A judgment means the court decided you are owed money, but the court does not collect it for you. You usually have to take steps to enforce it.
Start with information
Find out what the debtor owns and earns. Many states let you ask the court to order the debtor to answer questions about assets, called a debtor's examination.
Common collection tools
- Wage garnishment, subject to federal and state limits.
- Bank account levy.
- A lien on real estate, which can be paid when the property is sold or refinanced.
- Seizure of non-exempt personal property.
- Business assets in some cases.
Limits and exemptions
Many assets are exempt, including certain benefits, part of wages, and a portion of home equity depending on state law. Collection can be slow or impossible if the debtor has little income.
Practical steps
- Record the judgment where required, such as the county recorder for a property lien.
- Request the specific enforcement order from the court clerk.
- Keep the judgment active, since many judgments expire or need renewal.
- Consider negotiating a payment plan.
- Hire a collection attorney or agency if the amount justifies it.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a judgment good for?
It varies by state and may be renewable.
Can I collect interest?
Often yes. Post-judgment interest rates are set by law.