This Collecting Money from a Small Claims Judgment is an official document from the Michigan State Court Administration Office, and it complies with all applicable state and Federal codes and statutes. USLF updates all state and Federal forms as is required by state and Federal statutes and law.
Detroit, Michigan has established a process for collecting money from a small claims judgment, which involves specific steps and procedures to ensure the successful enforcement of the judgment. The first type of collection method available in Detroit is wage garnishment. This method allows the judgment creditor, the party owed the money, to request the court to deduct a portion of the judgment debtor's wages to satisfy the debt. The court will issue an order to the judgment debtor's employer, directing them to withhold a specific amount from the debtor's paycheck and remit it to the judgment creditor until the debt is paid off. Another method available is bank account garnishment. In this case, the judgment creditor can request the court to order the judgment debtor's bank to freeze their accounts and turn over the funds to satisfy the debt. The court will issue an order to the bank, instructing them to hold the funds until the judgment is paid in full. If wage or bank account garnishment is not possible or unsuccessful, the judgment creditor can choose to obtain a lien against the judgment debtor's property. This means that the judgment becomes a lien on any real estate or personal property owned by the debtor, prohibiting them from selling or transferring it until the debt is satisfied. In some cases, the judgment creditor can also request the court to issue a writ of execution, allowing them to seize and sell the judgment debtor's non-exempt assets, such as vehicles, machinery, or valuable personal property, to recover the owed amount. The proceeds from the sale are then applied towards satisfying the judgment. To initiate the collection process, the judgment creditor must file a Request and Writ for Garnishment or Execution with the court and pay a fee. It is important to provide accurate and detailed information about the judgment debtor, including their employer's name and address for wage garnishment, or their bank's details for bank account garnishment. Additionally, the judgment creditor may need to provide supporting documentation, such as proof of the judgment and any relevant financial information. Once the necessary paperwork is filed, the court will review the request and issue the appropriate orders to begin the collection process. It is important to note that certain exemptions may apply, protecting certain income or assets from collection, such as certain government benefits or the debtor's primary residence. Overall, Detroit, Michigan offers several methods for collecting money from a small claims judgment, including wage garnishment, bank account garnishment, property liens, and asset seizure. Each method has its own specific procedures and requirements, requiring careful adherence to ensure a successful enforcement of the judgment.
