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Winning a lawsuit is a significant achievement—but what happens when the person or business that owes you money refuses to pay, even after the court rules in your favor? Unfortunately, securing a legal judgment is only half the battle. Collecting on that judgment is often an entirely different challenge—and that’s where a judgment collection attorney comes in.
In this blog, we’ll explain what a judgment collection attorney does, when you should consider hiring one, and how they can help turn your legal victory into real-world results.
What Is a Judgment?
A judgment is a court’s official decision in a lawsuit. In civil cases involving money—such as unpaid loans, contract disputes, or unpaid invoices—a judgment may include a monetary award from the losing party (the debtor) to the winning party (the creditor or judgment holder).
Once a judgment is entered by the court, it becomes legally enforceable. However, just because you have a judgment doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get paid.
Why Winning in Court Isn’t Always Enough
Many people assume that once they win their case and get a court judgment, the debtor will pay. But in reality, many debtors:
- Ignore the court’s order
- Claim they can’t pay
- Hide or transfer assets
- Quit their job or work under the table
- File bankruptcy to avoid payment
In these situations, trying to enforce a judgment without legal help can be frustrating, time-consuming, and ultimately fruitless.
What Does a Judgment Collection Attorney Do?
A judgment collection attorney is a lawyer who specializes in the legal process of enforcing and collecting court-awarded judgments. Their goal is to ensure that you receive the money you are legally owed.
Here are some of the ways they help:
1. Locate the Debtor and Their Assets
Many debtors try to hide their money or make themselves hard to find. Collection attorneys use tools like:
- Skip tracing to locate people who have moved or gone off the grid
- Asset searches to find bank accounts, property, or other valuables
- Post-judgment discovery to legally demand financial records
2. Use Legal Tools to Force Payment
If the debtor won’t pay voluntarily, your attorney can request enforcement actions such as:
- Wage garnishment – taking a portion of the debtor’s paycheck
- Bank levies – freezing and withdrawing funds from the debtor’s bank account
- Liens – placing a claim on the debtor’s home or other property
- Seizing assets – with court approval, physical property can be seized and sold
3. Navigate Legal and Procedural Requirements
Every state has specific laws and time limits regarding judgment enforcement. A judgment collection lawyer ensures compliance with:
- State collection statutes
- Notification requirements
- Debtor protection laws (so your case isn’t dismissed or delayed)
When Should You Hire a Judgment Collection Attorney?
You should consider hiring a collection lawyer if:
- The debtor is avoiding you or ignoring your attempts to collect
- You’ve tried sending letters, calling, or negotiating with no success
- The amount owed is significant enough to justify legal collection efforts
- You suspect the debtor is hiding assets or income
- You’re unsure how to enforce the judgment on your own
In many cases, the sooner you get a professional involved, the better your chances of recovering the full amount owed.
Can’t I Just Use a Collection Agency?
Collection agencies may work for small consumer debts, but they usually lack the legal authority and tools that a judgment collection attorney has. A licensed attorney can:
- File motions in court
- Subpoena financial records
- Represent you in post-judgment hearings
- Enforce judgments across state lines
For larger debts or more complex cases, an attorney is often a more effective and professional solution.
What If the Debtor Claims They Can’t Pay?
A judgment doesn’t disappear just because someone says they’re broke. Your attorney can:
- Challenge fraudulent transfers or hidden assets
- Monitor the debtor’s financial status over time
- Renew the judgment before it expires (in many states, judgments are valid for 10–20 years, with renewal options)
Even if the debtor can’t pay immediately, having a lien or wage garnishment in place can help you collect later.
Conclusion
Winning a lawsuit is just the beginning. If the other party refuses to pay, hiring a judgment collection attorney may be the smartest move you can make. With the right legal support, you can enforce your judgment, recover the money you’re owed, and finally close the book on a long legal battle.
If you’re struggling to collect on a court judgment, don’t go it alone. Contact a skilled judgment collection attorney to explore your legal options and start the enforcement process today. We recommend Judgement Collection Attorney.
