‘Mormon Wives’ star Miranda McWhorter’s $12,849 credit card mistake. Here’s how to avoid the same trap

Miranda McWhorter may appear to live a glossy life on the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, but a recent court ruling shows how quickly everyday financial problems can escalate.

According to Us Weekly, McWhorter 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. (1)

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.

McWhorter’s case is a textbook example of a common but costly mistake: hoping a debt lawsuit will disappear on its own.

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 McWhorter’s case.

According to Pew, debt collection lawsuits in the U.S. have surged back to pre-pandemic levels, reaching up to 4.7 million cases per year.

Research shows that many consumers fail to respond, making default judgments extremely common. (2) Once a judgment is entered, negotiating becomes more difficult and costly.

McWhorter’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. (3)

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

One Reddit user said they were “freaking out” (4) and didn’t know where to turn after being sued over a five-figure credit card balance — a reaction many consumers experience when served with legal papers.

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McWhorter’s legal trouble comes as credit card debt climbs nationwide. U.S. credit card balances are up roughly 5.75% from a year ago, according to CNBC reporting based on Federal Reserve data (5), driven by inflation and rising interest rates.

Meanwhile, Mormon Wives has become a breakout hit, with season three, which premiered Nov. 13, drawing ratings that rival some of the biggest Kardashian seasons and generating widespread social media buzz.

This contrast between McWhorter’s celebrity success alongside ordinary debt problems highlights how common financial stress is and how quickly it can spiral when ignored.

McWhorter’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.

Communicate early. Creditors may agree to payment plans or settlements before a case escalates.

Consider consolidation. Rolling high-interest balances into a lower-rate debt consolidation loan can reduce monthly payments and prevent accounts from becoming delinquent.

Know when to ask for help. If debt is unmanageable, a bankruptcy attorney or nonprofit credit counselor can clarify your options.

The most important lesson: open the mail, respond on time, and seek help before the court gets involved.

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

Us Weekly (1; Pew (2); New York Times (3); Reddit (4); CNBC (5).

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.