‘Mormon Wives’ star Miranda Hope has filed for divorce. But her $12,849 court judgment had nothing to do with her marriage

According to Us Weekly, Hope did not respond to a lawsuit filed by Discover Bank in September 2024 over an unpaid credit card balance. As a result, a Utah court entered a default judgment ordering her to pay $12,849.

Consumer protection experts warn that ignoring debt collection lawsuits often leads to default judgments, which can allow creditors to pursue wage garnishment, bank account levies or property liens, depending on state law.

Hope’s case is a textbook example of a common but costly mistake. Unlike a divorce, where costs often hinge on two people and a negotiation, this kind of case can turn on a single missed deadline.

A broader trend fueled by technology

When a creditor sues over unpaid credit card debt, the clock starts ticking. If the defendant fails to respond by the court deadline — usually a few weeks — a default judgment can be entered automatically. This appears to have happened in Hope’s case.

According to Pew, debt collection lawsuits in the U.S. have surged back to pre-pandemic levels, reaching over 4.7 million cases per year. Ironically, Utah is “on track to surpass their most recent peak” of debt filings, Pew says.

Research shows that many consumers fail to respond, making default judgments extremely common. Once a judgment is entered, negotiating becomes more difficult and costly.

Hope’s case also reflects a growing trend of aggressive debt collection.

The New York Times reports that creditors are increasingly using AI and automation to identify overdue accounts and file lawsuits at scale, making it faster and cheaper to take consumers to court.

For consumers, this means lawsuits can arrive more quickly, sometimes with little warning — especially when balances are sold to third-party debt buyers.

Why this matters

Hope’s legal trouble came as credit card debt continues to climb nationwide. U.S. credit card debt has reached $1.29 trillion, according to CNBC reporting based on Federal Reserve data, driven by inflation and rising interest rates.

Meanwhile, “Mormon Wives” has become a breakout hit, generating widespread social media buzz. This contrast between Hope’s celebrity success alongside ordinary debt problems highlights how common financial stress is and how quickly it can spiral when ignored.

What you should do instead

Hope’s $12,849 judgment isn’t just celebrity gossip — it’s a warning. Credit card debt doesn’t disappear, and lawsuits can move quickly.

If you’re struggling with high debt or tight budgets, here are several key lessons:

Never ignore a lawsuit. Even if you can’t pay, responding preserves your rights and may prevent an automatic judgment.