Most people think that suing someone/winning in court is the hardest part about receiving the money that they are owed. In reality, winning in court is only the beginning. The next step is collecting on that judgment. Collection is the closest thing that we get to primal instincts in the law. Proper collections require: 1) Having the right tools to find assets (your weapon), 2) Having the knowledge of where to find the assets (location spotting), 3) Narrowing down on what assets are accessible (setting the perimeter), and 4) Knowing when to strike (taking the shot).  

Many debtors out there are what I consider “professional debtors.” They are used to the game of avoiding debts and judgments. Some debtors have lived their whole lives this way! For people like you and me, it can be hard to imagine living under that kind of stress, but some people are as accustomed to it as they are breathing. That is why it is important to seek the right help when trying to collect on a judgment.   

Finding Assets

Judgments are simple pieces of paper signed by a judge that say someone owes you money. That judgment does not tell you where the money is, when the money will be paid, or how to get the other side to pay up. Therefore, you need the right tools to find assets. Both in our firm and through using third parties, we can locate nearly all assets held in an individual’s (or entity’s) name. This makes us very effective in identifying what assets are available and discussing with the client what the appropriate next steps would be in trying to collect the judgment. Without these tools, a creditor is continually behind the ball.

Knowing When to Strike 

Once you have identified potential assets, the next hardest decision to make is knowing when to seize assets. Most people’s/entity’s assets are fluid, not stagnant. Think of your own bank account or list of items that you own. Depending on the time of the month, your assets may fluctuate significantly. Judgment debtors are the same. Once you strike by seizing an asset of a judgment debtor, you can expect that the judgment debtor will take action to hide other assets. As a result, it is important to launch a coordinated attack when seizing assets so that you get the most out of your strike. If you do not know when or how to strike, you will be left disappointed and frustrated most of the time. 

Being Persistent

One of the fatal flaws with collection work is that many people want their money now! Unless you have a good debtor who pays the judgment, you should plan on being persistent in pursuing collections. Most people do not have the stamina to continue this game. That is where we help. We are relentless in pursuit of judgment debts. At some point, debtors realize that we will continue to chase them until they start paying up. 

Contact Timothy Coons’ Legal Team

We would love to help you collect on your judgments! Contact a member of Counxel Legal Firm at the number 480-536-6122  or at intake@wordpress-457010-3165254.cloudwaysapps.com to set up a time to meet to go over your legal questions. 

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation. Use of and access to this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Counxel Legal Firm. Please contact intake@wordpress-457010-3165254.cloudwaysapps.com or 480-536-6122 to request specific information for your situation.

*Conveniently located off the 101 Freeway and the US 60 in the middle of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek!