1. Win a Court Judgment: In most cases, you'll need a court judgment against the debtor proving they owe you money. Information on how creditors can use judgment liens and judgments against real estate to collect on a court judgment.The first step is to issue a Citation to Discover Assets and Citation Notice. A judgment lien enables a creditor to compel the selling of a debtor's property. The proceeds from the property sale are then used to satisfy the judgment. All Illinois Courts must accept these forms. Scroll down below the chart for important information on how to fill out these forms. The Cook County Clerk's Office has assumed all operations and duties of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office and that office no longer exists. Once you attach a lien to the judgment debtor's property and foreclose on said lien, there will be a judicial sale of the property.