Winning a judgment is only half the battle — collecting it is the other half. California gives you several tools to enforce a money judgment. Here’s how.
Record an Abstract of Judgment
Recording an abstract of judgment with the county creates a lien on the debtor’s real property, so you get paid if they sell or refinance.
Writ of Execution + levy
A writ of execution (EJ-130) lets the sheriff levy bank accounts or seize non-exempt assets. You can also serve an earnings withholding order to garnish wages.
Debtor’s examination
If you don’t know what the debtor has, you can order them to court for a debtor’s examination to disclose assets and income under oath.
How Curbside Legal helps
We prepare abstracts of judgment, writs of execution, earnings withholding orders, and debtor-exam paperwork. See pricing or start your intake.
Curbside Legal is a legal document preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Court fees are separate.