Collecting money as a judgment creditor can be a complicated process, even with a court order. There are many judgment collectors to choose from, and it can be hard to know which one is the best for your needs. In this blog post, we will provide information on how to pick the best judgment collector in 2026.
Judgment collection specialists are professionals who locate and collect unpaid, court-ordered judgments for creditors. These specialists often achieve higher success rates than traditional agencies because they utilize the court system to enforce judgments. Professional recovery rates can reach up to 80%, compared to just 20-30% for internal collection efforts.
Many judgment collection specialists operate on a contingency fee or "no collection, no fee" basis, meaning they are paid only if they successfully recover funds, aligning their success with the creditor's outcomes.
We will discuss the factors you should consider when making your decision and provide tips on finding the right collector for your case. We hope this information will help you make the best decision for yourself or your business.
After the court enters a judgment, the creditor has the legal right to collect the debt.
It’s essential to clearly understand that judgment creditors have many rights before entering into any agreement with a judgment enforcement agency. This way, you can be sure that the company you’re working with is reputable and has your best interests at heart.
A solid judgment collector will always value the rights of the judgment creditor above all else. Many judgment collection specialists are attorneys with the legal authority to engage in asset seizure, wage garnishments, and property liens that standard collection agencies cannot. This means that they will work diligently to collect on the debt and will only agree to terms that are fair and reasonable. They will also act with professionalism and courtesy and provide you with any information you need to make an informed decision about how to proceed.
It is also important to understand the responsibilities of both the judgment creditor and the judgment debtor in the judgment enforcement process. Each party has legal obligations and duties, such as initiating the collection process, complying with court orders, and participating in required legal actions.
One of the most important things that a judgment enforcer understands is that time is money. This is because each day the debt goes unpaid is another day the creditor goes unpaid. In addition, the longer it takes to collect a debt, the more likely the debtor will either move or file for bankruptcy, making collection even harder.
That is why it is so important for judgment enforcers to act quickly and efficiently to maximize their chances of getting paid. The sooner they can pay the debt, the sooner justice will be served. So if you are considering working with a judgment enforcer, make sure you find one who understands the importance of time.
The best judgment collectors believe that nobody is above a money judgment. No matter how much money the losing party has, the collector will find a way to ensure the debtor pays. This is because the collector will not entertain any excuses from the debtor and will use their skills to force the debtor to eventually pay the debt. They will understand that in many cases, it is only a matter of time before the debtor will get tired, give up, and pay.
Debtors may hide assets or change contact information to avoid payment, and judgment collection specialists use advanced databases and forensic accounting to track down the debtor's assets.
A strong collector will also pursue the debtor’s assets, such as bank accounts, property, or a car, if necessary. Judgment collection agencies often conduct thorough investigations to identify the debtor's assets. The collector knows that the sooner the judgment debt is paid, the less likely the debtor is to declare bankruptcy and discharge the debt.
A real estate lien might get you paid if the judgment debtor sells or refinances their property, if there is enough equity in the property, and it does not qualify for exemptions.
A critical step in judgment enforcement is locating the debtor’s assets. Without a clear picture of what the judgment debtor owns, it’s nearly impossible to collect the debt. This is why a thorough investigation is at the heart of every successful judgment collection effort. Experienced firms use advanced technologies, proprietary databases, and a network of skilled investigators to uncover assets such as real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, and other personal property.
By identifying and tracking these assets, the firm can assess the debtor’s ability to pay and develop a targeted collection strategy. Whether the assets are hidden, transferred to other parties, or simply overlooked, a diligent investigation increases the likelihood of recovery. This comprehensive approach ensures that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of satisfying the judgment and securing payment for the creditor.
A professional judgment enforcer with experience in judgment enforcement cases will utilize all available methods to enforce judgments and get the money you are owed. This means they will not rely on a single method but will use various strategies to increase the likelihood of collecting on court orders.
