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If you can't pay a judgment

If you can’t pay what the court says you owe or can’t pay all the money right away, a few things will happen. The money you owe may increase. It can go on your credit report. But, you have some options.

If you don't pay, what you owe can increase

As long as the money is unpaid, it gathers interest at 5% or 10% per year (for example, if 10% interest, $1,000 owed becomes $1,100 after a year, $2,000 at 10 years). The sooner it is paid, the less interest you will have to pay. Any money the other side spends trying to collect the money can be added to what you owe.

The judgment will probably show up on your credit report.

This will hurt you if you’re trying to buy something on credit or even rent a place to live.

You may be judgment proof if you have little income or money. There are laws that limit what income or assets a creditor can and cannot take from you to pay off a judgment. If you do not have anything the law allows a creditor to take, you may be judgment proof.

Options if you can't pay

Sometimes the other side is willing to accept less money if you pay right away. Collecting money from your pay or bank takes a lot of time and effort. If they don't have to do that, they may be willing to take less money. If there are local agencies that help people mediate, they may be able to help you come to an agreement.

If you work something out, make sure everything you agreed about is in writing. Include:

When the payments are due
How often you’ll pay
If, how much, and when interest will be added
Where you should send the payments
What kind of payment is OK (check or online payment, for example)
Who you should make the payments to

Keep detailed records and proof of all your payments, especially if you pay with cash.

In Limited Civil cases (cases for $25,000 or less), if the other side will not agree to a payment plan, you can ask the judge to order a payment plan.

You'll need to file a written request (a motion) to do this. This is complicated and most people need assistance from a legal expert to do it correctly. Contact your local legal aid, county law library, or court's Self-Help Center to see if they help.

The other side may get another court date to ask about what you own and where you work

The other side may have a judge order you to come to answer questions about your property, work, and any bank accounts you have (called a Debtor's Examination). They can also add to what you owe any fees or costs associated with getting the court date.

Learn about debtor's examinations

The other side may try to collect money from you

The other side may ask the court to order that the money you owe comes out of your paycheck (called wage garnishment) or bank accounts (a bank levy). These are the most common ways they may try to collect.

Put a lien on any property you own. A lien makes it so you usually have to pay what you owe before you can sell or refinance your property.
Have the sheriff take money from the register of any business you own
Put a hold on your driver’s license
Put a hold on your professional license
Get a court order to have things you own sold to pay them
Get an order that the Sheriff can come to your business and take money from customers as they pay you

There are more ways. Get legal help to understand your rights.

There are ways to stop or limit the amount that's taken if you have little money or income

If they do try to collect from your paycheck or bank account, you may be able to stop or limit the amounts taken. The next sections have information about your options if the other side does try to garnish your wages or take money from your bank account.

Bankruptcy is a process in federal court that helps people who owe money get relief from debts they cannot pay.

The Bankruptcy Guide has information about what bankruptcy is and where you can get legal help.

Bankruptcy Guide

If you do pay, the other side needs to let the court know

The person you owe money to must file an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment (form EJ-100) within 14 days of being paid. This is like a receipt of payment and lets the court know you paid the debt.

1. Send the other side a letter by certified mail with return receipt requested. In the letter, ask them to file an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment right away. Let them know if they don't file it within 14 days of being paid, you can sue them for $50 plus any damage this caused.
2. If they still won't file one, ask the court to enter one. You can file a written statement (a declaration) with the court stating that you paid. Attach any proof that you paid. Your court may have a form you can use for this.

Make sure any liens are cleared and update your credit report. Get certified copies of the Acknowledgment and send them to the credit reporting agencies and any place the creditor recorded a lien (if they did it would be listed in Form EJ-100).

Judgment collection

What's next?

If money is being taken from your bank account or your paycheck, there may be things you can do to stop or limit what's taken.