If you win your small claims case, the court may order the defendant to pay you money. The court may also order the defendant to pay your court costs.
If the defendant does not pay the judgment voluntarily, you can take steps to enforce the judgment. This may include:
- Garnishment: Garnishment is a process where the court orders the defendant’s employer or bank to pay you money directly from their paycheck or account.
- Seizure of property: The court can order the seizure of the defendant’s property, such as their car, house, or bank account. The property can then be sold to pay you the judgment amount.
If you are having trouble enforcing your judgment, you can contact the court office for assistance.
Here are some tips for collecting your judgment:
- Be patient. It may take some time to collect your judgment.
- Be persistent. Don’t give up on collecting your judgment.
- Be organized. Keep track of all of your communications with the defendant and the court.
- Be professional. Be respectful to the defendant and the court.
- If you are able to, try to reach a settlement with the defendant before taking steps to enforce the judgment. This can save you time and money.
- If you are unable to reach a settlement with the defendant, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to help you enforce the judgment.
- If you are hiring a lawyer, make sure that you have a clear understanding of their fees and how they will be paid.
Winning a small claims case can be a rewarding experience. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges that you may face when trying to collect your judgment. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of collecting your judgment and getting the money that you are owed.
If you have any questions about collecting your judgment, you can contact the court office for assistance.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.