Category Archives: Collections
What is a Sister-State Judgment?
Sister-state judgments are simply out of state judgments. It is any part of any judgment, decree or court order from a US court outside of California requiring the payment of money to satisfy the judgment. This does not include child support orders. To enforce a sister-state monetary judgment, you do have to follow certain… Read More »
3 Things You Need to Know About Collecting a Judgment Against Another Business
You have been successful in going to court, either small claims or regular superior court depending on the size of your claim, and now it is time to collect your judgment against the business you sued, which is now the judgment debtor. When collecting a judgment against another business, here are 3 things you… Read More »
How Can Contractors Collect on a Mechanic’s Lien?
Mechanic’s liens were created to protect contractors and subcontractors who have supplied their labor and materials to a project so that their efforts are paid. Before a contractor can collect on a mechanic’s lien, he or she must be certain that all preconditions for recording the lien have been met. First, as a contractor… Read More »
Can I Collect a Judgment if It’s Out-of-State?
An out-of-state judgment can be enforced so long as certain conditions are met. Most states, though not California, have adopted the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, though the Full Faith and Credit provision found in the US Constitution also provides for most the assurance that a judgment rendered in another state will be… Read More »
What are My Options for Collecting Money Owed to Me?
It is frustrating when someone owes you money and is unwilling to pay you. If the debt is small, you can go to small claims court, pay a small filing fee, serve the debtor, usually by certified mail, and wait for your court date. If you have supporting evidence of the debt and that… Read More »
How are Commercial Collections Different from Personal Collections?
Personal collections involve the process used to collect on a debt owed by a private individual for a personal or family purpose in most instances. Commercial collections are generally for past-due receivables of a business owed to another business or individual for a business-related transaction or debt. How is a Commercial Collection Performed? Typically,… Read More »
Debt Collection Agency or Lawyer?
Once you have exhausted your requests to a debtor for payment, you may wish to consider other means for debt collection. Your options are to either retain an attorney or hire a debt collection agency. Which option is right for you? In either case, you will have to pay a fee that will be… Read More »
Is There a Time Limit on Debt Collection?
Any civil action has a time limit within which a legal claim must be filed in the proper court or the claimant may be barred from pursuing any legal remedy, including payment of a debt. In California, you must file your debt collection lawsuit within a certain time but it depends on the nature… Read More »
Wage Garnishment and Bank Levy–What’s the Difference?
A wage garnishment and a bank levy are collection actions once a creditor has obtained a court judgment. While judgment creditors can use both methods, wage garnishment is generally favored by private creditors. The IRS and the state typically use wage garnishment, however, to collect past due taxes and support obligations for children or… Read More »
How Can a Debt Collection Attorney Help You Get Money That is Owed to You?
No one likes getting a letter from an attorney threatening legal action if you fail to comply with certain demands, especially regarding the payment of a debt. Collection letters can help recover an overdue obligation if they come from an attorney but many debtors know that a letter is usually an empty threat of… Read More »