Frequently Asked Questions About Judgment Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions About Judgment Collection

Following are the most common questions I'm asked on the telephone from potential clients.
I'm putting them on this page in an effort to save us all a little time.

(Hey! If you want to know about going into Judgment Recovery as a "business opportunity", don't call me!>>>Click Here Instead!)

Q. There seems to be a lot of people out there claiming to be "Judgment Recovery Specialist".
How can I tell if they're really qualified to do the job?
A. I agree, there are literally hundreds of websites touting the ability to collect your judgment. Here's my suggestion:
If your judgment is in California and you're "shopping around" for the best collector (or best deal), let me save you some time and suggest you visit the website for the California Association of Judgment Professionals (or CAJP for short). This is a group of proven, dedicated professionals. Check out the different member websites. Don't be afraid to give a member a call and ask questions that aren't answered on their site. I'm sure you'll find a good fit for your needs. Of course I'd prefer you used me, but it's important you find someone that fits your "comfort level", so please, DO shop around, I'll still be here when you get back.
Note:I'm a member of the CAJP and happy to recommend any CAJP member to review your judgment.
They're all good people!

Q. I'd like to try and collect my own judgment. Any suggestions?

A. Attempting to collect your own judgment is a great way to explore the judicial system; you certainly have the motivation but, do you have the time? (You can also make your own shoes, but do you really want to?) If your answer is "Yes" and you can stay foccused and can follow through with each layer of paperwork then I say "Go For It!" by all means. Hopefully you'll be succesful and save a few bucks in the process. To avoid falling into the pratfalls of the California judicial system I generally recommend getting a copy of the Nolo Press workbook entitled "How to Collect When You Win a Lawsuit (4th Ed.)" This book originally sold for about $39.00 but is no longer being printed, however you can probably find a copy at your local library or pay through the nose for the few remaining copies available at AMAZON.com (at about $99.00 for a USED EDITION!).
Hint: Try the library first.

But, let me recommend a much better resource (in my opinion): "The Citizen's Step-by-Step Guide to Collecting Your Judgment" priced at just $39.95 (at this writing) which is a real bargain when you discover all the information that is supplied.
This excellent manual is presented by my fellow CAJP member and long-time judgment professional Peter Gilboy,Phd. (Peter, a seasoned judgment collection pro, owns Judgment Trackers in San Diego, CA. - be sure to check out his website!) This is a terrific manual and includes links to resources very few people utilze. Peter not only shows you the "how to's", but covers the "what if's", which can be a real time-saver for you in executing a successful collection
In my opinon, this is the best step-by-step Judgment Collection manual I've ever had the pleasure to review.
It's quite easy to follow and Peter "peppers" the chapters with real-life instances he's encountered.
(Truthfully, this is the manual I wish I had written.)
My advice: Buy it. Even if you choose not to "do-it-yourself" you'll get a great education on the collection process.

Q. You don't seem to have a problem referring other collection professionals. What's with that?

A. Life is short.
Everyone who has a judgment is entitled to getting their money.
I'm only human, I can only handle so many cases at a time. I enjoy what I am doing. I enjoy the process.
I enjoy a sucessful collection even more.
If you're not comfortable with me, try another pro (preferably a CAJP member!).
There are literally thousands of unsatisfied judgments "out there" and I get to review my fair share of them on a daily basis.
Yes, I'll be disappointed if you choose not to use me, but, I'll get over it (really).
(Plus, your judgment is good for ten years and I'll still be here if you need me.)

Q. O.K. - How come you only collect judgments in California?

A. I'm really quite comfortable with my knowledge of the laws governing collections in California.
While other states may have similar laws and remedies, I like staying within my "comfort zone".

Q. My judgment is not in California. Can you recommend someone in my state?

A. I suggest you try The National Judgment Network to locate someone in your state.
I really can't personally refer you to anyone.

Q. My judgment was entered in my state, but the defendant now resides in California.
Can you collect it for me?

A. You'll need to get a "Sister-State" judgment and have your judgment domesticated in California.
This isn't rocket science, just a few papers to be filed and fees to be paid.
Call me to discuss your options.

Q. Why should I pay you 40% of whatever you collect when my attorney only charges 33%?

A. I established this fee after noting that attorneys generally charge 30% to 33% to collect a judgment plus any additional fees incurred. When I perform this service for law firms my fee becomes those "additional fees", so a person could have an attorney perform my exact, same service for 33% only to have an additional $800-$2500 added to the collection cost.
So, You're Guaranteed of paying additional collection fees with your attorney, while you risk nothing with me.

