Winning a judgment in court can feel like the end of a long, exhausting battle. But for many people, the moment of victory becomes the beginning of a new frustration: actually getting paid. In fact, it’s estimated that over $1 billion in court judgments go unpaid every year in the United States.
Why does this happen? And more importantly, what can judgment creditors do about it?
1. Debtors Move or Disappear
The number one reason judgments go uncollected is simple: the debtor vanishes. They move, change jobs, switch phone numbers, or leave the state entirely. Traditional systems aren’t built to track them.
What helps:
Professional skip tracing, employer searches, and asset discovery.
2. Most People Don’t Know Their Enforcement Options
Many judgment creditors believe once they win the case, someone else handles collection. Unfortunately, courts don’t recover judgments for you, and most attorneys do not offer long-term enforcement services.
What helps:
Working with professionals who specialize exclusively in judgment enforcement and who know how to navigate post-judgment procedures.
3. Debtors Hide Income & Assets
Some judgment debtors hide money in informal jobs, family-owned businesses, or alternate accounts. Others title vehicles or property under someone else’s name.
What helps:
Thorough, lawful investigations into employment, banking activity, assets, and ownership records.
4. Judgment Enforcement Takes Time
Court orders, liens, levies, garnishments, and examinations all require persistence and follow-up. The enforcement process can take weeks, months, or in some cases, years.
What helps:
A dedicated enforcement office that stays on the case until it’s resolved.
5. Many People Give Up
The biggest tragedy is how many people abandon their right to be paid. After months or years of dealing with a court battle, most judgment holders simply run out of energy.
The solution:
Partner with enforcement specialists who take the burden off your shoulders.
With no upfront costs and no risk to you, the right enforcement strategy can turn a piece of paper into real financial recovery.
If you have an unpaid judgment, don’t let it sit.
The sooner enforcement begins, the sooner recovery becomes possible.
Leave a Reply