How to Collect on a Judgment

Posted Friday, February 22, 2013 by Pivotal Law Group

After you obtain a judgment against someone in court, what can you do to collect on that judgment? There are many different ways to collect on a judgment. Under certain circumstances, you can have the court issue an order to seize and sell the property of the judgment debtor. You can also initiate a legal proceeding against the judgment debtor called “garnishment.” Garnishment is the legal process of reaching the judgment debtor’s property when it is in the hands of a third party (ex. Banks, escrow companies). Some of the properties that may be reached through garnishment are: earnings, bank accounts, third party accounts and certain trusts. Most recently, the Supreme Court of Washington held that an officer’s state law enforcement officers’ and firefighters (LEOFF) retirement system pension could be garnished once the pension funds are distributed to his/her personal bank account. Accordingly, a judgment creditor’s remedies are broad. If you need assistance in collecting on a judgment, give the attorneys at Pivotal Law Group, PLLC a call.

For more information, contact Pivotal Law Group at 206-340-2008.