Winning a lawsuit and obtaining a judgment is an important victory, but it doesn’t automatically put money in your pocket. A judgment is simply a piece of paper from the court confirming that someone owes you money. If the debtor doesn’t voluntarily pay, you will need to take additional steps to enforce that judgment. That process is known as post-judgment collection in Wisconsin.
Tools for Post-Judgment Collection in Wisconsin
There are several tools available to creditors that can help turn a judgment into actual payment.
Garnishments
One of the simpler tools is to file a garnishment action. Garnishments are either for the assignment of a debtor’s wages or the assignment of assets that someone else is holding for the debtor.
If you know where the debtor works, you can initiate a wage garnishment to have a portion of the debtor’s wages withheld directly from their paycheck until your judgment is satisfied. If the debtor has a deposit account or is owed money by someone else, you can pursue a non-earnings garnishment to seize those funds for payment. This is one of the most common methods of post-judgment collection in Wisconsin.
Writs of Execution
Another option for creditors is to seek a Writ of Execution from the court. The writ directs the sheriff to seize property of the debtor, such as vehicles, valuable equipment, or other assets, and sell them, applying the proceeds toward your judgment.
It helps to know in advance what property you want the sheriff to seize, as well as what exemptions might apply. Exemptions are those amounts or property protected by statute from collection. Writs of execution are an effective way to pursue post-judgment collection in Wisconsin if tangible assets are available.
Supplemental Proceedings
Sometimes, you don’t know what assets the debtor has or where those assets are located. In that case, you can file for a supplemental examination order. This requires the debtor to appear in court under oath and answer questions about income, property, and assets.
Along with the order, you may request financial documents such as tax returns or bank statements. This process helps identify what resources are available for enforcement, which then guides your next steps in post-judgment collection in Wisconsin.
Choosing the Right Strategy
Of course, every case is different, and the right strategy depends on the debtor’s circumstances and your own goals. Sometimes the “low-hanging fruit” is obvious—like a steady job or an active bank account. Other times, it requires investigation and persistence.
Call to Action
If you have a judgment in Wisconsin and are struggling to collect, consulting with an experienced collections attorney can help you identify the most effective path forward. At Bakke Norman, we understand the tools and strategies needed for successful post-judgment collection in Wisconsin. Call us today to discuss your options and take the next step toward turning your judgment into real dollars.