I have a judgement against me from AMEX They have garnished my bank account and I'm afraid that my paycheck is next. I want to

Yiou are long overdue to see an attorney. Do NOT talk with the creditor/collector and see a lawyer Monday. A creditor that has already gone after your bank account and pay has little reason to settle unless you can offer them more money faster. The fact you do not understand understand "charge off" should show you that you need a lawyer (charge off is a derogtory term on your report that basically skewers you credit score and tells others not to lend you money). You are likely way past settlement (the best time for that was before you got sued and then garnisheed), but even if you do there are positive and negative consequences. Likely you may need to bankrupt, and your lawyer will also weigh other options.

You should expect they will soon garnish your paycheck and they may have already started the process. What do you mean "end of it?" If you settle, the terms of the settlement control. The default, write-off and judgment will all likely be reflected on your credit report, and when you pay it off that should also be reflected.

Quit talking with anyone other than your own lawyer about this. If you don't have one, look on here through its Find A Lawyer feature for a bankruptcy attorney. They are usually best at giving advice on this sort of thing.