What happens when someone obtains a judgment against me?

The creditor will likely try to collect the amount of the judgment from you. This can happen in several ways. If you are employed, the creditor may obtain a court order to garnish you wages which will mean a certain amount of money will be deducted from your paychecks until the full amount of the judgment is paid. The creditor may also apply to the court for an order to turn over money in your bank accounts to satisfy the judgment. The creditor may also request the sheriff levy on your personal property (jewelry, electronic equipment, automobile, etc.) and sell the items at a public sale. You may designate $1,000.00 worth of your property as exempt from the sheriff’s levy. If the creditor dockets the judgment as a statewide lien, a creditor can also levy and execute on your real property.