Securing a judgment in court is only half the battle—collecting on it is where the real work begins. A judgment is a legal determination that money is owed, but courts don’t automatically ensure payment. Instead, judgment creditors must use specific legal tools to enforce the judgment and recover what they are owed. In North Carolina, as in most jurisdictions, there are several established methods for executing on a judgment, each with its own process and practical considerations.
One of the most common methods is wage garnishment, where a portion of the debtor’s paycheck is withheld by their employer and directed toward satisfying the judgment. North Carolina law doesn’t allow wage garnishment in furtherance of satisfying a judgment, but does allow it for some exceptions such as child support obligations and delinquent taxes. A which allows creditors to seize funds directly from the debtor’s bank account once a writ of execution is obtained from the court. These tools can provide creditors with a steady and predictable means of recovery.
Beyond garnishment and bank levies, creditors may pursue a lien on real property. By recording the judgment in the county where the debtor owns property, the creditor secures an interest that must be satisfied before the property can be sold or refinanced. Creditors can also request the sheriff to seize and sell personal property, such as vehicles or valuable assets, through a court-ordered execution sale. Each of these remedies comes with its own set of procedural steps, and creditors must carefully navigate exemptions that protect certain categories of property from seizure.
At Lord & Lindley, we understand that obtaining a judgment is only the beginning. Our attorneys guide individuals and businesses through the complex process of enforcing judgments, ensuring no viable recovery avenue is overlooked. If you need assistance enforcing a judgment, contact us at (704) 457-1010 or visit www.lordlindley.com to schedule a consultation.