Q. What's the easiest way to have you review my judgment?
A. I'd Prefer it if you'd use my Contact Form to present your case for review.
You can also FAX me a copy of the "Notice of Entry of Judgment" and all pertinent information on the defendant(s).
Include your telephone number (or email) so I can contact you if there are any questions I may have.

My FAX number is Toll Free : (800) 677-3299.

Q. Then What happens?

A. Contact me either by phone or email and make sure I received your judgment info.
It will take up to 20 working days for me to establish whether or not it is "recoverable".
Some cases take longer than others - please be patient!

Q. What takes so long?

A. I need to locate the defendant, once that's done, I need to check to see if they've ever filed Bankruptcy and I also check to see if there are any other judgments or tax liens against them.
Now, if that looks good, I proceed to see what assets exist that I can levy on.
Let me repeat: This process "may" take from 10 to 20 "Work Days" (Weekends EXCLUDED).
If the process progresses faster I'll be sure to notify you - after all, it's in my best interest to begin the collection effort as quickly as possible to recoup my costs.
During this investigative time-frame I expect you to be patient and allow me to perform my due diligence. PLEASE don't call every other day "to see how it's going".
Remember: this isn't costing you ONE CENT - be patient and let me do my job.
Once I'm comfortable that I can collect a significant portion, if not all, of your judgment I'll send you the necessary paperwork to begin.

Q. Will you negotiate your fee?

A. Short answer: No.
If you've done your homework and researched judgment collection on the internet you'll find that there exists about a zillion people or companies that want your business.
Most want 50% of your judgment, some want less, but require a deposit of some sort.
I will only attempt collection of your judgment if I honestly believe I can collect it.
I don't want to waste your time (or mine for that matter) so for me to offer this, I spend a considerable amount of my time (at MY expense) locating your defendant and their assets.

Q. Why don't you buy my judgment outright?

A. Simple - your defendant could file Bankruptcy thereby nullifying the judgment.

Q. What kind of experience do you have?

A. I've been collecting judgments long before it became a "business opportunity".
In the early years I took on many unrecoverable judgments and got "bogged down" trying to "squeeze blood from stones".
You learn by doing (and I've learned a lot) and I began pre-screening the judgments to see which ones were "good" and which ones were "deadbeats". I continue to use this formula to maximize my collection efforts. One day I realized that I must be doing something right because law firms were beginning to call me either for advice on collection procedures or to hire me to collect their judgments!

Q. How do I know you're honest and I'll get my money one you collect?

Before I begin the collection I execute a contract with you that covers practically every thing that could go wrong in our relationship. It details the payment procedure and outlines my service completely.
Plus, I've used the same mailing address for over 15 years and I've had the same "800" number for over 13 years.
I plan on being around for quite awhile.

Q. O.K., let's say I let you collect my judgment and you do this fantastic job and get my money.
What could go wrong?

A. Worst Case Scenario: The Defendant could file for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (within a specified time) - then it's all over. (Well, most of the time, but, for a worst case scenarion let's assume the defendant's debts are discharged.) Whatever funds I've collected will be frozen and will have to be returned.
Worst Case Scenario 2: The Defendant could file for a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy (within a specified time) - then it's not quite over. Whatever funds I collected will be frozen and will have to be returned - BUT, the defendant will have to make arrangements to pay off their debts, including yours, over a 3 or 5 year period.
We may not get it all, but we'll get something.
Not-So-Worst-Case Scenario: The Defendant files a "Claim of Exemption" which means they have a hardship of some sort. This may or may not be accepted by the court. If it is, then I challenge them in court and, if necessary work out a payment plan - but we get paid.(I've rarely lost a Claim of Exemption challenge.)

Q. Who pays for all the court appearances and filings when this happens?

A. Me.

Q. O.K., So you've done this fantastic job, spent your own funds doing so, and the Defendant Files a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Do I owe you anything?

A. Nope!
I know my risks when I accept your judgment for collection.
If the Defendant files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, (and this HAS happened to me) well, life goes on, but, better to take a shot at collecting and hope they don't play too many games.
Nothing ventured...etc.

Or, use my Contact Form to present your case for review.

Want to consider other options?
Perhaps one of these links will prove helpful:

Q. There seems to be a lot of people out there claiming to be "Judgment Recovery Specialist". How can I tell if they're really qualified to do the job?