How to Collect a Judgment - Lehto's Law Ep. 5.34

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ธ.ค. 2018
  • I get asked about collecting on a judgment. You won the case; how do you get them to pay? My advice is based on Michigan law. The laws may vary in your state.
    www.lehtoslaw.com
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ความคิดเห็น • 524

  • @dhuze66
    @dhuze66 5 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    The town doctor where I lived had to sue a guy named Ted. It took a while to get his settlement so he seized the guys car and ended up owning it. He drove that car around town all the time as long as I can remember, at least 25 years. The license plate said "TEDCAR".

    • @sliver108
      @sliver108 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      That's hilarious 😂

    • @timothykilpatrick4516
      @timothykilpatrick4516 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That's awesome 🤣🤣

    • @leighanneboles4386
      @leighanneboles4386 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      What an a hole

    • @KTSLAY
      @KTSLAY 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@leighanneboles4386 yeah but that's equitable relief

  • @angelawoodley78
    @angelawoodley78 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I want to thank you so much for sharing this video. After watching your video I was able to collect all the correct info, hired an attorney and got the wage garnishment done and now have started collecting after 12 years of the person dodging me. Thank you thank you

  • @Grenyas
    @Grenyas 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Has a judgement in the face and their negotiation tactic is “we’re not going to pay.” That’s not how this works 😂

  • @MrSeanVideos
    @MrSeanVideos 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I worked for a plumber back in college doing office work. They had a small claims judgement against a landlord they did quite a bit of work for. The owners ended up sending the sheriff out to collect the rent on the properties for a couple months.

  • @ChrisRyman
    @ChrisRyman 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is the best info I’ve found. I’ve searched and actually called a few supposed specialists that do collections but never got anywhere. At least now I know what to ask for

  • @scuddrunner1
    @scuddrunner1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    As a contractor, I did some remodeling for a towing company and he wouldn't pay. I liened the building the painter told the guy to pay up!
    The owner said, what are you going to do lien the building? The painter said, no. I'm going to lien all the license plates od your tow trucks. He got paid, I didn't.

  • @sgtaaronp
    @sgtaaronp 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Always a pleasure watching your videos Steve! If I ever need a lawyer for traffic, or consumer issues, I'll will be calling you! Yes I'm in SE Michigan...lol

  • @stephenbaker9475
    @stephenbaker9475 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Years ago I was sued by a man for breach of contract. He won with a small addendum that he had to give me time to make it right. He made a move before the time allowed and still tried to collect from me. The judge told him that he was in breach of the agreement and would get nothing from me.

    • @Theooogurl
      @Theooogurl ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It sucks that he was even put in the situation to have to fight in court.

    • @stephenbaker9475
      @stephenbaker9475 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Theooogurl he was put in that place by a young man myself being stupid because he listened to a controlling and manipulative woman. Honestly the man was selling the land and I was trying to remodel what little trailer was there but didn't have a lot of time. It all just fell apart

  • @barrb6134
    @barrb6134 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Steve, this is probably one of the best and informative videos you've produced! Thks

  • @djrand62
    @djrand62 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I have a friend in Michigan who had a judgement against the municipality he used to work for as a police officer and retired from. The municipality (not happy with the judgement) didn't pay and the appeal period expired. So, on the Friday (which happened to be a holiday weekend, he had papers served, in essence shutting down the municipality until court resumed the following Tuesday. He was nice enough to phone a friend who still worked in the clerk's office to let them know what was about to happen. In the case of the municipality, their budget accounts and all assets were froze until a check was hand delivered by a smiling police officer.

    • @sanansa4567
      @sanansa4567 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      well it was an individual that worked for that town who made that decision and they should have been fired.

    • @djrand62
      @djrand62 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sanansa4567 It was the municipal council that decided they weren't going to pay and refused to direct the clerk to make the payment.

  • @heroesandzeros7802
    @heroesandzeros7802 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    In Jerseyville, IL you can get judgements, but you will never collect anything, especially if you are not from there.
    Judgements on bad renters, fraud, or personal claims.
    The local judge refuses to order the other party to pay you or to set up a payment plan.
    You will have to go the other routes.
    You cannot put liens on anything because they do not own anything.
    You cannot take their bank accounts because they do not have any.
    The only thing that helped me was to notify the credit reporting companies.
    Eventually, they will want a new car or home, and they will have to pay you first.
    That has happened twice.

