Winning a court case is only the first step. A judgment does not automatically result in payment. In California, the party who obtained the judgment is responsible for taking action to collect what the court awarded.

Judgment enforcement involves using legal tools to locate assets and compel payment when a debtor does not voluntarily comply.

Judgments Do Not Enforce Themselves

After a judgment is entered, the court does not monitor payment or force collection. If the losing party fails to pay, the judgment creditor must initiate enforcement procedures.

This often surprises people who assume the court will automatically step in once a ruling is issued.

Wage Garnishment Is a Common Enforcement Tool

One of the most effective methods of enforcement is wage garnishment. California law allows a portion of a debtor’s wages to be withheld by their employer and applied toward the judgment.

There are limits on how much can be taken, and certain income may be exempt, but garnishment can provide steady repayment over time.

Bank Levies Can Seize Available Funds

A bank levy allows a judgment creditor to freeze and seize funds held in a debtor’s bank account. Once served, the bank must hold the funds and release non-exempt amounts to satisfy the judgment.

Timing matters. If an account has little money at the time of the levy, the result may be limited or ineffective.

Liens Can Attach to Real Property

Judgment liens may be recorded against real estate owned by the debtor. While a lien does not force an immediate sale, it can prevent refinancing or transfer without addressing the judgment.

In some cases, liens are paid years later when the property is sold or transferred.

Debtor Examinations Help Locate Assets

If assets are unclear, courts allow judgment creditors to require debtors to appear and answer questions about income, property, and financial accounts.

Failure to appear can result in sanctions or additional court orders, making this a powerful discovery tool.

Enforcement Requires Strategy and Persistence

Effective enforcement depends on understanding available remedies and choosing the right approach based on the debtor’s financial situation.

California law provides multiple enforcement options, but successful collection often requires careful planning, timely action, and ongoing monitoring.