Winning a lawsuit is a major victory, but it’s only half the battle—especially when it comes to collecting the money you’re owed. Many plaintiffs assume that once a judge awards a judgment in their favor, payment will soon follow. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. In reality, collecting on a judgment can be a complex, time-consuming process that often requires legal expertise.
If you’ve recently won a case and are wondering what happens next, this post will walk you through what to expect and how a judgment collection attorney can help you actually recover what you’re owed.
Step 1: Understand the Judgment
Once the court rules in your favor, a judgment is entered. This judgment is a formal declaration by the court that the defendant (also called the debtor) owes you a specific amount of money. It may include not only the principal debt but also court costs, attorney’s fees, and interest.
However, the court does not collect the money for you—it’s your responsibility to pursue the debtor and enforce the judgment.
Step 2: Wait Out the Appeal Period
In most jurisdictions, the debtor has a limited window to appeal the judgment—usually 30 days. During this time, you may not be able to start enforcement efforts. If the debtor files an appeal, the collection process may be delayed until the case is resolved in the appellate court.
If no appeal is filed, the judgment becomes final, and you can begin enforcement.
Step 3: Determine the Debtor’s Ability to Pay
Before you begin collection efforts, it’s crucial to assess the debtor’s financial situation. Do they have a job? Own real estate? Have money in the bank? If not, trying to collect may be fruitless—at least for now.
A skilled judgment collection attorney can help with asset searches, skip tracing, and financial investigations to locate any income or property that can be seized.
Step 4: Use Legal Tools to Enforce the Judgment
Once you’ve identified assets, you can begin using legal mechanisms to collect. These may include:
1. Wage Garnishment
If the debtor is employed, you can request a court order to garnish a portion of their wages until the debt is paid.
2. Bank Levies
If you know where the debtor banks, you may be able to freeze and seize funds in their accounts.
3. Property Liens
In many states, you can place a lien on the debtor’s real estate. If they try to sell or refinance, your judgment must be satisfied first.
4. Seizure of Personal Property
In rare cases, you can request a court order to seize and sell personal property such as vehicles or equipment.
Step 5: Monitor and Renew the Judgment
Most judgments are valid for a set period—often 5 to 10 years, depending on the state. However, they can usually be renewed before they expire, which gives you more time to collect. Interest continues to accrue during this period, increasing the total amount owed.
Even if a debtor is currently “judgment proof” (meaning they have no assets or income that can be collected), that may change over time. A good attorney will help you monitor the debtor’s financial situation and strike when the time is right.
Why DIY Collection Often Fails
Many creditors attempt to collect on their own, only to become frustrated with the legal hurdles, paperwork, and evasive debtors. Without legal training, it’s easy to miss deadlines, file the wrong forms, or violate collection laws—mistakes that can cost you time and money.
A judgment collection attorney knows the system inside and out. We understand the laws in your jurisdiction, have access to investigative tools, and can apply pressure through the courts that individual creditors simply can’t.
Don’t Let Your Judgment Go Uncollected
Winning your case in court is a victory, but enforcing that judgment is where the real challenge begins. Whether you’re dealing with an evasive debtor, complex assets, or simply don’t have the time to pursue collections yourself, a judgment collection attorney can make all the difference.
If you’ve been awarded a judgment and want to take the next steps toward recovering what you’re owed, we’re here to help. Contact our office today for a consultation and let’s turn your court victory into real results. We recommend Judgement Collection Attorney.
