How Much Is My California Judgment Worth?

If you’re considering selling a California judgment, the first question is obvious: how much will you actually receive? The honest answer is that it depends — but here’s exactly what it depends on and what realistic ranges look like.

The range: 30–65% of face value

Most California commercial judgment sales close at 30–65% of face value. That’s a wide range, and it’s wide for a reason: judgment quality varies enormously. A $50,000 judgment against a solvent business with real property and a personal guarantee is worth far more than a $50,000 default judgment against a defunct LLC with no known assets.

When you see a site quoting a flat percentage — “we pay 50% of all judgments” — be skeptical. That’s not how real judgment buyers work. The price reflects the specific case.

The five factors that drive the offer

1. The debtor’s asset profile

This is the most important factor. Does the debtor own real property in California? Have an active business? Receive a paycheck? Have identifiable banking relationships? A judgment against a debtor with clear, reachable assets is worth significantly more than one against a debtor who’s gone dark.

2. Whether the judgment is litigated or default

A default judgment — entered because the defendant didn’t respond — can be challenged under CCP §473. If the court sets it aside, the buyer owns nothing. A fully litigated judgment — both sides appeared, the merits were argued — is much harder to vacate. We pay more for litigated judgments because the downside risk is lower.

3. Personal liability

Is there an individual named on the judgment? Did a business principal personally guarantee the debt? Individual liability opens enforcement doors that a pure entity judgment doesn’t — wages, personal real estate, personal banking. A judgment with personal liability on it is typically worth more.

4. Age of the judgment

A two-year-old judgment against an active business is more valuable than an eight-year-old one against a company that closed six years ago. Older judgments don’t disappear — they can still be enforced — but the uncertainty increases with age.

5. Documentation

A certified copy of the judgment, an abstract of judgment already filed in the debtor’s county, and complete case records make the transaction cleaner and our due diligence cheaper. Better documentation, all else equal, means a better offer.

What post-judgment interest does to face value

California post-judgment interest accrues at 10% per year. A $40,000 judgment entered three years ago has a current face value of roughly $53,240. We value the current face value including accrued interest — not just the original principal. If you haven’t done the math recently, your judgment may be worth more than you think.

The fastest way to get a real number

The ranges above are realistic but they’re still ranges. The only way to know what your specific judgment is worth is to submit it for evaluation. We review every submission and give you a specific dollar offer — not a percentage, not a range — within one business day. There’s no cost and no obligation to accept.