When collecting on judgments, brokerage accounts are often overlooked assets that can provide significant recovery. Unlike retirement accounts, most brokerage accounts are not exempt from collection.
Why Brokerage Accounts Matter
Many judgment debtors who claim to have no assets actually have investment accounts. These may include:
Non-Exempt Status
Unlike 401(k)s and IRAs, regular brokerage accounts are generally not protected from creditors. They can be levied to satisfy judgments.
What We Search
Our brokerage account searches cover:
Collection Process
Once brokerage accounts are identified, creditors can typically:
1. Serve a levy on the brokerage
2. Freeze the account
3. Liquidate securities to satisfy the judgment
Legal Considerations
Brokerage account searches require proper permissible purpose. We ensure all searches comply with applicable regulations.
