Young

The novel issue on this appeal is whether a judgment debtor at his judgment debtor’s examination can refuse to answer questions related to settlement negotiations that occurred after the judgment.

On November 7, 1984, a judgment was entered against Michael L. Keele and Michael L. Keele Enterprises, Inc. (collectively Keele) for $484,000. The judgment was in favor of Harry S. Young, Jai H. Young, Harold Singh, Benita I. Singh, Syed A. Ali and Anita A. Ali (judgment creditors). Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 708.110, subdivision (a) judgment creditors set for hearing a judgment debtor’s examination. After numerous postponements and motions, the examination of Keele commenced on January 22, 1986. The examination was continued to February 6, 1986. Between January 22 and February 6 the parties engaged in settlement negotiations. They tentatively reached an agreement under which Keele was obligated to make a total payment of $370,000 to judgment creditors payable $25,000 concurrently with the execution of the agreement and $25,000 by February 20, 1986, and the balance in 16 consecutive quarterly payments. Shortly before February 6, 1986, Keele reneged on the…