Civil Judgment Laws by State
Statute of limitations, post-judgment interest rates, wage garnishment rules, and enforcement quirks for civil judgments across all 50 states. Select your state below to see the details that matter for your judgment.
Find Your State
Search or browse the full list to see your state's judgment enforcement rules.
"Several U.S. jurisdictions use dormancy or revival systems rather than a simple expiration rule. States like Kansas, Nebraska, and Georgia require active steps to keep a judgment alive — while Michigan, Colorado, Connecticut, and Florida impose different enforcement periods depending on the court level. Always verify the specific rule before relying on a judgment's collectibility."
What Creditors Need to Know
Act Before the SOL Expires
Judgment statutes of limitations range from 5 to 20 years by state. In most states, you can renew before expiration — but you must act proactively. An expired judgment is uncollectible without court intervention.
Some States Severely Limit Collection
Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina effectively prohibit wage garnishment for civil debts. Florida's unlimited homestead exemption makes real estate liens against primary residences extremely difficult to enforce.
Selling Avoids These Hurdles
When collection is complex or uncertain, selling your judgment provides immediate, guaranteed cash — regardless of state-specific exemptions or debtor tactics. We handle all post-assignment enforcement risk.
