Read the judgment
Confirm the parties, amount, interest language, date entered, and payment history.
A practical starting point
You won the judgment. Now make a collection plan.
Plain-language education for understanding what usually comes next, what to gather, and where to find your court's official instructions.
Choose a jurisdiction
Your state changes the playbook.
Use the official court locator while state-specific guides are being reviewed.
Select a state to see your next research step.
The collection journey
Five pieces of a useful plan.
Collection is usually a sequence of decisions, not one magic form. Verify each step for your jurisdiction.
Find useful facts
Identify current information lawfully and responsibly.
Check local rules
Research renewal, interest, exemptions, fees, service, and expiration rules.
Pick a method
Compare voluntary payment, formal enforcement, or professional help.
Keep records
Log notices, filings, payments, deadlines, costs, and communications.
Your first working plan
Turn research into the next three actions.
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Plan details
Nothing saved yet. Your plan stays on this device.
Research checklist
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- Read the judgment and confirm the parties and amount.
- Record the judgment date and interest language.
- Locate the entering court's official website.
- Verify judgment life and renewal rules.
- Check enforcement methods and exemptions.
- Estimate filing, service, and other costs.
- Choose a next action and target date.
- Create a record for notices, payments, and contacts.
Optional cloud save
Keep your plan available across devices.
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When DIY is not the right fit
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Common questions
A few grounding answers.
How long do I have to collect?
There is no single nationwide deadline. Judgment life, renewal, interest, and enforcement timing depend on the jurisdiction and sometimes the court.
What should I do first?
Read the judgment, calculate a documented balance, identify the entering court, and find its official post-judgment instructions.