This could include garnishment, asset seizure, judgment debtor exams, or even working directly with the debtor to develop a payment plan. As part of their judgment enforcement services, judgment collection agencies may also negotiate settlements with debtors for reduced amounts or structured payment plans.
By using multiple methods, the collection enforcement agency will increase its success ratio and make it more likely to get the money owed to you. This ensures that you will ultimately get the money that you are owed and can move on from the debt. If you are owed a judgment, make sure to work with a collector willing to use all available methods to get you the money you are owed. Some judgment enforcement services offer to start the collection process without any upfront costs to the client.
The best judgment collectors will utilize real and personal property liens to collect from a judgment debtor. A lien is an encumbrance or legal claim on a debtor's property, whether real estate or personal belongings. When you place a judgment lien on someone’s property, you prevent the debtor from selling or refinancing the property without first paying off the money judgment that the debtor owes you.
A judgment lien can be filed to enforce the judgment debt and remains in effect for 10 years.
If the debtor does not pay the judgment, the lien will remain on the debtor’s property as a cloud on title. The lien also creates a security interest if the judgment debtor declares bankruptcy. Liens are a powerful tool for collecting on a judgment, as they can be used to secure your position and ensure you ultimately receive your money. In certain circumstances, you may leverage your judgment lien to conduct a levy and force the sale of a debtor’s property.
A garnishment is a powerful tool for collecting a court judgment. Federal law allows the collector to attach a debtor's wages to pay a debt up to 25% over the federal minimum wage. This is a compelling collection method for enforcing the judgment entered against someone who is employed and receives regular paychecks. Some states do not allow wage garnishment, so it is important for the collector to clearly understand the laws of the jurisdiction where the debtor works or resides.
To garnish a debtor's wages, the collector must obtain a garnishment order from the court (this may be called a Writ of Garnishment, Writ of Wage Execution, Writ of Attachment, or Earnings Withholdings Order, depending on the jurisdiction). This order authorizes the collector to garnish the debtor's wages.
The collector then serves the garnishment order on the debtor's employer. The employer must withhold a portion of the debtor's wages and send it to the collector. The amount that can be withheld depends on the debtor's income and the laws of the state in which the debtor resides. Debtors are entitled to claim exemptions from wage garnishment depending on their financial circumstances and the local laws governing the enforcement of judgments.
The garnishment process can be a powerful tool for collecting a judgment, but it should be used carefully. The collector must ensure that the garnishment order is served on the correct employer and that the right amount is withheld from the debtor's wages. If the collector does not follow the proper procedures or does not properly oppose a debtor's claim of exemption or objection to garnishment, the wage garnishment may be overturned, and the debtor's wages may be released.
A creditor can request a “Writ of Execution” or other court order authorizing the Sheriff to levy upon (seize) the debtor’s assets, including cash, to satisfy the unpaid judgment debt. A judgment collection company can use a Writ of Execution to capture funds in the debtor’s bank accounts. The Writ is typically delivered to the Debtor’s bank by the Sheriff’s Department or another authorized individual (Registered Process Server).
If the debtor has the full amount of the judgment in their bank account, the creditor may be able to satisfy the debt in one fell swoop! Additionally, the judgment creditor can request that the court issue an order to freeze the judgment debtor's accounts at their financial institution until the judgment is satisfied.
An aggressive judgment collector will utilize the sale of personal property to collect from a judgment debtor. This is especially useful if the debtor has high-value items that can be sold to satisfy the debt, such as inventory or goods in a business, vehicles, expensive artwork or collectibles, boats, aircraft, and even jewelry. A creditor must know the location of the assets and provide the Sheriff with a description of the items/assets to be seized.
The collector can request that the court issue a Writ of Execution authorizing the Sheriff to take control of the debtor's personal property and conduct a public auction, called a Sheriff's sale.
The advantage of using this method is that it can generate a large sum of money quickly, which can be used to pay off the debt. Additionally, it puts pressure on the debtor to either pay the debt or have their possessions sold.
This is the nuclear option of judgment recovery. In situations where the judgment is sizeable, a collection company may decide to levy and sell the debtor's real property. The levy and sale of real property at a Sheriff's sale are complex procedures that are both time-consuming and expensive. However, if the debtor's property is owned free and clear or has substantial equity, it may be the best option to “convince” the debtor to pay up, because they risk losing their property if they continue to evade payment.
Subpoenas are a powerful tool that law enforcement agencies can use to collect judgments. Subpoenas can compel third parties to produce records and documents. Documents that may be requested through a subpoena include bank account records, financial statements, tax records, and employment records. These records can help identify assets and income streams that can be seized/levied to satisfy the judgment. An aggressive and experienced judgment collector will regularly use subpoenas to their full advantage to gain any information or documents necessary to collect the judgment.
A judgment enforcement specialist can also obtain a court order requiring the judgment debtor to appear for a debtor’s examination (deposition). The judge has the authority to order the debtor to appear and oversee the examination process. A debtor’s exam is a court proceeding, usually recorded by a court reporter, in which the judgment debtor is questioned about his or her assets and ability to pay the judgment.
The purpose of a judgment debtor’s exam is to gather the information that can be used to collect on the judgment. The creditor also has the right to subpoena documents from the debtor, which the debtor must bring to the examination proceeding. The debtor can be held in contempt of court for failure to appear at a Judgment Debtor’s Exam, or “Order to Appear for Examination” as it is called in California.
Additionally, a court-appointed receiver may collect unpaid money judgments and is authorized by the judge to seize non-exempt assets from the judgment debtor to pay the judgment creditor.
When a court enters judgment, the creditor has the right to send written questions (interrogatories) and document requests to the judgment debtor. The scope of post-judgment discovery requests is generally quite broad, as long as the information sought is relevant to uncovering the income and assets of the judgment debtor that can be used to satisfy the judgment.
Common questions include “Where do you work?” “Do you own a business?” and “Do you maintain a checking account?” Refusal to cooperate with post-judgment discovery requests can lead to some sticky consequences for the debtor. The Court may order the debtor to cooperate with the discovery and answer all the discovery requests without objections, upon the motion of the creditor.
From there, the Court may impose monetary sanctions or find the debtor in contempt of court if the debtor continues to refuse to comply with the court's orders. This can be a complicated and lengthy procedure, but it may also put significant pressure on the debtor to pay what the court determined they owe.
Utilizing veil piercing to collect from a judgment debtor is an effective way for judgment collection agencies to get the money owed. Veil piercing is a legal doctrine that allows a court to hold a person or company liable for the acts of another if there is a close relationship between them.
This can be used when the judgment debtor is a shareholder in a corporation or a partner in a partnership. For a veil piercing to be successful, the judgment collector must show that the relationship between the judgment debtor and the person or company is so close that it would be unfair to allow the judgment debtor to use the corporate veil to avoid liability. Effectively, a corporation cannot be used to shield the debtor from liability if it is being used as the debtor's personal “piggy bank”.
If you have been awarded a judgment and the debtor refuses to pay, you may consider using veil piercing to collect payment on the money owed. A judgment enforcement agency can help you determine if this legal doctrine applies to your case and can be a viable option to enforce your judgment.
A sound judgment collector will utilize the pursuit of third parties to collect from a judgment debtor. This means the collector will attempt to locate and contact individuals or businesses that may owe the debtor money, seize those assets, and apply them to the outstanding debt. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but it is often necessary to collect on a judgment.
Our office is staffed with the most aggressive and successful debt collection specialists available anywhere.
Financial institutions play a pivotal role in the judgment collection process. When a judgment creditor seeks to enforce a judgment, banks and other financial institutions can be required by court order to freeze or turn over funds from the judgment debtor’s bank accounts. A judgment collection lawyer will often request that a financial institution comply with a writ of execution or similar court directive to ensure that the debtor’s funds are used to satisfy the debt.
Compliance with the financial institution is not optional—failure to comply with a court order can result in liability for the institution itself. With extensive experience in working with banks and credit unions, a professional judgment enforcement firm knows how to navigate these procedures efficiently, ensuring that clients receive the payments they are owed.
