Won a Judgement, how to collect

[jlawso21]

I recently won a $2000 judgement against a tradesman in small claims court. The problem was really shoddy work on two flat roofs. I hired the guy to fix/repair the leaks. Anyway, he charged me a lot of money for a new roof system and they leaked from the first storm after he finished.

My question: Without going to a lawyer, how would you suggest I motivate him to pay me? Anyone out there ever have this experience?

 

[Fawken]

Depends on what the tradesman's financial situation is, what his liquid assets are, and the laws in your state pertaining to what property is exempt from judgments. Last I looked, the homestead, one pick-up, tools of trade, and retirement fund are exempt in Texas. If he has no money in the bank and nothing much he could liquidate for cash a lawyer won't do much for you. When he dies whatever assets he has are liquidated to satisfy judgments.

 

[EarPlug]

how to collect a small claims judgement in alabama

 

[nap61]

In Louisiana, you can file the judgment in the mortgage and conveyance records (you may have to get it recognized by the District Court). I don't know about Alabama but talk to the Clerk of Court to see if they record judgments. If so, when he tries to sell or buy property it will cause him problems until he pays. Do not try to seize anything without talking to an attorney. It is too easy to get sued for false seizure.

Norm

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Take the judgment to your county Sheriff. If he doesn't pay, Sheriff's sale of any assets to satisfy judgment,

 

[murphy1244]

Hopefully you do better there than you can in Ohio. Here small claims court cannot enforce a judgement.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Go "public." Add in the paper, Craigs List, wherever he finds work. State only the facts of the judgement. Might not work but you'll feel better, worked for me once in a similar kinda situation. The next post will be about how this could get you sued...

 

[2458n]

Agree with the statement Murph- In Ohio you are OUT OF LUCK. No reason to have a small claims court here you get the run around twice.

 

[Ken]

Hassel the guy for payment and he goes to Chapter 7
Your Lawyer walks out. the Judge tells him he is debt free for 7 years and cannot be called, no letters or phone calls.
Banks give him a better credit rating.
He keeps the business and continues with out worries.

ken

 

[Old Junk Man]

Sell the judgement to a collection agency. they will probably only pay you 1/2 but that better than a poke in the eye. Then move on & Forget about the Guy. Don't keep giving him free rent in your head.