Glossary of key terms.

Abstract of Judgment

A short court-certified summary of a judgment that is recorded with a county recorder to create a judgment lien on real property.

Automatic Stay

A federal injunction that stops nearly all collection activity the moment a debtor files for bankruptcy.

Bank Levy

A legal process that freezes and seizes funds in a debtor's bank account to satisfy a judgment.

Charging Order

A court order redirecting a debtor's distributions from an LLC or partnership to the judgment creditor.

Contempt of Court

A court's finding that someone disobeyed a court order; used to compel debtors to comply with discovery or appear at examinations.

Debtor Examination

A court proceeding at which the judgment debtor must answer questions, under oath, about their assets, income, and finances.

Discharge

The bankruptcy court's elimination of a debtor's personal liability for certain debts.

Disposable Earnings

Wages remaining after legally required deductions (taxes, Social Security, Medicare) — the base used to calculate garnishment limits.

Docketing

Entering a judgment into the court's official record; in many states a prerequisite for enforcement or liens.

Domestication

The process of registering an out-of-state (sister-state) judgment in a new state so it can be enforced there.

Exemption

A law protecting certain property or income from collection, such as a homestead, Social Security benefits, or tools of the trade.

Execution

The process of enforcing a judgment by seizing and selling the debtor's non-exempt property.

Fraudulent Transfer

A transfer of assets made to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors — which courts can undo.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Article IV of the U.S. Constitution, requiring every state to honor the judgments of every other state.

Garnishment

A court-ordered withholding of a debtor's wages or bank funds, paid to the judgment creditor.

Judgment Creditor

The party who won the judgment and has the right to collect it.

Judgment Debtor

The party who owes money under the judgment.

Judgment Lien

A legal claim on the debtor's real property that must be paid before the property can be sold or refinanced.

Lien Priority

The order in which competing liens are paid from sale proceeds — generally first recorded, first paid.

Perfection

Completing all filings needed to make a judgment fully enforceable and establish priority over other creditors.

Personal Service

Hand-delivery of court papers to the person named, by sheriff, process server, or another authorized adult.

Post-Judgment Interest

Interest that accrues automatically on the unpaid balance of a judgment from the date it is entered until it is paid.

Proof of Claim

The form filed in a debtor's bankruptcy case asserting the amount owed to you as a creditor.

Satisfaction of Judgment

The filed document confirming a judgment has been paid in full, clearing it from the debtor's record.

Service of Process

The formal delivery of court documents required before they have legal effect.

Skip Tracing

Locating a person who has moved or is hard to find, using public records and investigative tools.

Statute of Limitations

The time period during which a judgment remains enforceable — after which it must be renewed or is lost.

UEFJA

The Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act — the model law adopted by most states that streamlines registering out-of-state judgments.

Writ of Execution

A court order directing the sheriff to seize and sell the debtor's non-exempt property.

Writ of Garnishment

A court order directing an employer or bank to withhold the debtor's money for the creditor.

From the DIY Civil Judgment Collection eBook. Get the full eBook for step-by-step instructions, templates, and checklists.