By understanding the legal requirements and maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions, the firm maximizes the chances of collecting funds quickly and effectively.
While aggressive enforcement methods are sometimes necessary, negotiation and settlement strategies can often resolve judgment collection cases more quickly and cost-effectively. A skilled judgment collection lawyer can engage with the debtor to negotiate a payment plan or a lump sum settlement, aiming to reach an agreement that satisfies the judgment without the need for prolonged litigation.
These strategies are especially valuable when time is of the essence or when the debtor’s financial situation is complex. With extensive experience in negotiation and mediation, a reputable firm can secure favorable outcomes for clients, ensuring that debts are collected while minimizing additional legal expenses and delays. By prioritizing open communication and creative solutions, the firm helps clients achieve their collection goals efficiently, allowing them to move forward with confidence.
Reputation is everything in business, and the best debt collection enforcers are no different. These individuals and companies have an excellent reputation for efficiently and effectively collecting judgments. Their reputations have been earned through years of experience and success in the field.
If you are looking for someone to collect on a judgment, it is essential to research the various options available to you. Doing your research will help ensure you work with a reputable, experienced individual or company. The last thing you want is to entrust your case to someone who does not have a good track record in the industry.
When researching a potential judgment enforcement agency, you should always check out their business on review sites like Yelp or Google. This will give you an idea of what other people have thought about working with them. A legitimate judgment enforcer will have an excellent reputation – so if you see many positive reviews, you can be pretty confident that you're making a good choice.
On the other hand, if you see many negative reviews, it's probably best to steer clear. After all, you don't want to work with someone known for being difficult or unprofessional.
Take some time to read reviews before you make your final decision. It could be the best way to ensure you work with a reputable, reliable judgment collector.
Final Verdict Solutions knows your rights and your options when it comes to post-judgment collection.
Judgment collection enforcers are professionals who help people get the money that they are owed. To be successful in their job, they need to have a solid success rate. Approximately 80% of court-ordered payments remain unpaid due to debtor evasion or insolvency, making it crucial to work with experienced specialists who can overcome these challenges. This means they need to collect a large percentage of the judgments they take on.
There are a few different things that these debt collectors can do to increase their success rate. First, they must be very knowledgeable about the law and the collection process, including when enforcement actions must be taken in federal court or in a specific district, such as the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
They should also have a good working relationship with the court system, including bankruptcy court, and understand the court's or a court-appointed receiver's power to enforce judgments, seize assets, and conduct post-judgment actions. Finally, they need to be very persistent in their enforcement processes and cannot be collectors who give up.
If you are considering hiring a judgment collector, make sure you choose someone with a solid success rate. To avoid common judgment collection mistakes, this will increase your chances of getting the money that you are owed.
An experienced judgment collector should have plenty of success stories in different collections. Why? Because every case is different, a seasoned pro will have a deep understanding of the many variables at play in each one.
This understanding comes from years of experience dealing with people, businesses, and situations. And it's this depth of knowledge that allows a good judgment collector to maximize the chances of success in every case.
So, if you're looking for an individual or agency to enforce a court judgment, ask about their success stories. It's the best way to understand their judgment, experience, and expertise.
Our nationwide judgment collection agency can help you jumpstart the collections process by becoming the appointed receiver and filing an “abstract of judgment” in the county clerk's office where the judgment debtor owns certain kinds of property.
If you're looking for a judgment collector in 2026 that will help you recoup what you're owed, consider one that values your rights as a creditor, understands the importance of time, and has a solid reputation.
Additionally, choosing a collector willing to leverage all judgment collection enforcement methods – including real property and personal property liens, wage garnishment, subpoenas, veil piercings, sale of personal property, the pursuit of third parties, etc. – to get you the best possible outcome.
At Final Verdict Solutions, we have an excellent track record in collecting judgments, and we would be happy to help you with your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can enforce your judgment.
