Winning a lawsuit can feel like the finish line—but for many businesses, it’s only the beginning. A court judgment confirms that you’re legally owed money. It does not automatically put cash in your bank account.
At Frisella Law Firm, we regularly hear the same frustrated question from businesses:
“We won the case… so why haven’t we been paid?”
This blog explains what happens after a judgment is entered and, more importantly, how to enforce it so you actually recover your money.
A Judgment Is a Legal Right—Not a Payment
A judgment is the court’s formal declaration that the debtor owes you money. While powerful, a judgment does not compel immediate payment. In many cases, the losing party will delay, avoid, or simply refuse to pay unless further legal action is taken.
That’s where judgment enforcement comes in.
Step One: Understanding Your Judgment
Once a judgment is entered, several key details matter:
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Judgment amount (including interest and court costs)
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State where the judgment was entered
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Duration of the judgment (typically 5–20 years, depending on the state)
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Whether the judgment can be renewed
An experienced collection attorney will review these factors to determine the most effective enforcement strategy.
Step Two: Locating Assets
You can’t collect what you can’t find. One of the first enforcement steps is identifying the debtor’s assets, which may include:
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Bank accounts
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Business revenue
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Accounts receivable
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Real estate
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Equipment or inventory
Attorneys may use post-judgment discovery tools, subpoenas, and asset searches to uncover where the money is.
Step Three: Enforcing the Judgment
Depending on the jurisdiction and available assets, enforcement options may include:
Wage or Revenue Garnishment
If the debtor is a business or employed individual, garnishment may allow funds to be redirected directly to satisfy the judgment.
Bank Account Levies
Once accounts are identified, courts may authorize seizure of funds held in the debtor’s bank accounts.
Liens on Property
A judgment lien can be placed on real estate or business assets, preventing sale or refinancing until the debt is paid.
Turnover Orders & Contempt Proceedings
If a debtor refuses to comply, courts can issue orders requiring asset turnover—or impose penalties for noncompliance.
Step Four: Domesticating Out-of-State Judgments
If your debtor operates in a different state than where the judgment was entered, enforcement requires domestication under the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act (UEFJA).
Frisella Law Firm manages this process nationwide, allowing businesses to enforce judgments across state lines without managing multiple law firms.
Why Businesses Struggle to Collect Judgments
Many businesses stop at the judgment stage because:
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Enforcement laws vary by state
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Asset discovery is complex
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Debtors actively hide or move funds
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Self-enforcement mistakes can delay or invalidate recovery
Without legal guidance, a judgment can expire unused—becoming little more than framed paperwork.
Don’t Let a Judgment Go to Waste
A judgment is a powerful legal tool—but only if it’s enforced properly. If you’ve won a case and haven’t been paid, or if you’re unsure how to proceed, the sooner you act, the better your chances of recovery. Contact us today!