Winning a lawsuit and receiving a judgment should be a turning point—but for many creditors, it’s only the beginning of a new set of frustrations. Judgment collection is a legal process that requires precision, patience, and strategy. Unfortunately, many creditors unknowingly make costly mistakes that delay or completely derail their efforts to recover what they’re owed.
In this blog, we’ll highlight the top five mistakes creditors make when trying to collect a judgment, and how working with an experienced judgment collection attorney can help you avoid them.
1. Waiting Too Long to Enforce the Judgment
One of the most common mistakes is assuming you have unlimited time to collect a judgment. In reality, judgments have expiration dates—known as the statute of limitations—which vary by state. In many states, a judgment is valid for 7–10 years but can be renewed before it expires.
Why it’s a problem:
- If you wait too long and fail to renew, the judgment becomes unenforceable.
- Debtors may use the delay to hide or dissipate assets.
How to avoid it:
Act promptly. As soon as you obtain the judgment, begin the enforcement process or consult a collection attorney to assess your options and keep track of key deadlines.
2. Failing to Locate the Debtor’s Assets
Trying to collect without knowing what the debtor owns is like trying to fish without bait. Debtors often move, change jobs, or hide assets to avoid payment.
Why it’s a problem:
- Wasting time and money targeting the wrong bank accounts or garnishing an old employer.
- Missing valuable assets that could have satisfied the judgment.
How to avoid it:
Use asset searches, skip tracing, and post-judgment discovery tools to uncover financial details. A judgment collection attorney can issue subpoenas, depose the debtor, or hire investigators to help find hidden or protected assets.
3. Attempting Illegal or Aggressive Tactics
Frustrated creditors may take matters into their own hands—calling the debtor repeatedly, threatening them, or posting about them online. While it’s understandable to want your money, overstepping legal boundaries can backfire.
Why it’s a problem:
- Violating debt collection laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) can result in lawsuits against you.
- Harassment may damage your credibility and harm your case in court.
How to avoid it:
Let a professional handle communication. Attorneys are held to high ethical standards and know how to apply legal pressure without crossing the line.
4. Using a General Lawyer Instead of a Judgment Collection Specialist
Not all lawyers are created equal. A general practitioner or even a trial attorney may not have the specific tools, knowledge, or resources to collect on a judgment effectively.
Why it’s a problem:
- Delayed results due to lack of enforcement experience.
- Missed opportunities for garnishment, liens, levies, or contempt actions.
How to avoid it:
Hire a judgment collection attorney who focuses specifically on enforcement and debt recovery. These specialists know how to work within the legal system to turn judgments into payment efficiently.
5. Giving Up Too Soon
Perhaps the most damaging mistake is simply giving up. Some creditors stop pursuing the debt after a few months of resistance from the debtor or failed collection attempts.
Why it’s a problem:
- Debtors count on you giving up. If they sense you’re not serious, they’re unlikely to pay.
- Over time, interest continues to accrue—your judgment may be worth more later.
How to avoid it:
Stay persistent. Even if the debtor is currently judgment-proof (meaning they lack the means to pay), circumstances change. A professional can monitor their financial situation over time and strike when conditions are right.
Bonus Tip: Consider Judgment Recovery as a Long-Term Strategy
Judgment collection is rarely instant. It’s often a multi-phase process that requires ongoing effort and legal precision. But with the right approach—and the right legal help—it can lead to full or partial recovery.
Conclusion
Collecting on a judgment is not just about persistence—it’s about using the right legal tools, following proper procedures, and avoiding critical mistakes. From missing deadlines to illegal collection tactics, the path to enforcement is full of pitfalls for the unprepared.
If you’re trying to collect a judgment and aren’t sure where to turn, a judgment collection attorney can be your greatest ally. They’ll help you avoid these common errors, pursue the debtor legally and effectively, and increase your chances of finally getting paid. We recommend Judgement Collection Attorney.