  • @JDseller1
    @JDseller1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Steve I have rarely been able to collect a penny on a judgment. This wonderful thing called bankruptcy usually happens long before any judgment or soon thereafter. Also if your going through court to get the judgment your usually an unsecured creditor. So it seems that the majority of the time some form of bankruptcy is enacted as soon as I file the court case to start getting a judgment. It seems your used to going after people that just chose to not pay but have assets. That is rarely the case around here. People that do not pay usually just do not have assets to pay with.

    • @thomascrabtree
      @thomascrabtree 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You can get court payment orders that ignore bankruptcy, student debt is one of them.

    • @Cautionary_Tale_Harris
      @Cautionary_Tale_Harris 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This is the situation my family is in. The individual the judgment is against has no assets and they simply don't care. They have no job, live in someone else's house, drive someone else's vehicle.
      And this person is 100% content to live that lifestyle.

    • @robert5
      @robert5 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Cautionary_Tale_Harris You should have never bothered with it then.

    • @Cautionary_Tale_Harris
      @Cautionary_Tale_Harris 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@robert5 It's very clear the law is set up to defend people like that. They just go through life with absolutely no responsibilities and if you're unfortunate enough to live near them, their choices could cost you out of pocket and there's nothing you can do about it.

    • @robert5
      @robert5 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Cautionary_Tale_Harris I used to own an ISP business and met plenty of them. They would sign up and I'd never collect any further payments from them. They would just push it as far as I'd let it go before cancelling them and then I'd never collect anything after that. So yes I know about these people. Live and learn.

  • @larryforeman7157
    @larryforeman7157 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I had a friend in California with an acoustic ceiling business. He sometimes was stiffed by general contractors when a project went belly-up. When he won a judgement in court, he would ask the judge to have the bailiff take what the defendant had right then. There is a Latin term for this, which I don't know. These contractors often had lots of cash on them because 1) they were wealthy, and 2) they often tried to shield their money from a pending judgement (they know they're going to lose). He said, it was humiliating to the defendant and that was all he'd probably get. He would take every penny.

    • @OPYates
      @OPYates 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      If I remember my high school Latin class, I think it was something like Arrepto bonorum, or “seizing assets” the correct response is “Seize this, Honkus!” 😂 (Thank you, Mel Brooks)

  • @richardthomas1566
    @richardthomas1566 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Steve I will never put out of business but I’m a subcontractor and have collected at least 3 times over the years by picketing their model home. Of course these are not gated communities but you could picket at the gate .This really hurt sales they have called the cops before and as long as your on a public street your ok . I did have a cop come and explain this to the builder that did not pay and in GreatFall s Va . As long as I don’t have more than 5 people I’m ok and if I do I need to get a 25 dollar permit and it’s easy to get but you have to have a Porta john on site that’s what the permit is for the cop said. Can you imagine a Porta john out side a model home lol.

  • @drba77
    @drba77 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Mr. Lehto for the very informative video. I am suing a landscape guy for $4000, and was afraid I won’t be able to collect the money.
    After listening to your video I am reassured that I would be able to collect it.
    Thank you again 👍

  • @psstoffnow
    @psstoffnow 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Several years ago in Virginia I had a judgement in Small Claims against an individual. He was a pain in the a$$ both pre and post judgement. I wanted him to set up a payment plan but he stopped all communication. I went back to court and they helped me place a lien on his property which got his wife's attention, they never once missed a payment

    • @mwelwakostrick6771
      @mwelwakostrick6771 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      How did you do that? I am in a similar situation resulting to going after his home but not sure how to put a lien on it. You hire a lawyer? Was it just a matter of filing some documents and listing his home property or do you need his bank/lender info? What state are you in? Filing in DC. Thanks for the help.

  • @fresh55n9ne
    @fresh55n9ne ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is the information I was looking for. Very well explained thank you. It’s time I collect my judgement.

  • @JamesKing2understandinglife
    @JamesKing2understandinglife 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for giving me your expert knowledge and proven experience in collecting judgments.

