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

If a judgment is not paid in small claims court in South Carolina, a variety of steps can be taken to collect the judgment. The first step is to contact the defendant and remind them of the court order to pay the judgment, and to see if a payment plan can be agreed upon to pay the debt in full. If the defendant is unresponsive or continues to refuse to pay the court-ordered debt, then the plaintiff can attempt to garnish the defendant’s wages or seize any money or assets that the defendant may have. The plaintiff can also place a lien on any property owned by the defendant so that the money must be paid before the property can be sold or transferred. The plaintiff can also contact a debt collector to help them recover the money that is owed. It is very important to remember that any court-ordered debt must be taken seriously and paid in full and on time. If the defendant continues to ignore the court order, they could find themselves facing more serious consequences such as fines or even prison time. If a judgment is not paid in small claims court in South Carolina, it is up to the plaintiff to take any and all steps necessary in order to receive the money that is owed to them.

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