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Aaronson Schantz Beiley PA | Attorneys & Counselors at Law
Aaronson Schantz Beiley PA | Attorneys & Counselors at Law
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Guiding business back on track.

Collecting On Judgments

Last updated on August 27, 2025

Putting your business’s finances in order may include collecting on judgments already on the books. When your company’s back is against the wall, it is time to ramp up the pace of collections, including judgment collections.

At Aaronson Schantz Beiley P.A. in Miami, we pull out all the stops for our small to midsize business clients who are struggling to get their finances back on track. Judgment collections can seem daunting, but when we get into gear, our attorneys often get results that make a difference. They usually do this work on a contingency basis or a hybrid hourly/contingency basis. If your business is in financial trouble and you have given up on collecting on old judgments, then let our team give those accounts fresh energy.

Getting Your Business Back On Track With The Help Of Past Judgments

Florida’s laws on collections allow us many methods of collections, including the seizure of business assets, vehicles and more. Enforcing and collecting on judgments are strong suits of our asset recovery lawyers. They use all available avenues, including:

  • Wage garnishment
  • Bank account levies
  • Property liens
  • Forensic accountant investigations that dig into a wide assortment of sources of information, such as banking and credit bureau records

On the other side of the coin, if a creditor is after you or your business and is attempting to collect on a judgment, then our attorneys will evaluate the case carefully to determine if there are grounds to get that judgment overturned through complex civil litigation.

Strategies For Successful Judgment Collection

Preparing for judgment collection requires a proactive and informed approach. Businesses should begin by identifying all outstanding judgments and confirming their enforceability under Florida law. A clear understanding of available remedies and the debtor’s financial profile can significantly improve recovery outcomes.

Effective collection strategies include:

  • Conducting asset investigations early to locate bank accounts, vehicles and real property
  • Maintaining accurate records of the original debt, judgment and any prior collection attempts
  • Engaging experienced counsel to evaluate enforcement options and avoid procedural missteps
  • Prioritizing judgments based on value, collectability and time remaining under Florida’s enforcement window

Common challenges include debtor concealment of assets, jurisdictional complications and resistance to payment. These obstacles can often be overcome through forensic analysis, supplemental proceedings and persistent legal action. Businesses that prepare thoroughly and act decisively are more likely to recover funds and restore financial stability.

Alternative Dispute Resolution In Judgment Collections

While litigation is often necessary to secure a judgment, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation and arbitration can play a valuable role in resolving post-judgment disputes. These approaches may be especially useful when parties are open to negotiation or when enforcement would be costly or time-consuming.

Mediation allows both sides to explore settlement options in a confidential setting, potentially avoiding further litigation. Arbitration may be appropriate when the original contract includes an arbitration clause or when parties agree to resolve collection issues outside of court.

ADR can offer:

  • Faster resolution timelines compared to traditional enforcement
  • Reduced legal expenses and administrative burden
  • Greater flexibility in structuring payment arrangements

Although not suitable for every case, ADR may provide a practical path forward when judgment enforcement stalls or when parties seek to preserve business relationships.

Timelines And Potential Roadblocks To Judgment Collections

Florida law permits judgment enforcement for up to 20 years, but timing remains critical. Delays in initiating collection efforts can result in lost opportunities, expired remedies or diminished asset availability.

Potential roadblocks include:

  • Debtor insolvency or bankruptcy filings
  • Transfers of assets to third parties or offshore accounts
  • Procedural errors in garnishment, levy or lien filings
  • Resistance from financial institutions or third-party custodians

To avoid these pitfalls, businesses should act promptly, document all enforcement steps and consult experienced legal counsel to navigate complex collection scenarios. Timely and strategic action is essential to maximizing recovery and protecting long-term interests.

Get Answers And New Avenues Of Hope Now

Florida law allows plaintiffs 20 years to collect on judgments. So, even if you have set aside judgments that led to brick walls, things may have changed and there may be new ways to collect. Our judgment collection lawyers will bring additional debt collection litigation if that is necessary to get at hidden assets that should have been used to pay judgments.

To discuss your situation with one of our judgment collection attorneys, call Aaronson Schantz Beiley P.A. at 786-600-6940, or send a message for a prompt response.