New Mexico sets rules to launch pandemic debt collection

By MORGAN LEE
Associated Press

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s court system is taking steps to ease financial upheaval as the state braces for a wave of foreclosures on delinquent mortgage loans and the state phases out a moratorium on commercial debt collection orders often tied to credit cards or health care. New Mexico’s state court system is taking steps to ease financial pain as consumer debt comes due along with consequences for mortgages that went unpaid during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Administrative Office of the Courts says it will stagger deadlines for a return to debt collection orders that can be used to garnish wages or seize property to pay off consumer debt.