How does a party enforce a civil judgment?
Collecting on a judgment can be a difficult process. There are three primary methods by which a party may enforce a court’s judgment.
- Encumbrance
- Execution
- Garnishment
What is Encumbrance?
 A judgment holder may file a lien on the property of the debtor, such as the real property registered to the debtor. The process requires an order from the court that the judgment be attached to available real property. The lien is then filed with the registrar of deeds in the county where the court is located. Holding a lien on the defendant’s property clouds title and makes it difficult for the debtor to sell or borrow money against it. Further, the lienholder can file a foreclosure action to sell the property to collect the judgment.
What is Execution of a Judgment?
Execution is the method by which a court’s judgment is enforced through the executive branch. Generally, a court official, such as a sheriff or marshal, seizes some property of the debtor, sells it at public auction, and applies the proceeds to the creditor’s claim. The responsibility for identifying the property of the debtor upon which to execute is the responsibility of the judgment holder. If the sheriff is unable to identify or locate any property of the debtor, there can be no execution and sale of the property.
- Note: The court may hold a special proceeding to inquire about the assets of the debtor.
What is Garnishment?
Garnishment is similar in nature to execution but involves a defendant’s employee wages. It entails having a portion of the debtor’s wages paid to the court, which is then released to the judgment holder. This process requires an order of garnishment from the court that the judgment holder can provide to the debtor’s employer. The employer is legally obligated to withhold the ordered funds or risk contempt of court.
These methods vary in degree of effectiveness. Encumbering property does not immediately ensure payment. Executing on the property and selling it is only available if the defendant owns the property. The garnishment of wages provides greater certainty of payment but only if the debtor is employed.
