Two Paths to Judgment Collection
After obtaining a judgment, you have two primary enforcement mechanisms: wage garnishment (requiring an employment search) and asset seizure/bank levy (requiring an asset search). The best approach often uses both.
Understanding the strengths of each search helps you develop the most effective collection strategy for your specific case.
Employment Search for Wage Garnishment
An employment search identifies the debtor's current employer, allowing you to file for wage garnishment. This creates a steady stream of payments deducted directly from the debtor's paycheck, providing consistent recovery over time.
Wage garnishment is often the most reliable enforcement method because it doesn't require the debtor's cooperation and continues automatically until the judgment is satisfied.
Asset Search for Lump-Sum Recovery
An asset search reveals bank accounts, real property, vehicles, and other assets that can be targeted through bank levies, property liens, and seizure orders. This can result in larger, faster recoveries compared to the gradual pace of wage garnishment.
For the most effective judgment enforcement, we recommend ordering both an employment search and an asset search, then pursuing whichever enforcement mechanism — or combination — is most likely to result in full recovery.
| Feature | Employment Search | Asset Search |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcement Method | Wage garnishment | Bank levy, property lien |
| Recovery Type | Ongoing payments | Lump sum potential |
| Speed | Steady over time | Can be faster |
| Reliability | Very reliable if employed | Depends on asset liquidity |
| Best For | Employed debtors | Debtors with property/accounts |