Judgment Collections Lawyer in Georgia

Understanding Collections Law in Georgia

Why Hire a Collections Lawyer?

Collecting debts can be complicated, especially if you’re located outside of Georgia. Some debtors make collecting a challenge. Working with a collections lawyer helps you level the playing field. The Wilbanks Law Firm is based in Commerce, GA, but we’re prepared to look for assets throughout the state.

We will pursue the debt aggressively and ethically. Our background allows us to find pieces and put them together for a complete picture in a way that other judgment attorneys can’t do.

Once you’ve been awarded your judgment, you have the legal right to enforce that award. We’ll help you locate assets, file garnishments or liens, and ensure you collect what you’re owed.

Are You Seeking to Recover a Judgment in Georgia?

If you’ve been awarded a judgment, you shouldn’t have to worry about the debtor skipping out on what they owe. We can help you track assets down and hold those responsible accountable.

Speed matters in these cases, and once one creditor begins searching for a debtor and their assets, it can quickly cascade. We’ll help you be the first to identify assets.

What Happens After a Collection is Awarded?

If a debtor does not pay you the money you were awarded in a judgment, we can begin looking for their assets. We’ll review your collections case as part of our investigation before we start searching.

We use many methods to search for your debtor and anyone they may have transferred assets to an  insider—a relative, trusted friend or associate–in an attempt to hide them. For instance, we can skip-trace individuals and research real estate records to check for property the debtor may have owned in Georgia.

Once we know where the assets are, we can file a lawsuit against the debtor and anyone helping them hide their assets.

Methods to Pursuing a Collections

When you’re seeking a collections award, and you’ve filed your lawsuit, there are a few methods we can use to get you the money that you’re owed.

• Asset investigations: Uncooperative debtors can be forced to disclose all assets through a post-judgment interrogatory.
• Garnishments: We can file motions to garnish your debtor’s wages and other assets.
• Liens: Once you have the proof of your judgment, you can place a lien called a fieri facias, against your debtor and their property. If your judgment is out of state, the lien can be domesticated here in Georgia to lock down their local assets.
• Payment plans: We can help you establish a payment plan when the debtor cannot pay their judgment within 30 days.
• Uncooperative disclosure: When a debtor attempts to hide assets through conveyance, we track down and identify these third parties. We work to enforce your judgment.

Judgment Collection FAQs

Where Do You File a Lawsuit for Judgment Collections?

If you’re seeking to place a lien on a debtor’s property, you’ll need to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county that property is registered in. For instance, if you’re placing a lien on a debtor’s house in Commerce, you’ll go through the Jackson County Superior Clerk’s Office.

Is There a Time Limit to Collect after a Judgment?

You’ll have seven years to enforce your judgment in Georgia, and may renew it for subsequent seven-year periods. There can be exceptions, but if you wait too long, you may not get any money you’re entitled to after winning a judgment.

What if I Don’t Live in Georgia?

The Wilbanks Law Firm is dedicated to finding assets anyone might have hidden away to avoid a collection. We can help anyone who’s seeking to collect on a judgment, even if they’re from outside Georgia. Our goal is to give you an advantage and give you options after a judgment goes your way.

What if the debtor files for bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy can complicate collection. But filing for bankruptcy shouldn’t keep you from collecting assets after a judgment.

Can I collect interest on a judgment?

Yes, you can accrue statutory interest on the judgment amount from the date it was issued. We can help you calculate the specific amount you’re entitled to.

What assets are exempt from collection?

Georgia protects certain assets, such as retirement savings. You should ask your collections lawyer so you can strategize your approach to collecting your judgment.

Call Us for Your Collections Needs in Georgia

Collecting the money you’re owed after you win a judgment can be challenging and complicated, especially if the debtor is trying to hide assets in Georgia. The Wilbanks Law Firm can track them down and help you get what you’re owed.

Attorney Dylan Wilbanks and his team use their experience to ethically locate debtors’ assets. Speed is of the essence in these cases, so you can rely on us to find assets for you. Call (706) 510-0000 or use our online form to schedule your free initial consultation.