Enforcing a Small Claims Judgment and Getting Paid
Winning a case in small claims court is an important victory — but many people are surprised to learn that the court does not collect the money for you. A small claims judgment is legally enforceable, but enforcement is entirely the responsibility of the winning party.
That’s where judgment enforcement comes in.
What Is a Small Claims Judgment?
A small claims judgment is the final decision issued by a small claims court after hearing a dispute involving a relatively small amount of money. While the dollar limit varies by jurisdiction, small claims courts are designed to resolve disputes quickly and without attorneys representing the parties.
A small claims judgment:
- Declares who won the case
- Specifies the amount owed
- May include court costs or fees
- Is legally enforceable once issued
Why Small Claims Judgments Often Go Unpaid
Many judgment debtors assume small claims judgments will not be enforced. Common issues include:
- Debtors ignoring the judgment
- Debtors moving or changing jobs
- Creditors not knowing enforcement options
- Confusion about wage garnishment or bank levies
Without active enforcement, small claims judgments frequently sit unpaid for years.
How We Help Enforce Small Claims Judgments
We assist with the enforcement process by:
- Locating debtors who have moved
- Identifying employment and income sources
- Investigating bank accounts and assets
- Coordinating wage garnishments and bank levies
- Filing and monitoring property liens where applicable
Even small claims judgments can result in meaningful recovery when enforced properly.
Free Small Claims Judgment Review
If you won a small claims case but haven’t been paid, your judgment may still be collectible.
Contact us for a free analysis of your small claims judgment.