Page 81 - Judgment Enforcement Course

Judgment Enforcement – The Step-by-Step Course

DISCOVERING THE PLUSES -What to look for on your database:

+ Debtor has real property. This shows he’s been credit worthy in the

past, and perhaps trustworthy on the job. And, you have a home that you
can lien.
+ Debtor used to have property. This is still a good sign. Maybe he lost his home in

the recession, like about half the country. If he had a home once, he’s likely more stable
than a lot of other debtors.

+ Debtor owns or used to own a business: The databases will also show you what
corporations or businesses this person has now or has owned in the past 15 years.
Entrepreneurs are often better debtors.

+ Debtor has a job. I’ve had judgments against doctors, lawyers, mechanics, even a
palm reader. It’s always a good sign, and a source of garnishments in most states. Many
JE’s run “The Work Number” before taking assignment, to see if a job shows up there. The
Work Number has millions of them, and your JD may be one of them. “Millions” isn’t
much relatively speaking, but why not try it? (www.TheWorkNumber.com)

Also, see the employment websites online, such as Indeed.com – where you can get
resumes, including where the person works now. None are perfect. But they are a help.

+Debtor has a new car. Often this is good, but the car may be leased or liened to the
hilt by the lender. You can check that on the credit report. At least he’s got some credit.
nd
And maybe a nice 2 car that is attachable.
+Debtor has a skill. Another good sign. Carpenters, plumbers, etc. have a way to
make money. They may be doing it under the table, but we’ll deal with that later.
Usually it’s not good.

+Debtor is married. This does show some stability, believe it or not. And if you

are in a community property state, the non-debtor spouse’s income and assets acquired
during marriage may be liable too.
+No other judgments. If your databases show no other judgments, that’s a good sign.

Other people aren’t after the debtor, and this judgment may be from a one-time problem
the debtor had. But even if there are other judgments, first come-first server.

+No involuntary home liens: That means he’s current, has income, no HOA problems.

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