Illinois Judgment Collection Attorney

Don’t Let Your Judgment Collect Dust

Illinois law gives you powerful tools to go after wages, bank accounts, and property. Let us put them to work for you.

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How Judgment Collection Works in Illinois

After a court enters a money judgment in your favor, the debtor is legally obligated to pay — but payment doesn’t happen automatically. Judgment collection uses court-approved legal procedures to locate the debtor’s assets and force payment.

1

Identify the Debtor’s Assets

We use Citations to Discover Assets to compel the debtor to disclose employment, bank accounts, business interests, vehicles, and property under oath.

2

Choose the Right Enforcement Tool

Based on what we find, we select the most effective collection method — wage garnishment, bank freeze, property lien, or a combination.

3

Execute and Collect

We file the necessary court paperwork, serve employers or banks, and pursue the funds owed to you through the legal process.

4

Monitor and Renew

If the debtor can’t pay now, we monitor for future assets and renew the judgment before it expires so your rights are preserved.

Legal Tools We Use to Collect Your Judgment

💼

Wage Garnishment

Court-ordered withholding from the debtor’s paycheck. We serve their employer and ensure ongoing payments toward your judgment.

🏦

Bank Account Citations

Freeze funds in the debtor’s bank accounts and apply them toward your judgment. Timing and proper service are critical.

🔍

Asset Discovery

Compel debtors to reveal employment, accounts, and property under oath. Often the key to unlocking enforcement options.

🏠

Property Liens

Secure your judgment against real estate. When the property sells, your lien gets paid from the proceeds.

🏢 Judgment Collection for Landlords

Won an eviction case with a money judgment for unpaid rent? Don’t leave that money on the table. We help landlords pursue post-judgment collection as part of a complete strategy to recover unpaid rent and damages.

Recently won an eviction case? Ask us about collecting the money judgment too.

Where We Collect Judgments

Cook County

We handle judgment enforcement throughout Cook County’s complex court system, including Chicago and all suburban districts.

Collar Counties

  • DuPage County — Wheaton
  • Lake County — Waukegan
  • Will County — Joliet
  • Kane County — Geneva
  • McHenry County — Woodstock

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a judgment enforceable in Illinois?
Most Illinois judgments are enforceable for 7 years and can be renewed for additional 7-year periods. Even if a debtor can’t pay now, you can pursue collection when their situation changes.
What if I don’t know where the debtor works or banks?
That’s what Citations to Discover Assets are for. We compel the debtor to appear in court and disclose their employment, bank accounts, and other assets under oath.
How much of a debtor’s wages can be garnished?
Under Illinois law, the lesser of 15% of gross wages or the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 45 times the minimum wage can be garnished.
Can I collect a judgment from an eviction case?
Yes. If your eviction resulted in a money judgment for unpaid rent, you have the same collection tools available. Learn more about our eviction services.
What does judgment collection cost?
Chi City Legal offers flat-fee and contingency-based collection representation depending on the size and nature of the judgment. Contact us for a consultation.
What if the debtor has no assets right now?
Judgments last for years and can be renewed. We periodically re-examine the debtor’s finances and pursue collection when they acquire assets or start a new job.

Stop Waiting. Start Collecting.

You won the case — now let us help you get paid.

Call 312-600-7457
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