This Unpaid Judgment Problem Keeps Getting Worse (Until You Try This)

You won that court case. The judge ruled in your favor. But here you are, months later, still waiting for the money you're owed. Sound familiar?

Winning a judgment is only half the battle. The real challenge? Actually getting paid. And if you think the other party will write you a check because a court told them to, well, you're in for a rude awakening.

Why Winning Your Case Doesn't Guarantee Payment

Here's what nobody tells you about court judgments: they're basically fancy IOUs. The court says someone owes you money, but they don't magically make that money appear in your bank account.

The reality is harsh. Many people and businesses who lose court cases either can't pay or won't pay. They might hide assets, transfer property to family members, or ignore the judgment entirely. Without proper enforcement, your victory becomes worthless paper.

Think about it this way: if someone didn't pay you before you sued them, what makes you think they'll suddenly become cooperative after losing in court?

The Hidden Costs of Doing Nothing

Every month you wait, your judgment loses value. Interest might accrue in your favor, but inflation and the debtor's potential insolvency work against you. Meanwhile, assets can disappear, bank accounts can be emptied, and properties can be transferred.

I've seen judgment holders wait years to pursue collection, only to discover the debtor has become what we call "judgment proof— they've structured their finances to make collection nearly impossible.

But here's the thing that really gets me: some people spend thousands winning their case, then give up on collecting because they think enforcement is too expensive or complicated.

Thinking about this for your situation? Let's talk. We'll walk you through your options—no pressure.

What Actually Works for Judgment Collection

Effective judgment enforcement requires strategy, not just paperwork. It starts with asset discovery—finding out what the debtor actually owns and where they keep their money.

Bank account garnishment is often the fastest route to payment. Once we identify where someone banks, we can freeze their accounts and collect what's owed, but timing matters—accounts can be closed or emptied quickly if debtors get wind of enforcement actions.

Wage garnishment provides a steady collection for employed debtors. In New Jersey, we can typically garnish up to 25% of someone's disposable income. It's not always fast, but it's reliable when done correctly.

Property liens create long-term pressure. Even if someone doesn't want to pay now, they'll have to deal with your judgment when they try to sell or refinance their property.

Asset seizure and sale represent the nuclear option. We can have the sheriff seize and auction valuable property to satisfy judgments. It sounds dramatic because it is—and it often motivates quick settlements.

When Time Actually Matters

New Jersey gives you twenty years to collect a judgment, but don't let that fool you into thinking you can wait. The best time to start enforcement is immediately after winning your case.

Debtors are most likely to pay right after losing in court, when the reality of their situation is fresh. Wait six months, and they've often convinced themselves the judgment will go away.

Asset protection schemes take time to implement. The sooner you act, the less opportunity debtors have to hide money or transfer property beyond your reach.

What Makes Enforcement Different from Regular Legal Work

Judgment enforcement combines legal knowledge with investigative skills. It's not enough to know the law—you need to find assets, understand financial structures, and anticipate debtor behavior.

The process requires persistence and adaptability. What works for one debtor might fail for another. Success often comes from trying multiple approaches simultaneously rather than relying on a single collection method.

At Faloni Law Group, LLC, we understand that enforcement is fundamentally different from trial work. It's about results, not arguments. Either we collect your money, or we don't—there's no partial victory in judgment enforcement.

Your Next Step

That judgment sitting on your desk represents real money you're owed. The question isn't whether you can afford to pursue collection—it's whether you can afford not to.

Don't let another month pass while your debtor moves assets or spends money that should be yours. Collection gets harder with time, not easier.

For residents in the Roseland area and throughout New Jersey, we've helped turn worthless judgments into actual payments. The process doesn't have to be complicated, but it does need to be strategic.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for straight answers about collecting what you're owed. Your judgment has value—let's help you realize it.