Obtaining a judgment is not an easy process. Nor is it cheap. What’s more, the process doesn’t end the moment the court awards you one. This is because while it’s the court’s job to determine whether the opposing party owes you the money you say it does, its responsibilities stop short of seeing that you actually get paid.
If you’re lucky, the opposing party will honor the judgment voluntarily. If not, it’s up to you to take the necessary action to compel payment. And while some attorneys are equally adept at litigating the case to a judgment as they are collecting on it, many are not.
Collection requires a good deal of detective work. Steps include: finding assets, issuing wage and bank garnishments, putting judgment liens on real property, executing on personal property, and other actions. All of this must be done quickly and without telegraphing your next move to the opposing party. Fail to do so and as the client, you will find yourself with thousands more in attorney fees without anything to show for it—a maddening outcome for a case meant to recoup money.
Play it safe. Hire an attorney with experience collecting judgments through a variety of means. He or she will have the tools and knowledge necessary to see that you get what you’re owed. Don’t let all that time and money spent on obtaining the judgment go to waste by not collecting on it. Only then will you experience the closure and reimbursement you deserve.
For a free consultation, call me.
