Won Your Case? Here's How to Actually Collect the Money
Winning a judgment is only half the battle. Learn about wage garnishment, bank levies, property liens, and other tools to collect what you're owed.
The Hard Truth About Judgments
You won your case. Congratulations. Now comes the part nobody tells you about: winning a judgment doesn't mean you automatically get paid.
The court orders the defendant to pay you, but it doesn't write you a check. Collecting is on you. Here's how to do it.
Step 1: Wait for the Appeal Period
Most states give the losing party 30 days to appeal. Don't start collection efforts until this period expires. If they appeal, the process pauses.
Step 2: Ask Them to Pay Voluntarily
Send a letter (or use CollectNow) demanding payment of the judgment amount plus any accrued interest and costs. Some people pay once they realize a judgment is on their record.
Step 3: Find Their Assets
If they won't pay voluntarily, you need to find their money. Most states allow a Debtor's Examination — you can subpoena the debtor to court and ask them under oath:
They're legally required to answer truthfully.
Wage Garnishment
How it works: You file a Writ of Garnishment with the court. The court orders the debtor's employer to withhold a portion of each paycheck and send it to you.
Federal limits: Up to 25% of disposable earnings can be garnished. Some states have lower limits.
Who it works for: Any debtor with a regular W-2 job.
Limitations: Self-employed people and 1099 contractors are harder to garnish.
Bank Levy
How it works: You obtain a Writ of Execution from the court and serve it on the debtor's bank. The bank freezes the account and turns over funds up to the judgment amount.
How to find their bank:
Limitations: Some funds are exempt (Social Security, disability, etc.).
Property Lien
How it works: You record the judgment with the county recorder's office where the debtor owns property. This places a lien on their real estate. They can't sell or refinance without paying you first.
Why it's powerful: Even if collection takes years, the lien stays on the property. When they eventually sell, you get paid from the proceeds.
Cost: Usually $10-50 to record.
Vehicle Lien
Similar to property liens. In some states, you can place a lien on the debtor's vehicle through the DMV.
Interest on Judgments
Most states allow you to charge interest on unpaid judgments. Rates vary from 4% to 12% per year. This means the longer they wait to pay, the more they owe.
How Long Is a Judgment Good For?
Judgments typically last 10-20 years and can be renewed. Time is on your side.
When to Use a Collection Agency
If you've exhausted self-help options, consider hiring a collection agency. They typically charge 25-50% of what they collect. It's expensive, but 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing.