What Is a Writ of Execution?

Congratulations! The Judge awarded you money. Now what? If you are lucky, the defendant will voluntarily pay you via lump sum or pursuant upon an agreed upon fee schedule. Unfortunately, some defendants, called judgment-debtors, avoid paying judgments. One way to collect that judgment is by obtaining a writ of execution. Our collection attorney can help you accomplish this.

A writ of execution is when the court grants an order to put in force a judgment of possession the plaintiff obtained from the court. Put simply, it is a judicial order to enforce a judgment by taking (or “levying”) some of the judgment-debtor’s property.

In New Jersey, depending on the court, the following officer will enforce the writ of execution:

• Special Civil Part court officer – for cases before the Small Claims Court (controversy is less than $3,000), Special Civil Part (controversy is less than $15,000), or Civil Part (controversy is more than $15,000) pursuant to the Judge’s order.
• Sheriff – Civil Part

To learn more about how a writ of execution works, contact an experienced debt collection attorney in New Jersey at Snellings Law LLC. With over a decade of experience in this area of law, we can help you with your collection issues.

What Can I Take?

The writ of execution can place a levy on the judgment-debtor’s:

• Bank accounts, except for exempted funds
• Personal property, if there is more than $1,000 worth.
• Motor vehicles, if the vehicle is registered in the judgment-debtor’s name

Seek the help of a collection attorney

Our collection attorney in New Jersey is available to assist you in enforcing your judgments. Contact Snellings Law LLC at (973) 265-6100.