Reply #78: If the bank is presented [View All]

with a garnishment order or such, we HAVE to release the funds. We can't give up account info (number, balance, history, etc) but if they try to pull a certain amount and it's there, they get it. It's a legal ordeal. It's not like a company can just go to a bank and demand funds from a mutual customer's account.
Like Laura said, they were served with a summons and didn't respond. Those things aren't always clear with their instructions. Even if they'd responded and set up a plan to pay a dollar a month, the company couldn't have done this (at least that's how most medical bills work where I'm at; my aunt and uncle went through that type of situation). The lack of response is what forced the company to the next step in the legal scheme of things.
It's not right, it's not fair, and it never happens to people who deserve it, but that's the way it is.
I can see it from both sides. Think of the company. To them, Laura isn't a family member (like we on DU think of her). She's a customer that didn't pay a debt that was owed. They did what they could, legally, to collect the funds owed to them. While it's practically 100% unlikely they'd go bankrupt without her money, what if they excused everyone's debt to avoid putting them in a hardship. That's the bummer about owing money any time to any one.

On the other hand, Laura, I'm so sorry for all that's happening! All my best wishes are with you that you'll be strong and that things will start looking better soon. There's never a good time for trouble like this, but this must be the absolute worst. Please let me know if there's any thing I can do to help. I don't have much but I'll help any way I can. Best of luck to you and many hugs!

Edit to add, if a payment was made by check, the bank info would be easily obtained from it. Otherwise, there are other ways to find out through legal matters just like a credit report lists any outstanding debts with different places/companies.