Posted by Brigitte/CA on 8/6/07 10:45am
Msg #204097

Small Claims Judgement received! Now what?

I just received a judgement last month against Prosign Notary Services for payment of my fees plus court costs. Does anyone have experience with collecting judgement money?

Prosign has never responded to telephone calls,emails,fax or certified mailings since Jan. and they are not going to change now. In fact they didn't even bother to show up for court.
(What a surprize)

Any pearls of wisdom or benefits of your experience will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Brigitte

Reply by goodgirl on 8/6/07 10:58am
Msg #204103

I wouldn't count on being able to collect from them. If they are in your state, you may have a slim chance. If they are not, kiss it good-bye. These types of judgments are very difficult to collect on.
Good luck.

Reply by Brigitte/CA on 8/6/07 11:03am
Msg #204106

I thought that might be my answer. ;o( *sigh*

This company is in my state but southern Ca and I live in nothern Ca.

Reply by Philip Johnson on 8/6/07 11:01am
Msg #204104

Sell it to a collection agency for

30 cents on the dollar (something is better then nothing) and let them bulldog it.

Reply by Todd/OH on 8/6/07 11:11am
Msg #204112

I agree with Philip - -

and you got the best you can hope for, a judgement that shows up on their credit.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/6/07 11:01am
Msg #204105

You need to check the Small Claims statutes in your state - you may or may not be able to get an order for weekly/monthly payments or get an attachments on the assets of the company (if any)...I would think your Small Claims Clerk would have that information or can steer you to it...JMHO

Reply by Brigitte Oligher on 8/6/07 11:06am
Msg #204109

Thanks Linda I will check with the small claims clerk. If that doesnt work I will take Philip's advice and send the bulldogs after them.

Reply by cara on 8/6/07 11:14am
Msg #204113

In order to create a lien against any real estate the debtor may have or acquire in the county, you must obtain an Abstract of Judgment from the Small claims court and record it with the county recorder. Please refer to http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims/collect.htm.

Reply by Brigitte/CA on 8/6/07 11:27am
Msg #204116

WOW Cara great website Thanks

Reply by sue_pa on 8/6/07 11:20am
Msg #204114

I have no idea how CA works but if you've got the judgment I sure wouldn't sell it. In PA, you record it in the county where they are located and send the sheriff in the front door to levy. They either pay up or their equipment, desks, chairs, etc., get sold. Also, if you know where they bank (anyone reading this board and having been paid by this company hopefully would supply you with the info), you could garnish their bank account.

Reply by Philip Johnson on 8/6/07 12:31pm
Msg #204127

Here in WA, the Sheriff does not get in a real hurry

to levy an under $500.00 judgement. The hope of having a Ca. sheriff to levy in Newport beach Ca., I'm going to assume is a longshot. Sue that may happen quite regularly in rural Pa., but I don't think that is going to be viable in Ca.

Reply by Deborah Hicks on 8/6/07 12:59pm
Msg #204133

In my state with a judgment you can issue a garnishment against their bank account. That is if you know where they bank.