Leo Baker 
Winning a lawsuit and securing a judgment is a significant legal victory—but it’s only half the battle. A court judgment confirms that you’re legally owed money, but it doesn’t automatically result in payment. Many creditors are surprised to learn that enforcing and collecting on a judgment requires its own legal strategy. If you’ve just won a judgment, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do next to turn your court win into actual dollars.
Step 1: Obtain and Record the Judgment
Once the court has issued a final judgment in your favor, make sure you obtain a certified copy from the court clerk. In many jurisdictions, you may also need to “record” the judgment with the county recorder’s office, especially if you’re pursuing property liens. Recording the judgment puts the debtor—and others—on notice that the debt is legally enforceable.
If the debtor owns real property in that county, recording the judgment can create a lien against it, which may prevent them from selling or refinancing until the judgment is satisfied.
Step 2: Understand the Terms of the Judgment
Judgments can include more than just the amount awarded. Review the document carefully to understand:
- The principal amount awarded
- Any interest (and the applicable interest rate)
- Court costs or attorney’s fees
- Payment deadlines, if specified
Knowing exactly what you’re entitled to collect helps avoid confusion or miscalculations later.
Step 3: Wait for Voluntary Payment (But Not Too Long)
Some debtors may pay voluntarily after judgment is entered, particularly if they want to avoid further legal action or damage to their credit. Courts often allow a short grace period (e.g., 30 days) for voluntary payment.
However, if this doesn’t happen, don’t wait indefinitely. Judgments are enforceable for a set period—often 10 years—but acting quickly increases your chances of recovery.
Step 4: Locate the Debtor’s Assets
To collect on a judgment, you need to know where the debtor’s assets are. This may include:
- Bank accounts
- Employer information (for wage garnishment)
- Real estate holdings
- Vehicles
- Business income or accounts receivable
If this information isn’t readily available, you can initiate post-judgment discovery—a legal process that allows you to request documents, interrogatories, or even take depositions to uncover the debtor’s financial picture.
Step 5: Use Enforcement Tools
If the debtor refuses to pay, state law offers several powerful tools to help enforce the judgment. These include:
Wage Garnishment
This allows you to take a portion of the debtor’s paycheck directly from their employer. Most states limit garnishment to a certain percentage of disposable income.
Bank Levies
You can ask the court to issue a writ of execution to freeze and seize funds from the debtor’s bank account. Timing is critical here, as accounts can be emptied quickly.
Property Liens
Placing a lien on real estate can prevent the debtor from selling or refinancing until the judgment is paid. In some cases, you may also be able to force a sale of the property to satisfy the debt.
Turnover Orders
In some jurisdictions, courts can issue orders requiring debtors to turn over specific property—like vehicles, equipment, or other valuables—for liquidation.
Step 6: Renew the Judgment (If Necessary)
Most judgments are enforceable for a fixed number of years but can usually be renewed before they expire. For example, in many states, a judgment is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for another 10-year period. Missing the renewal deadline could mean losing your legal right to collect.
Set a reminder or calendar alert well before the expiration date so you have time to act.
Step 7: Keep Records and Track Payments
As you begin collecting, keep detailed records of all communication, payments received, and enforcement actions taken. Not only is this important for your own tracking, but courts may also require accounting if disputes arise.
If partial payments are made, apply them appropriately (e.g., toward interest first, then principal), depending on your jurisdiction’s rules.
Step 8: Consider Hiring a Judgment Collection Attorney
Collecting a judgment can be time-consuming, and debtors often go to great lengths to shield assets. If your efforts aren’t working, or if the amount owed is substantial, working with a judgment collection attorney can increase your chances of success.
An experienced attorney has access to legal tools, databases, and court procedures that the average creditor may not. They can also handle post-judgment litigation, asset tracing, and aggressive enforcement where needed.
Final Thoughts
Winning a judgment is a legal validation of your claim—but collecting on it requires persistence, strategy, and often legal assistance. By following these steps, you can improve your chances of turning that judgment into the compensation you’re owed.
If your judgment remains unpaid or if you’re unsure how to proceed, it’s never too early to consult with a professional who specializes in judgment enforcement. Time is often your most valuable asset—don’t let it slip away. We recommend Judgement Collection Attorney.
