Judgement Collection 101: What It Is and How It Works in California
Winning a lawsuit in California is just the first step toward getting paid—collecting on a judgment is often the bigger challenge. Judgment collection in California means turning the court’s order to pay you into actual money in your hands, and the state provides specific methods and rules for doing so. More about it: https://www.evannscollectionlaw.com/
A judgement is a final court order saying one side owes money to another. If you are awarded money as the judgement creditor, it becomes your responsibility to collect. The court does not collect the money for you, but it gives you legal tools to help.
The process usually begins with trying to get the debtor (the person who owes you money) to pay you voluntarily. If they do not pay, California law allows you to use several enforcement options:
- Wage garnishment directs part of the debtor’s paycheck to you.
- A bank levy lets you collect money from the debtor’s bank account.
- Placing a lien on property can prevent the debtor from selling real estate or other valuable assets without paying you first.
To start many of these actions, you need to obtain a Writ of Execution from the court. This document authorizes the sheriff or levying officer to take action, such as freezing a bank account or collecting wages.
Before you can use these tools, you may need information about the debtor’s income, place of employment, or assets. If you do not have this information, you can request a court date (often called a debtor’s examination) where the debtor must answer questions about their finances and property.
Timing is also important. In small claims cases, there is usually a 30-day waiting period after judgement before you can begin enforcement, giving the debtor time to file an appeal or motion to vacate the judgement.
California judgements accrue interest at a legal rate—currently 10% per year for most types, or 5% for certain government cases—so the amount owed can grow if left unpaid.
Keep records of every action you take, any money collected, and your attempts to communicate with the debtor. If you are paid in full, you are required to let the court know, usually by filing an Acknowledgment and Satisfaction of Judgement.
Be persistent: California judgements are valid for 10 years and can be renewed for another 10 years if you follow the proper procedures.
Judgement collection in California can be complex and often requires patience, detailed paperwork, and an understanding of the legal process—but with the right approach, it is possible to turn a court judgement into real payment.
