Winning a lawsuit and receiving a judgment in your favor can feel like a major relief. But even though the court has ruled that you’re owed money, it doesn’t mean the debtor will pay up right away—or at all. That’s where enforcement comes in. One critical question many creditors ask after securing a judgment is: How long do I have to collect?
The answer depends on where the judgment was entered and whether you take the right steps to preserve your rights. This blog post breaks down the statute of limitations for collecting a judgment, how to renew a judgment, and what happens if you let it expire.
What Is a Statute of Limitations on Judgments?
A statute of limitations is the legal time limit during which you can enforce a judgment. Once that period expires, the judgment becomes unenforceable, meaning you can no longer use legal tools like wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens to collect what you’re owed.
These time limits vary by state, but in most cases, the statute of limitations for collecting a civil judgment is between 5 and 20 years. In many states, judgments can also be renewed before they expire, effectively extending your ability to collect for decades if necessary.
Common Time Limits by State
Here are examples of how long a judgment is valid in some states:
- California: 10 years, renewable for another 10
- Texas: 10 years, but renewal must occur before expiration
- New York: 20 years
- Florida: 20 years
- Illinois: 7 years, renewable
- Georgia: 7 years, renewable
Always check the rules in the state where the judgment was entered. And if you’re trying to enforce a judgment in another state (known as domesticating a foreign judgment), that state’s time limits may apply.
When Does the Clock Start?
The statute of limitations typically starts on the date the judgment was entered by the court—not the date you filed the lawsuit or the date of the incident that led to the claim.
In some cases, post-judgment payments or actions may reset or extend the clock. For example, if the debtor makes a partial payment or enters into a written agreement to repay, it could impact how the statute is calculated. However, this depends on local laws and should be reviewed with legal counsel.
What Happens If You Don’t Collect in Time?
If you let the statute of limitations expire without renewing the judgment, you lose your ability to enforce it. That means no more garnishments, levies, or liens. Even if the debtor comes into money, you’ll have no legal mechanism to compel payment.
Worse still, if the judgment expires and you try to enforce it anyway, the debtor could challenge your actions in court—and you may be ordered to pay their legal costs.
In short, letting a judgment expire is like walking away from money you’re legally entitled to. But fortunately, that outcome is usually preventable.
How to Renew a Judgment
Most states allow you to renew a judgment before it expires. The process typically involves filing a request with the court and providing notice to the debtor. Some states have specific forms or procedural requirements, and deadlines are strictly enforced.
Here are a few things to know about judgment renewal:
- You often must file the renewal before the original judgment expires
- Renewing may restart the enforcement period (e.g., another 10 or 20 years)
- Interest continues to accrue, increasing the total amount owed
Failing to file on time may result in the court denying your renewal request, so it’s critical to calendar the expiration date and set reminders well in advance.
Should You Wait That Long to Collect?
Just because you can wait 10 or 20 years to collect doesn’t mean you should. Debtors may move assets, hide income, file for bankruptcy, or simply disappear over time. The sooner you begin enforcement efforts, the better your chances of recovery.
Even if you don’t pursue aggressive enforcement immediately, keeping tabs on the debtor’s financial situation can help you act strategically when the timing is right.
Protecting Your Judgment Long-Term
Here are a few practical steps you can take to ensure your judgment doesn’t expire and go uncollected:
- Calendar key dates: Track the original entry date and expiration deadline
- Record the judgment lien in the appropriate county
- Check periodically on the debtor’s assets or employment status
- Renew early: Don’t wait until the last minute to file for renewal
- Consult an attorney: Especially for large or complex judgments
Judgments are valuable legal assets, but they require active management to preserve.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how long you have to collect a judgment—and how to extend that time—is essential if you want to turn your court win into actual recovery. Every state has its own rules, and a missed deadline could mean walking away from what you’re rightfully owed.
Whether you’re early in the collection process or approaching the expiration window, proactive steps today can protect your interests for years to come. If you’re unsure of your next move, don’t hesitate to speak with a judgment collection attorney who can help you navigate the legal landscape and avoid costly mistakes. We recommend Judgement Collection Attorney.
