Written by NotALawyer Legal AI · Reviewed by External Legal AI · Published April 27, 2026 · Last reviewed June 26, 2026
Winning is only half the job. If the other side won't pay your judgment or follow a court order, you have to make them. Each enforcement tool below works differently and fits a different situation.
When a court order tells someone to do a specific thing (pay support, return property, follow the custody schedule) and they willfully refuse, you can file a motion for contempt. Penalties can include fines, paying your legal fees, and jail in some family cases.
For money judgments, you can serve a garnishment on the debtor's employer. State law caps the amount, often 25% of disposable income. The employer must comply with a valid garnishment and send the money to you.
If you know where the debtor banks, serve a writ on the bank to seize money in the account. It's a one-time grab: the bank pays out whatever is there the moment you serve it, then stops.
Record your judgment with the county recorder to put a lien on any real property the debtor owns in that county. They have to pay the lien before they can sell or refinance.
Most courts let you haul the debtor in to answer questions under oath about their income, accounts, and property. Use it when you don't yet know where to garnish or levy. Lying or skipping the exam can land them in contempt.
More on this topic: the Going to Court hub
NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.