Clayton County calendar: several debt-collection summary judgments granted; courts advise pro se defendants on steps

On Feb. 11 Judge Tammy Long Hayward disposed of multiple consumer-debt matters on the civil calendar, granting judgments where plaintiffs showed admissions or lack of response to discovery and advising pro se defendants on options for post-judgment communications and payment plans.

- Huntington Debt Holding v. Shelton Foreman: Plaintiff moved for summary judgment on requests for admissions after the defendant did not respond; Daniel Green sought $11,965.41 in principal plus court costs. The court found the defendant's pro se answers did not raise a genuine issue of material fact and directed entry of judgment and costs.

- LVNV Funding v. Charity Grant: Plaintiff moved for summary judgment based on deemed admissions and an answer that admitted the loan; counsel asked for $17,915.69 plus $320.89 in costs and the court granted the motion and directed entry of judgment.

- Wells Fargo Bank v. Quayshawn Ivy: After counsel sought summary judgment for an outstanding balance, the judge granted the motion for $6,918.13 plus court costs and attorney fees listed in the motion and directed the plaintiff to provide the defendant contact information to discuss payment arrangements.

Across these matters the judge emphasized that defendants who lack money or documentation should still respond in discovery or file answers; failing to respond to requests for admissions can lead courts to deem the statements admitted and to enter judgment as a matter of course. In several matters the court urged defendants to contact the plaintiff's collectors to arrange payment plans post-judgment and suggested local resources (State Bar referral, clerk's office) for defendants seeking counsel or case files.