  • @jlawrence0181
    @jlawrence0181 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Steve - no one hates judgments as much as employers who have to deal with garnishments. I know of several companies that I have worked at where they terminate employees on the third garnishment. It is a royal PITA for meas a plant controller to have to cut special checks to courts or collection agencies ... especially when garnishments are paid out weekly.

    • @Clapxiomatic
      @Clapxiomatic 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Considering you'd have to be in some real deep shit to have 3 garnishments, I dont blame the employers. You are Federally protected for ONE garnishment.

  • @breezenking
    @breezenking 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You’re the best , is like I was listening to a prophet. It clearly shows that you an expert on how to collect your money on a judgment.

  • @VideosByAl
    @VideosByAl 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I put a lien on a guys house after a small claims court judgement.
    Got paid 8 years later.

    • @VideosByAl
      @VideosByAl 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@FreedomsNurse 18% !

  • @Admirallmao
    @Admirallmao 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Don't forget you are under no legal obligation to answer your door to anyone for any reason ever. You aren't even obligated to hide the fact you're home if so choose not to, it is all about how much harassment are you willing to take if you don't go into ninja mode when they come to your door. They will not stalk your property to try and catch you, they do like early morning pop-ins to increase the odds you, or someone else will be there to answer your door. However any asset not under lock and key (like a vehicle) they can run a search on the plates/vin # and if your name is on it (yes even if your partners/wife's name is on it as well) they can take it rather you answer or not. Note that if you do answer the door and they have a writ, you cannot stop them from executing it against you, if need be a police officer can place you into his custody to prevent you from acting on any opportunity to interfere while they're executing the writ..........
    I better state that by using they, them I am referring to the court officers or sheriffs deputies the creditor who obtained the judgement against you is not allowed to participate in the execution of a writ...........
    Creditors use a tactic where they will tell you that they can initiate a sheriffs sale against you if you don't pay on a judgement, but that simply isn't true. Sheriff's sales only apply to court ordered bank foreclosures, not any judgement granted there after, only the original foreclosure.........
    You can also sell/reassign the judgement to a 3rd party for various collection actions, if 30 cents on the dollar is better than no cents on the dollar this might be worth it to you. There are also judgement investors and judgement investor scams so be careful..............

    • @stevelehto
      @stevelehto  5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Personally, I think we should be allowed to opt out of letting people knock on our doors altogether. The only people who knock on my door at home or show up unexpected at my office are people I'd rather not deal with.

    • @carlanderson5068
      @carlanderson5068 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      From what a friend found talking to the county sheriff here (Oregon) getting a writ of execution filled out there is specific language that can be used. Along the lines of "all force authorized" that will allow the sheriff to break down the door to get stuff to auction off. Lacking that language, they can only seize assets in the yard that they can find (cars, etc) but the only thing preventing someone with a judgement from including that language is lacking the knowledge that it can be legally authorized by the person with the judgement on the writ. I am not a lawyer, nor directly involved in any debt collection, and might be specific to some states/situation, so take this all with a grain of salt.

    • @Admirallmao
      @Admirallmao 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@stevelehto Yeah putting up signs that say no service, no solicitation, etc ect, ect don't work when posted as if you're placing a no trespassing sign on your property, people just do not read them, or they flat out ignore them. However I have a fix that has kept salesmen from my door. I bought a thermostat enclosure (the kind used to lock out access to thermostats) I removed the lock, so it is just basically a see thru plastic cover. I have installed it over my doorbell, and used vinyl lettering that states to ring doorbell lift here, but it also says if you're in the process of soliciting do not ring my doorbell. I also used the same vinyl lettering on my always locked 100% glass storm door that says do not knock on glass, forcing people to have to read the doorbell cover. It works very well in the 2 years I have been doing it, people just leave without knocking or ringing.

  • @ateamfan42
    @ateamfan42 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Years ago I had to bring a former landlady to small claims because she refused to return our security deposit after we moved out. She showed up for the initial hearing date, but our case got rescheduled before we could see the judge. On the rescheduled date, she didn't bother to show, so we got a default judgement in our favor. She never paid, and I expect she decided she was just going to ignore the whole deal since she had already verbally expressed how she felt she wanted to keep the deposit.
    Once she was served a summons by the sheriff for a disclosure hearing (similar to the creditor's exam Steve mentions), she freaked out and hired herself a lawyer. I was told by friends in the profession that the lawyer she chose was particularly expensive for the area. I expect he collected a hefty fee to explain to her that yes, she does need to comply with a court judgment. We got a check with a letter from her lawyer right before the hearing.

  • @williammcelleney1060
    @williammcelleney1060 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great vid Steve, great lessons I wish I had learned 20 years ago.

  • @dotwill
    @dotwill 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This is about as savage as I’ve ever seen Steve.

    • @xs10z
      @xs10z 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Steve "Zero Fucks Given" Lehto

    • @Clapxiomatic
      @Clapxiomatic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The part about cockroaches hahaha

  • @mrsstomperhere
    @mrsstomperhere 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    got a judgement on a guy here in texas-he thought he could refuse to pay me thinking i a handicapped woman without a vehicle. first i had one of his cars towed off and sold at auction for chump change and he calls me cussing wanting to make payments but never showing up, now i have paid the fee for a garnishment of his bank account which will occur by weeks end. i already checked his balance, my money is in there. its his own fault so i feel no pity for him cant wait to get his call after his bank account is locked and emptied by he collection agentfor theJP

    • @kayvonmansouri
      @kayvonmansouri 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      did you do this yourself or did you use an attorney? I just got a judgement, but am worried i cant collect on it.

  • @shimjocky
    @shimjocky 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love the D104 on the shelf. Had those when I was young. Back then our Social Media was Citizen Band. :)

  • @johntracy72
    @johntracy72 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Here in Texas, it's very difficult to collect because Texas law is in favor of debtors not creditors. They cannot garnish your paycheck. If you are on Social Security or Social Security Disability, then your bank account is safe. Your paycheck can be seized if it's been deposited into a bank account.

  • @pixelpatter01
    @pixelpatter01 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thanks Steve, that was very informative.

  • @garybelcher8259
    @garybelcher8259 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great video. Doesn't do much good to win in court if you don't receive whatever was awarded to you.

  • @gtfob4shtf
    @gtfob4shtf ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you. Love your delivery!

  • @Thuddriver01
    @Thuddriver01 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Steve; I love your channel. Please please keep up the good work.

  • @etcflyers3760
    @etcflyers3760 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I had an individual who owed me $300 for some work I did and would not pay. I took him to small claims and he defaulted so I had a judgement. Rather than go after his bank account which was probably empty I sent the deputy after his Harley Davidson. I got paid cash the next day. Dirtbags will give up children and wives before giving up the Harley.

    • @davidlatino8986
      @davidlatino8986 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I have the same issue with this dirtbag..I gave him $380 for a custom entry door and he never made anything! I'm going to take him to small claims court...I'm 100% positive I'll get a judgment against him...after I win. what's documents do I need to seize his property or his tax returns. I forgot to mention he does have a business. Appreciate the help

  • @myutube6422
    @myutube6422 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    In Washington a procedure that I have used when I had a small claims judgement; wait the 21 days, take your judgement into the District court clerk, for a few bucks register/file the judgement with them, then walk across the hallway to Superior court clerk and register/file it with them, then it becomes a lien against their property. This is where it apparently goes on their credit report and when they sell their property, you get a check.

    • @21972012145525
      @21972012145525 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      What if they don’t own property though?

  • @ZenFitness6
    @ZenFitness6 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks Steve - good input and insights.

  • @jpdunamislodge
    @jpdunamislodge ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Perfect timing for where I’m at. 👍🏼

  • @campassi1961
    @campassi1961 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Steve, Thanks for all the great videos. In my rural county in Alabama the circuit clerk has NEVER seen an execution in 12 years when I presented one yesterday 12/19/19. Does the execution take priority over items with bank loans? Does the bank take second position? Incidentally I have 2 months left on this judgement before expiration. You would be surprised what ten years does to $2500 at 12%. I talked to the sheriff of that county a few minutes ago (it's easier here - you should meet this guy, he is a treasurer like from an old movie). He says that he hasn't seen a Writ of Execution in over 20 years. In case you are interested in South law, he says that they go to the residence, present the document, mark it as "nothing found," and the debtor then is brought before the judge (of three adjacent counties). I assume at that point I (or the judge) asks him under oath about his assets.

    • @88omarz
      @88omarz 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s great. I just dropped off my documents for the sherif to deliver. Will see how that works out. The county wasn’t very familiar with the issue process.

  • @hecatommyriagon655
    @hecatommyriagon655 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I live in Norway, so rules are probably different here, but I remember vividly some 20 years ago, when I was unemployed and sometimes couldn't afford paying all my bills on time. I would simply call the electricity company, phone company or whatever I couldn't pay, and say: "I'm really sorry, but I don't have the money for this when this bill is due. I will get the money for it in 10 days (or whatever)."
    They would without exception say: "No problem, we'll just extend your due-date."
    I can't remember that they ever charged me any interest, even though that was within their rights. So my experience, even though it's from another country, is that creditors are willing to work with you, IF you call them before shit hits the fan, and just explain the situation to them.

    • @reginaschellhaas1395
      @reginaschellhaas1395 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm sure they kept records of your calls. If you called again, some months later, they could see you kept your word and paid within the extended due-date, so they would work with you once again. I suspect it's simpler to work with a willing and honest customer, versus the expense of courts, so a win-win for both parties.
      Your comment has very good advice! I hope you are in a much better financial position now. Best wishes....

    • @hecatommyriagon655
      @hecatommyriagon655 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@reginaschellhaas1395 Indeed, they would log it in their database/customer system, so they could definitely keep track of it.
      I suspect it's better for everyone and it also kept me as a costumer happy, since I knew it wouldn't be a problem. A happy and loyal costumer is better than losing one.
      Thank you, my financial status is much better these days, as I actually have a stable job. 😊

  • @santtilagmailcom
    @santtilagmailcom 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is really interesting topic. I’d like to hear this expanded to car loans and repos.

  • @stephenfarina8234
    @stephenfarina8234 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Also would you be willing to do a short vid on best questions to ask during the debtor examination? Questions that would help disclose assets that the debtor has tried to hide? Thanks again for these great videos! Ur the best! (The Judgment I received is against an individual that resides in the District of Columbia and has an office in Virginia)

  • @rocksandoil2241
    @rocksandoil2241 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I couldn't get the sheriff to execute...too much trouble for a mere $900. But 9 years later (having filed it in 2 counties) they tried to refinance and had to pay the judgment out of the loan proceeds … :)

  • @geewhizwhiz2788
    @geewhizwhiz2788 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As always. Superb advice.

  • @chrisk6159
    @chrisk6159 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    In some states - like Florida - there are homestead laws that prevent lien foreclosure on someone’s homestead (the house owned and lived in by the debtor) until the property is sold. That’s why Florida is a debtors paradise for some wealthy individuals with lots of legal issues. People don’t always move here just for the weather.

  • @ericeglish3948
    @ericeglish3948 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You are allways good about stating that, state laws change from state to state. I can't think of a circumstance where this is more true, than post judgement collections. In Texas where I reside, wages are not garnishable, your homestead and primary car are exempted from a writ of execution..
    Small corporations are even worse because they often transfer their assets to other shells before judgment.

    • @xaviusamericus9561
      @xaviusamericus9561 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Eric Eglish That maneuver usually constitutes the crime of fraud which becomes one of justifications for piercing the corporate veil.

    • @ericeglish3948
      @ericeglish3948 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Absolutely correct, but it is still super common. Having tangible assets leased from shells is also common.

  • @waynegriner2620
    @waynegriner2620 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Fantastic video, very informative. Thank you.

  • @jeffcourtney8101
    @jeffcourtney8101 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Steve, what about when say a state attorney general sues on behalf of several plantiffs and the state wins and judgement against defendant is determined (both monetary and loss of ability to do business in that state) how do they/we collect. Short version, lawyer was supposed to be negotiating real estate loan modification but apparently didnt do as stated.?

  • @ajc2024
    @ajc2024 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for info. Really helpful in my small claims case in Alabama.

  • @geekfreak618
    @geekfreak618 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Are creditors required to send notice that they have renewed a judgment? Is this normally listed in court records where you would see any other case filings? I may have missed seeing those when going through court records here.

  • @1947shadow
    @1947shadow 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Refreshing to view your presentations! Still have not resolved your "Benjamin" issue on your bookcase. Stay your course....

  • @jeffgreiss142
    @jeffgreiss142 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    First of all, thanks for this informative video! I won a judgment filed in a NY State court against two non-paying tenants. Will this judgment go on their credit reports, so for example, if they try to get a loan or find a new rental, the judgment will appear? Also, do I need to have their SS numbers to go after them and get the money they owe? Without SS numbers attached to their names how can the judgment get into their credit reports?

  • @foodforestabundanceofcharl3679
    @foodforestabundanceofcharl3679 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am the plaintiff in a civil case but the court is waiting on the defense attorney to respond to a phone call of when they are available for court. I have not been contacted and they told me this on the phone. It has been 48 days since I filled and no court date. What do I do?

  • @mrslcom
    @mrslcom 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    At what amount would you think it would not be cost effective to collect on a judgment? Can the costs of collection be added to the judgment amount?

  • @markeast9221
    @markeast9221 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thats a lot of great info ! Thanks !

  • @gregoryscott7088
    @gregoryscott7088 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "Make them an offer they can't refuse" - Don Lehto.

  • @Kenny1594
    @Kenny1594 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Very interesting video! Thanks!

  • @Amyjo_lovesmusic
    @Amyjo_lovesmusic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for the great information!

  • @ThriftStoreHacker
    @ThriftStoreHacker 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    There are two shows called The Sheriffs Are Coming and Can't Pay We'll Take It Away. Shows how this exact scenario takes place in the U.K. with command of the high court.

  • @isabelleslight6822
    @isabelleslight6822 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Thank you for this video, it is extremely useful.

  • @deniseb9302
    @deniseb9302 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for this information. I am getting ready to go to small claims court for a contractor that took me for $6700. So did I understand correctly, that all of this information pertains to small claims court too?

    • @stevelehto
      @stevelehto  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Judgments from small claims are pretty much the same as judgments from the regular courts, except they might be smaller.

  • @richardjefferson2445
    @richardjefferson2445 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hi, Steve. I am in Florida. I found the home of the person who owes me money and got my execution form stamped but the sheriff won’t accept it. He says I need a lawyer. Says there are a lot of steps before he can actually seize property and he tell me the steps / says I will be confused.

  • @CRBUCK77
    @CRBUCK77 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Does this also work for restitution monies? I’m in Wa State. Was a victim of assault / robbery (stole my $650 phone) happened in 2014 the defendant was 14 at the time. Thanks

  • @estarz25
    @estarz25 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    What if I have a judgement from the labor board .I gave consent for the judgment enforcement unit to collect on my behalf will they do all these things?

  • @billklintworth43
    @billklintworth43 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey Steve. Love the stories. I can’t think of a lower life form than someone who has the means doesn’t pay their bills. Just because they think they can get one over on you.

  • @damianweiss9870
    @damianweiss9870 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What if you have a judgement collection costs, like hiring a “Judgement Collection Specialist Lawyer”?
    Are you able to add these costs to the judgement collection ?
    Seems like collection costs could run into thousands of thousands of additional costs.

  • @angelawoodley78
    @angelawoodley78 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Won the garnishment, now can I get the attorney fees etc garnished as well?

  • @Warren3carpentry
    @Warren3carpentry 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great info and great video. I just had to put a lien on a customer for nonpayment of 20.000.00$

  • @SusanBassi
    @SusanBassi 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you m very important service and education.

  • @millay4813
    @millay4813 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey Steve, I heard you mention something about garnishing a tax return and I was wondering if you could make a video on that. I heard a story about a guy in Florida that owed quite a bit of money to some credit card companies and instead of paying them off he put his entire paycheck into taxes. The story goes, every time they tried to file papers to garnish wages they had to pay some amount of money, and after a year or two of this guy living on a well budgeted tax return check, the credit company stopped trying to garnish his wages. Can you let me know if this story is possible or not?

  • @shimjocky
    @shimjocky 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    @Steve Lehto
    I have court ordered restitution from someone who did property damage to my home. Do the rules in your video apply to me as well?

  • @stephenfarina8234
    @stephenfarina8234 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello! This is wonderful. Thank you. Could you please do a video on "fun" things to do/imaginative ways to collect with a Judgment. I have been awarded a judgment against a particularly vile individual who absolutely refuses to pay. What are some of the more imaginative ways to collect?

  • @DG-ti4qc
    @DG-ti4qc 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Steve new subscriber here. Love the channel and could've used sooooooo much of your advise back in '09 when the crash caught up with me. Dammit I wish I was more into TH-cam and the interwebs back then!!! Now just enjoy watching all the LEGAL CREDIT CRUSHING mistakes I made. LOL. And ummm yeah comment not directly related to this video. Back then I would've shown up at someones house with a bat just to save my own a-double-s if they owed me money ahahahahahahahah. And of course not a recommended solution to collection issues. Works for the outter fringe though according to every action movie I've ever watched. If only I was more like Arnold from back in the day!

  • @Hands2HealNow
    @Hands2HealNow 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Always enjoy your expertise and humor.
    Will you begin talking about Wikileaks, Julian Assange? Can you talk to people who are more involved with such issues?

  • @johnleclerc8806
    @johnleclerc8806 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've won a few judgments for my company in small claims court where the maximum judgement is $5000. Since our average lawsuit was $2500 we didn't have much excess to pay for a process server. We used certified mail which is fairly easy for a defendant to ignore even if you mailed to the correct address. Even if the defendant answers the door he doesn't always provide a legible signature. My success rate is 30% net of expenses. I would never try to execute a writ against assets with professional help.

    • @johnleclerc8806
      @johnleclerc8806 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Correction: I wouldn't try to execute a writ WITHOUT professional help.

  • @johnsimpson4715
    @johnsimpson4715 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Are pensions, retirement accounts, and Social Security payments exempt? (Nationwide or at least in Michigan)

  • @white_rook2060
    @white_rook2060 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I remember when Denny got out of jail years ago and he was working at a 7-11 on Mound/16 mile!

  • @martyca6
    @martyca6 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What if they have hidden assets. They could have their assets under someone else's name. I want to beenverified and other subscription where you can find people access to information I thought they assets but when I click under their name it was under someone else's name as partial can you still get their assets. But when I click under their name it led to a 88 year old woman and when I click her assets it was a different they vehicle. And what can you do if people use alises names?

  • @probuilder961
    @probuilder961 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I won a small claims case & took me 2 years to collect from the small business. I kept at it, & with some amateur detective work, I got paid. Funny thing is, I won the case without dispute, since the defending party failed to appear. The judge didn't even look at my evidence. I should have sued for the max amount allowable!

    • @Superpaul205
      @Superpaul205 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Pro Builder how did you collect?

    • @robert5
      @robert5 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Superpaul205 He probably confiscated some of their property using legal means available to him in his state. Check your state laws. I live in MI now but recently moved from WA state. In wa state you can sue in small claims court and then pay a small fee to transfer the judgement to state court. After that you can show up with a sheriff and a moving van and empty out their house or business and auction that stuff off to pay the judgement amount plus expenses. I used to have a business in wa state and used the threat of that to get paid by many customers who owed me money.

  • @lnkinc6823
    @lnkinc6823 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is there a way to some one back to court to have a head of household exemption overturn due to misleading documents being presented at the time of the hearing ? Also how long will a HOH exemption stay in place ?

  • @antonyayalajuarez54
    @antonyayalajuarez54 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The guy i have a default judgment against doesn't even bother to show up to court. He claims to be judgment proof and refuses to pay me. what can i do next? I'm just awaiting court date that are so pushed out. help??

  • @thomasstiglich3484
    @thomasstiglich3484 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have watched quite a few of your videos. Great Stuff. I used to work with a Tom Lehto here in Michigan. Not sure if you are related. Good guy.

  • @4.0gpa44
    @4.0gpa44 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can you seize all assets for a small claims judgement?

  • @carlanderson5068
    @carlanderson5068 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    If you have a writ, and they say they want to set up a payment plan, how do you ensure you don't have to go back to court if they fail to pay? Like maybe they pay for a while, and then stop? Can you just go back to executing the writ, or do you need a new judgement?

    • @andyburk4825
      @andyburk4825 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'd like to know too - had someone make small payments on a $1000 judgement, then stopped. I never agreed to payments in the first place.

  • @ericsmock6071
    @ericsmock6071 ปีที่แล้ว

    What if the person moved to another state. Do I file in that state or the state of the judgement

  • @gunsandguitars6678
    @gunsandguitars6678 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a judgement of someone and I have a lien on their property that was to be sold it looks like they're not selling it how long do I have to wait?

  • @sphillips6357
    @sphillips6357 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Can you get a judgement against a government agency? In 2016 I was overpaid $81.00 for unemployment. In July, 2020 I placed an unemployment claim and found I don't quality because of that over payment. Between late fees, penalties, and compound interest on those fees I now owe over $5,500.00. That seems just unreasonable to me, even if the law does allow it.

    • @label1877
      @label1877 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      No, they have immunity.

  • @richardbailey4187
    @richardbailey4187 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    What are the best steps to collect a default judgment against a used car dealer in Texas? What items are exempt from a creditor?

  • @dicklongmire6836
    @dicklongmire6836 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Steve, I'm in Illinois and got a judgement against the last tenant who held over 3 months past the expiration of the lease and caused significant damage. The judgement was near $10,000. In 3 months she has paid me $50.00. She gets a 2,200 per month pension from her diceased husband and makes 800 per month at her part time job. Can I ask the court to garnish wages?

  • @RandomAmerican3000
    @RandomAmerican3000 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    But if a parsley farmer has a judgment, can you garnish his wages?

  • @allenstautz9506
    @allenstautz9506 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Steve, to 'renew' judgement prior to 10 yr termination, what is the legal procedure??

  • @riblets1968
    @riblets1968 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey, Steve. What about enforcing a settlement? I suspect this doesn't come up as often but suppose that the parties agree to a settlement, the judge approves it, but then the defendant turns obstinate and refuses to pay. Can the courts enforce the settlement agreement or does the plaintiff have to sue him again?

  • @dnrvlle
    @dnrvlle 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Steve, I have a judgement on a person.. He has deceased... How do I determine if there is an estate or get an examination of finances?

    • @geekfreak618
      @geekfreak618 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Ouch! You ARE a shark.

  • @dianecelento4974
    @dianecelento4974 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How do you find out if a bench warrant has been issued?

  • @lnkinc6823
    @lnkinc6823 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    in Florida they have the Head of Household exemption how can we get around that and what if the home is homestead?

    • @maskedwarrior6966
      @maskedwarrior6966 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Put a lein on their home and they can’t refinance or sell until they pay off the debt also garnish their wages and levy their bank accounts have them appear to a debtors exam also levy any cars they own Florida exemption is anything less than $1000 cars are worth more than that you can take it

  • @BuzzLOLOL
    @BuzzLOLOL 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Best not to get into a situation where you're owed money... Landlords should get a deposit and first month's rent in advance... make sure you stay ahead...
    Don't get involved with anybody or business heading into bankruptcy...

  • @Hallahanify
    @Hallahanify ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Do you need to be an attorney to do this on behalf of others?

  • @Viggggggr
    @Viggggggr 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    What can you do if they have a leased car ? Anyway you can force them to return it and get the security deposit for payment

  • @MrSayed5050
    @MrSayed5050 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very helpful video thanks

  • @linseyskelly9524
    @linseyskelly9524 ปีที่แล้ว

    We filed a garnishment in Michigan for a case we won. He won't pay so we have to go to these extremes. It says that there is a $35 disclosure fee. We don't understand what this is and who we pay it to. Can you help?

  • @jontaylor5701
    @jontaylor5701 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have been trying to collect on lady for 5 years, how can I hire you for your services. She didn't show up to to the debtors examination?

  • @stannovacki2406
    @stannovacki2406 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    yup, "uncollectible entitles." after I secured a judgement against a construction firm, I didn't have the $30k to "pierce the corporate veil" to prove the principals in the company failed to behave as a corporation.
    that didn't stop them from declaring their company bankrupt and then five of them declaring personal bankruptcy as well.
    in America, you're entitled to all the justice you can afford.