Hey, I have a simple question. I had to go to court (long story) and won about $3000 but that was a few years ago. Of course I have not seen any of it... what can I do? I don't know how to go about garnishing wages, and have since moved to a new state... any thought?

If the jurisdiction has one, a civil enforcement officer can help you recover the award. A court clerk should be able to help you.

This is the hidden gotcha of small claims court. Sure the judge awards you a judgement, but its YOUR responsibility to collect. The defendant doesn't have to write out a check then and there. So YOU need to determine what assets the defendant has. YOU need to then present the judgement to a sheriff or similar where the defendant resides to attach the asset(s). Whether it be a salary via a garnishment or bank deposits or whatever. You might want to think of hiring a collection agency who will generally take a chuck of what they collect.

Oh, how can I go about hiring a collection agency? I don't mind giving them some $$, it isn't all abut the $$ for me.. it is more of principle. Good idea!

Hello Yelo:

Call 'em up and say, "are you available?"

excon

Oh, how can i go about hiring a collection agency? I dont mind giving them some $$, it isnt all abut the $$ for me... ., it is more of principle. Good idea!!

Try the Yellow Pages under Collection Agency. Call several. You might also use an online yellowpages, like switchboard.com or yellowpages.com to find one in the area where the person is.

Thanks!