I Won My Lawsuit But Still Haven’t Been Paid: What Are My Options?

You did everything right. You hired an attorney, you went to court, you won. The judge ruled in your favor and a money judgment was entered. And then… nothing. The other side still hasn’t paid. You’re not alone — more than 80% of California civil judgments go uncollected.

Here’s what you need to understand: winning a lawsuit and actually getting paid are two different things. The court doesn’t collect for you. A judgment is a legal document that gives you the right to collect — but exercising that right takes additional steps.

Why judgment debtors don’t pay voluntarily

Some debtors genuinely can’t pay. But most won’t pay because there’s no immediate consequence to not paying. Unlike a tax lien or a mortgage default, an unpaid civil judgment doesn’t automatically trigger any enforcement action. The creditor has to initiate every step.

Debtors who know this often run out the clock — moving assets, restructuring their business, or simply ignoring the judgment and hoping you give up. Many creditors do give up. Which is exactly what debtors are counting on.

Your three options

Option 1: Collect it yourself

California provides enforcement tools you can use directly: bank levies, wage garnishments, writs of execution, and debtor examinations. You can file for these through the court without an attorney. The challenge is that each step requires knowing where your debtor banks, works, and has assets — information that isn’t always easy to find.

Option 2: Hire someone to collect on your behalf

A judgment enforcement attorney or collection agency can pursue the debt on contingency — they take a percentage of whatever they recover, typically 25–50%. You pay nothing upfront but you wait, often for a long time, with no guarantee of recovery.

Option 3: Sell the judgment

A judgment buyer pays you a lump sum in exchange for the right to collect on the judgment themselves. You receive less than face value — typically 30–65% depending on the case — but you receive it now, with no further risk and no waiting. The buyer does all the collection work at their own cost.

Which option is right for you?

The answer depends on a few things: how long you’ve been waiting, what you know about the debtor’s assets, and what your time is worth.

• If the debtor has obvious assets and you have time to pursue them, DIY enforcement is worth trying.
• If you want someone else to do the work but can accept waiting with no guarantee, contingency collection may fit.
• If you want certainty now and you’re done waiting, selling the judgment is worth evaluating.

The fastest way to get a real data point is to get an offer. Submit your judgment for a free evaluation and you’ll have a specific number within one business day — no obligation to accept. At minimum, you’ll know what the market thinks your judgment is worth.

What judgments can be sold?

Not every judgment is purchasable. California commercial money judgments of $10,000 or more from California superior court are the primary target. Consumer judgments — credit cards, medical debt — are generally not purchasable. If you’re not sure whether yours qualifies, submit the details and we’ll tell you.