Winning your case gives you a judgment: an official court order that the defendant owes you a specific amount. What it does not give you is the money. The court does not collect on your behalf, and many people are surprised that the hardest part can come after the verdict.
Start by simply asking. Many defendants pay once there is a judgment on record, because an unpaid judgment can show up on their credit and follow them for years. Send a copy of the judgment with a polite request for payment and a deadline.
If they still won't pay, you have collection tools. Depending on your state these can include wage garnishment (taking a portion of their paycheck), a bank levy (taking funds from their account), or a lien against property they own. Each requires a separate court step and information about the debtor's job, bank, or assets — which is why it helps to gather that before you ever file.
Some states let you compel the debtor to appear and answer questions under oath about their finances, called a debtor's examination. Judgments also accrue interest and remain enforceable for years, often renewable, so a debtor who has nothing today may be collectible later.
Before you sue, it is worth asking whether the defendant has any income or assets to collect from — a judgment against someone with nothing is hard to enforce. Look up your state's process below, and use the 'is it worth suing?' tool to weigh the amount against the cost.
Look up the small-claims rules for your state.
Updated July 2026