Updated 05/14/25
Winning a lawsuit in California is a big win for any landlord or creditor, but it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get paid. In fact, collecting a judgment in California is often more challenging than the lawsuit itself. The courts won’t do the collection work for you, so it’s up to you to understand the post-judgment process and take the right steps to recover what you’re owed. Whether your tenant skipped out on rent or you won a small claims case, this guide will help you navigate judgment collection in California for 2025 and beyond.
This article is designed to explain everything landlords and creditors need to know about collecting a judgment in California. We’ll cover the legal tools available to you, when to hire a collection agency, how to enforce a lien, and even whether selling your judgment might be the right move. With laws changing and enforcement becoming more technical, this updated guide will help you take the right action.
Too Long Didn’t Read (TL;DR): Collecting a judgment in California in 2025 requires knowledge, timing, and persistence. You can recover the money yourself using legal tools like wage garnishments, bank levies, and liens, or hire a judgment collection agency to do the work. Selling your judgment is another option for fast cash but comes with a discount. Understanding California’s post-judgment collection strategies, lien process, and enforcement laws is essential to recovering what you’re owed.
Table of Contents
- How to Collect a Judgment in California: 2025 Overview
- What Assets Can Be Collected From a Debtor?
- Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Help Judgment Collection
- When to Hire a California Judgment Collection Agency
- Should You Sell Your Judgment? Pros and Cons
- Using Wage Garnishment and Bank Levies to Enforce Judgments
- Understanding Liens: Real and Personal Property
- Conducting a Debtor’s Examination in California
- How Much Does It Cost to Collect a Judgment?
- Tips for Choosing the Right Judgment Buyer or Collection Agency
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Collect a Judgment in California: 2025 Overview
The process of collecting a judgment in California has several moving parts. Once you win your case and the court enters a judgment, the next step is enforcement. California law allows creditors to pursue multiple legal tools to collect money from the debtor. However, none of these methods are automatic, and every action must comply with specific procedures and timelines.
You can pursue the debtor’s assets directly, hire a judgment collection agency in California, or sell your judgment. Each option has pros and cons, and your approach should reflect how much time, money, and effort you’re willing to invest.
Remember, judgments in California are valid for 10 years, but they must be renewed before expiration to remain enforceable. That makes calendar tracking just as important as legal action.
What Assets Can Be Collected From a Debtor?
To collect successfully, you need to know what assets the debtor has. You can collect from employment income, bank accounts, vehicles, real estate, and even business income. The debtor doesn’t have to pay voluntarily, so you’ll need to locate their assets and then legally enforce your judgment.
Debtors often attempt to hide assets or transfer them to others. It’s critical to act quickly and use available public records, skip-tracing tools, or asset search services. In some cases, it may be necessary to subpoena financial records or conduct a formal debtor’s examination.
California law also protects certain assets from collection, including basic household goods, a portion of wages, and some retirement accounts. Understanding what you can and cannot take is key to making smart enforcement decisions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Help Judgment Collection
Self-help means you act on your own to enforce the judgment using legal tools. Start by sending a demand letter. This often prompts payment, especially if it highlights interest accrual and negative credit impacts. If the debtor doesn’t respond, you can move forward with wage garnishment, bank levies, and liens.
You must first get a Writ of Execution from the court, which gives you authority to pursue collection. Then, depending on your chosen method, you’ll coordinate with the sheriff’s office or another official to carry out the enforcement. Always follow California judgment enforcement methods precisely to avoid legal challenges.
If you’re collecting a small claims judgment in California, the same tools apply, but you may face more difficulty due to the debtor’s lack of assets or income. Still, persistence and patience can pay off.
When to Hire a California Judgment Collection Agency
If you don’t have the time or resources to chase down payments, hiring a judgment collection agency in California may be your best move. These agencies specialize in tracking down debtors, locating assets, and using aggressive legal tactics to enforce judgments.
Most agencies work on a contingency basis, taking between 30% and 50% of what they collect. This arrangement reduces your upfront cost but also your final payout. Make sure the agency is licensed and complies with both federal and California debt collection laws.
We can help collect for you! Contact us today for more information!
Should You Sell Your Judgment? Pros and Cons
Selling your judgment is an easy way to get cash upfront, especially if the debtor is difficult to locate or has limited assets. Judgment buyers in California offer a lump-sum payment and take over all collection efforts. You won’t receive the full value, but you’ll also avoid the risk and time investment of enforcement.
Always compare offers from multiple buyers, check for licensing, and understand that selling means giving up all future rights to the judgment. This strategy may be ideal for landlords who want to move on quickly.
Using Wage Garnishment and Bank Levies to Enforce Judgments
Two of the most effective tools in California judgment enforcement are wage garnishment and bank levies. With wage garnishment, a portion of the debtor’s paycheck is redirected to you through their employer. Bank levies allow you to freeze and collect funds directly from the debtor’s account.
Both require a Writ of Execution and must follow strict notice procedures. In 2025, updated wage garnishment limits in California may affect how much you can recover, so review current laws before filing.
Understanding Liens: Real and Personal Property
Placing a lien is one of the smartest long-term strategies. File an Abstract of Judgment with the county recorder to attach a lien to the debtor’s real estate. This prevents them from selling or refinancing the property without paying you first.
You can also place a lien on personal property such as vehicles or equipment. While this doesn’t result in immediate payment, it gives you legal leverage. Timing matters—record liens before the debtor transfers or hides assets.
Conducting a Debtor’s Examination in California
If you don’t know what assets the debtor has, request a debtor’s examination. This court-ordered hearing requires the debtor to appear and answer questions under oath about their income, bank accounts, property, and employment.
Debtor’s examinations can be powerful but also time-consuming. Some debtors simply don’t show up. If they fail to appear, you can request a bench warrant. Still, the process requires patience and close attention to California court procedures.
How Much Does It Cost to Collect a Judgment?
Costs vary widely depending on your method. Self-help enforcement typically involves filing fees, sheriff’s fees, and occasional attorney assistance. Collection agencies charge a percentage of what they recover. Selling your judgment gives you immediate money but usually at a steep discount.
Always weigh the value of your judgment against the time and money needed to collect. Remember, California judgment collection laws allow you to add interest and certain costs to the judgment total.
Tips for Choosing the Right Judgment Buyer or Collection Agency
If you decide to hire help, do your homework. Research the agency or buyer’s track record, licensing status, and client reviews. Some agencies specialize in landlord or small claims judgments, which can improve results.
Ask about their recovery rate, how they communicate progress, and what fees they charge. Be cautious of any service demanding upfront fees or refusing to provide references.
Transparency, reputation, and collection strategy matter. The right partner can make the difference between getting paid and walking away empty-handed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I have to collect a judgment in California?
You have 10 years from the date of the judgment, but you can renew it for another 10 years before it expires.
Can I collect a judgment from someone who moved out of state?
Yes, but you’ll need to “domesticate” the judgment in their new state. This requires legal steps and time.
What happens if the debtor files for bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy can pause or eliminate your ability to collect. Some debts survive bankruptcy, but you’ll need legal guidance.
Is it worth hiring a collection agency?
It can be. If you don’t have time or the debtor is difficult to pursue, a judgment collection agency may be your best option.
Can I collect on a small claims judgment in California?
Yes, and you can use the same enforcement tools: wage garnishments, bank levies, and property liens.
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Learn how to collect a judgment in California in 2025 with this updated guide for landlords and creditors. Explore legal strategies, agency options, and lien enforcement tools.
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Won a court case but still haven’t been paid? This 2025 guide for California landlords and creditors explains how to collect a judgment using legal tools, agencies, and smart strategies.
