Judgments & Debt Collection

A creditor who obtains a judgment against you is the "judgment creditor." You are the "judgment debtor" in the case. A judgment lasts for 12 years and the plaintiff can renew the judgment for another 12 years.

What actions can the judgment creditor take to collect?

If you do not pay the judgment or work out arrangements to pay, the judgment creditor may take the following actions:

Collect Information | Lien on Property | Garnishment of Wages

Garnishment of Bank Account | Tell the Court that the Debt is Paid

Collect Information

If the court enters a money judgment against you, the plaintiff can request information from you about your employment, assets, debts, income and expenses.

• You may receive the form, Judgment Debtor Information Sheet (CC-DC-CV-114) from the judgment creditor. If you do not respond in time, you may have to answer Interrogatories (written questions answered under penalty of perjury), appear in court to answer the questions (Oral Examination), or both.

• Complete the entire information sheet and return it to the judgment creditor (plaintiff) along with the documents listed on the form. Send the information sheet to the plaintiff no later than 30 days after it was mailed or delivered. DO NOT SEND THE FORM TO THE COURT.

• If you do complete the form and send it back within 30 days, you won't have to answer Interrogatories or appear for an Oral Examination for at least one (1) year from the entry of the judgment, unless the court orders otherwise for a good reason.

• If you receive a summons from the court and do not appear, the court may issue a body attachment and it may lead to your arrest.

Read your court forms carefully and use the resources listed on this page.

Lien on Property

• What is a lien (pronounces "LEEN")? A lien is a lawful claim against property that guarantees payment of a debt. If the debt isn't paid, the creditor may be able to seize the property. The creditor may also be able to sell the property to satisfy all or part of the debt.

• A judgment for money is a lien for the amount of the judgment and post-judgment interest.