How to Collect a Judgment

Enforcement is on hold until the appeal period ends, so wait at least 30 days after notice of entry. The court doesn't collect for you.

The defendant must pay right away or on terms the judge sets. Ask your court when you can start collecting, because the rules we read don't settle it for small claims.

• A debtor's exam, to find out what they have
• Wage garnishment and bank levy, which start with a Writ of Execution
• A lien on real estate, by recording an Abstract of Judgment

Garnishment is capped at the lesser of 20% of disposable earnings or a formula tied to minimum wage.

• A Writ of Execution
• A Writ of Garnishment, for wages or bank accounts
• An Abstract of Judgment recorded with the county recorder
• A motion to examine the debtor

A wage garnishment runs for 180 days or until paid. It's capped at the lesser of 18% or 25% of disposable earnings, by income, or a formula tied to the federal minimum wage.

10 years, renewable. Consumer debt judgments under certain amounts can be renewed only once, for five years. Interest is 10% a year, or 5% on those consumer judgments.

Once it's paid in full, the winner must file form SC-290 within 14 days.

6 years unless renewed. File an Affidavit of Renewal within the 90 days before it expires, and mail a copy to the debtor by certified mail within 3 days. Interest is prime plus 2% unless another rate applies.