Resolving a judgment on credit report....?

I recently got a copy of my Equifax credit report and was surprised to see a judgment on there for $3000. I am responsible for the debt (violation of lease or "unlawful detainer" per the case record), but didnt know it was filed.

The judgment was filed in 11/07, but the date on my credit report is 4/08. Its been on there at least a year.

I am thinking of calling up the Plaintiff (property management place) and telling them that I am reaching out in an effort to settle the debt before I file bankruptcy because of all the judgments I have against me. My hopes are that I can reduce the amount by offering $2000 or so to settle.....Also, I'd like to add the clause that they must remove the judgment from my credit report.

Having the judgment removed from my credit report is my main concern. I didn't know the judgment was even on there and they didn't contact me (because they didnt have my new address and I have an out of state license.)

So, is it possible for the Plaintiff to have the judgment removed from my credit report after negotiated settlement?

Thanks for any help I can get!

 

Also, if it makes any difference, there are three people as defendants on the judgment including me. I am not the primary defendant.

View Case Detail
Case Title: ABC PROPERTIES INC VS. "PERSON A"
Case Number: 37-2007-XXXXXXXX-CL-UD-CTL Case Location: Cali
Case Type: Civil Date Filed: 11/19/2007
Category: CL-UDR Unlawful Detainer - Residential

Plaintiff/Petitioner
Last Name or Business Name First Name Primary (P)
ABC PROPERTIES INC - PRIMARY

Defendant/Respondent
Last Name or Business Name First Name Primary (P)
"PERSON A" - PRIMARY
"PERSON B"
"BILLY JOE" (me)
----------------------------------------------------------------
ON CREDIT REPORT:
Judgment
Type: Judgment
Date Filed: 04/2008
Case Number: 2007000XXXXXX
Court Number/Name:
Court Address: San Diego, CA

Plaintiff: ABC PROPERTIES INC
Defendant: BILLY JOE
Amount: $3,086
Status:
Date Reported: N/A
Satisfied Date:
Verified Date:
Comments:

 

That's what I want to know. I don't know if the amount on my credit report is the total amount for the case filed or if it is one third of the amount. I don't want to pay it if it clears all three defendants, I just want it off MY report.

 

I suppose I can contact them, but would rather find out from either the court or the property management place. I had a fallout with the Primary defendant though and I know he has no intentions of paying it. Person B might though...

PS I noticed where your from....Im from Driggs

 

Wow, we pretty much swapped places.

I know the primary defendent doesn't give two craps about his credit and wouldnt have any intentions of paying it.

Can I negotiate with them to remove it off MINE and leave the rest up to him or are we in this together? (hopefully not)

If I pay the judgement amount on my credit report, how bad does it still look?