Protecting the Rights of Consumers For Over 25 Years

Question: If I have a civil judgment that has been completely paid off but still on my credit report, how can I get this removed?

Answer: If it is an Illinois judgment, you have the right to file a motion in the court which entered it attaching proof that it was paid/ satisfied, and requesting that the judgment be vacated and the case dismissed. Once the judgment is vacated, write to the credit bureaus enclosing a copy of the order vacating it and request that the judgment be removed from your credit report. They have 30 days to comply.

This does not affect the “tradeline” for the debt on which the judgment is based, which will show as a paid collection item until the 7/ 7.5 year limit on credit reporting expires.