1. Does the court collect the judgment for me?
No.
Many people assume that once they win in court, the court will collect the money for them — but that’s not how the system works. The judge decides the case; the creditor is responsible for recovering the money.
Judgment enforcement is an entirely separate process that requires:
- Debtor location
- Asset investigation
- Filing enforcement paperwork
- Coordinating with the sheriff
- Monitoring long-term compliance
Without enforcement, most judgments go unpaid.
2. Why hasn’t the debtor paid me yet?
Several reasons are common:
- They ignore the judgment
- They moved or left the state
- They changed jobs
- They closed accounts
- They don’t understand the legal consequences
- They believe you won’t pursue them
- They’re hiding income or assets
This is extremely common — not a reflection of your case.
With the right enforcement methods, recovery is often still possible.
3. My attorney won the case. Why didn’t they collect the judgment?
Most attorneys focus on litigation, not recovery.
Enforcement involves investigative work, tracking debtors, coordinating garnishments, filing liens, and long-term monitoring — tasks most law firms are not structured for.
This is why many clients turn to judgment enforcement specialists after their case is won.
4. What if the debtor moved or is out of state?
Debtors frequently relocate to avoid payment.
We use advanced skip tracing tools to identify:
- New addresses
- Employers
- Phones
- Vehicles
- Business affiliations
- Banking indicators
If you have a California judgment, we can often enforce it even if the debtor is now living elsewhere, or help coordinate enforcement where legally permitted.
5. What if the debtor hides assets or works under the table?
Debtors often try to appear “unrecoverable,” but that rarely holds up with proper investigation.
We look for:
- Bank activity
- Employment records
- Business ownership
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Transfers to friends or family
- Signs of hidden income
Even debtors who claim to have nothing often have collectible assets.
6. How long is my judgment valid?
In California, a civil judgment is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for another 10, repeatedly if needed.
This means many “old” judgments are still fully enforceable — sometimes decades after they were awarded.
7. What does it cost to enforce a judgment?
Most cases qualify for no upfront costs.
We advance enforcement-related expenses and recover them only if funds are collected.
If we do not collect, you owe nothing.
This makes enforcement accessible without financial risk.
8. How does wage garnishment work?
If the debtor is employed, a portion of their paycheck can be legally withheld and applied to your judgment.
The garnishment continues until:
- The judgment is paid in full
- The debtor changes employment
- The employer stops complying
Wage garnishments are one of the most reliable recovery methods.
9. How does a bank levy work?
A bank levy allows funds in the debtor’s account to be frozen and seized through the Sheriff after proper legal steps.
If the debtor maintains active accounts, this can result in a lump-sum recovery.
10. What is a debtor examination?
A debtor examination is a court-ordered hearing where the debtor must:
- Appear in court
- Answer financial questions under oath
- Provide documentation of assets, employment, and income
If they fail to appear, the court may escalate the matter.
A debtor examination is a powerful tool for identifying hidden assets.
11. What types of judgments do you enforce?
We enforce most California civil judgments, including:
- Small claims judgments
- Limited and unlimited civil judgments
- Landlord–tenant (unlawful detainer) judgments
- Commercial and business judgments
- Fraud-related judgments
- Out-of-state (“foreign”) judgments filed in California
If you have a judgment, we can review it for free.
12. What if the debtor is unemployed?
Alternative enforcement options may still be available:
- Property liens
- Bank levies
- Asset seizure
- Business income investigation
- Long-term monitoring until employment resumes
Unemployment does not automatically prevent collection.
13. Can you enforce out-of-state judgments?
Yes.
If you have a judgment from another state, we can help bring it into California under the Sister State Judgment Act, then enforce it once properly recognized.
14. How long does judgment enforcement take?
Every case is different.
Some recoveries happen quickly (days or weeks).
Others take months or involve long-term monitoring until assets appear.
Factors include:
- Employment status
- Banking activity
- Asset availability
- Debtor cooperation
- Whether the debtor moves
We stay on the case as long as needed.
15. Why do so many people give up on judgment collection?
Most creditors:
- Don’t know their enforcement rights
- Don’t realize the court won’t help
- Believe the debtor is uncollectible
- Are intimidated by legal paperwork
- Assume the judgment expired
The truth:
Many judgments are recoverable with the right enforcement strategy — even older ones.
16. Is my judgment too old to enforce?
Probably not.
California judgments can be renewed repeatedly.
17. Are you attorneys?
No.
We are judgment enforcement specialists.
We do not provide legal advice or legal representation.
If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney.
Legal Notice
We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. If you require legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney.