What happens if a judgment is not paid in small claims court?

If a judgment is not paid in small claims court in Michigan, the court may issue an order of execution which orders the judgment debtor to pay the judgment debtor the money. This order should be served to the judgment debtor. If the judgment debtor still does not pay, the court will issue an order of seizure to the county sheriff to seize the assets of the judgment debtor and apply them to the debt. The court may also issue an order of garnishment where the sheriff is directed by the court to garnish the wages of the judgment debtor. Finally, the court may issue an order of sequestration which authorizes the sheriff to attach the property of the judgment debtor for the payment of the debt. In addition to the above, the court may also refer the case to a collection agency or refer the matter to the Michigan Department of Treasury for collection. In either case, the judgment debtor may be required to file a claim of exemption informing the court of any property that they would like protected from seizure or garnishment. If the judgment debtor fails to answer this claim or fails to pay the debt, the court may file a lien against the judgment debtor’s property. If the court finds the judgment debtor in contempt, it may hold them in jail until the debt is paid. Finally, if the judgment debtor is found to have defrauded the court, they may be charged with a misdemeanor crime and may even face jail time.

Related FAQs

How do I prepare for a small claims court hearing?
Can I withdraw my small claims court case after it has been filed?
How do I submit a written statement in a small claims court case?
How do I add a defendant to a small claims court case?
How do I find out the status of my small claims court case?
Are there any rules prohibiting me from collecting a small claims court judgment outside of court?
How does the evidence presented in a small claims court hearing differ from that presented in other courts?
What is small claims court?
Are small claims court decisions binding?
Is there a limit on the amount of money I can collect in a small claims court case?

What happens if a judgment is not paid in small claims court?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts