother ?

[scorch]

Originally Posted by az_r2d1

Thanks for the tips, people.
I will start out by requesting my credit report from those 2 first.
What if the judgment is on the report(s) ?

Anyways, I pulled my free credit reports today. Turns out the judgment is on all 3. It was filed in 02, paid off in 05. It does say it will drop off my report in Oct 09, so I wonder how much of a negative effect it will have if I need a mortgage in a year. It would only be a few months away from dropping. Should I even bother ?

If they are on those 2 reports, you should probably do as Chane said and send each of them a verification letter.

Since you are looking for a mortgage, at least your lone baddie is not a collection Account still trying to collect on the debt.

You know, I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to try to improve your credit and get a lower interest rate now instead of later.

Good luck!