How can I collect a small claims lawsuit in California???

Question

I have recently won about 12,000 in a small claims court in Los Angeles and I want to know how I can go about collecting this lawsuit? I think the defendent has a house but I dont know if they sold it or still have it or if they have any other assets what steps can I take to put a lein on this person??? Thank you very much

original lawsuite was for 4,800 but the judge awarded more then i asked and said i am intitaled to the remaining amount

Answer 1

I am also concerned with the amount of the judgment. I do not believe the court has jurisdiction to make an award in excess of $7,500. However, to answer the question you asked, follow this link, maintained by the California Judicial Council, and follow the "Collect Your Judgment" link.

http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims/

Answer 2

I agree with the first answer to your question, plus, the judge usually awards the claim in payments that are set up at the time of the judgement. Then, if the person defaults on the agreement ordered by the judge, you can then go back thru the court and sheriff's office to sieze property etc.

Answer 3

In California, the most that any one person can win in a single small claims suit is much less than the amount that you state. I do not know whether it was a different court or you have the amount wrong. Please correct your error so that we know what quesiton to answer.