When a court awards a judgment in your favor, it should feel like the hard part is over. In reality, many judgment holders soon discover that winning in court is only half the battle—collecting that money can be a long, frustrating, and often fruitless process.
Fortunately, there’s an alternative. If you’re tired of chasing debtors or waiting indefinitely for payment, judgment buying offers a fast, hassle-free way to turn that court-awarded judgment into real cash. This guide will walk you through the entire judgment-buying process, step-by-step, and explain why more people are choosing this route to get paid.
What Is a Judgment and Why Is It Hard to Collect?
A judgment is a court’s final decision stating that one party owes money to another. These can arise from various disputes—unpaid loans, breach of contract, property damage, or personal injury claims, to name a few. While the court confirms the debt, it doesn’t collect it for you.
That task falls to you—the judgment creditor. And that’s where problems begin.
Tracking down debtors, garnishing wages, placing liens, or initiating post-judgment discovery can be expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. Worse still, many debtors are “judgment proof,” meaning they don’t have any assets or income that can legally be seized.
This is where judgment buying comes in.
What Is Judgment Buying?
Judgment buying is the practice of selling a court-awarded judgment to a third party—often a company that specializes in collecting debts. These buyers assume the responsibility and risk of collection in exchange for a lump sum payment.
For judgment creditors, it’s a straightforward solution. Instead of dealing with legal complexities, collection tactics, and years of uncertainty, you can opt for a clean break—turning your judgment into cash.
In the sections below, we’ll walk through the judgment buying process so you know exactly what to expect when you decide to sell.
Step 1: Understanding Judgment Buying
Before anything else, it’s important to understand the premise behind this transaction. When you sell a judgment, you are assigning your legal right to collect the debt to a third party. That buyer—usually a company with the tools, resources, and expertise to collect—then becomes the new judgment creditor.
The buyer takes on all the risk. Whether the judgment is ever collected is no longer your concern. You walk away with a payment and the burden of enforcement shifts elsewhere.
Step 2: Initial Inquiry and Evaluation
The process typically starts with a simple inquiry.
Most judgment buyers offer an easy-to-use online form where you can submit basic details:
- Your name and contact info
- The debtor’s name
- Judgment amount and date
- Case number and court
- Any collection activity taken thus far
Once submitted, the judgment buyer evaluates your case. They’ll look into the age of the judgment, its legal standing, state laws, and the debtor’s background to determine whether it’s worth pursuing.
At this stage, no documents are transferred. It’s simply an assessment to determine if the judgment qualifies for purchase.
Step 3: Receiving a Purchase Offer
If your judgment meets the buyer’s criteria, they’ll present you with a purchase offer.
This offer is typically a lump sum amount—often a percentage of the judgment’s total value. The exact amount will depend on factors such as:
- Likelihood of successful collection
- Debtor’s asset profile
- Judgment age and state
- Prior collection attempts
Remember that even if the offer is less than the full face value, it represents guaranteed money now—rather than the possibility of money years down the line.
Step 4: Reviewing and Accepting the Offer
Once you receive the offer, you’re under no obligation to accept it. Take your time to review the terms, ask questions, and even seek legal advice if needed.
Reputable judgment buyers will not pressure you. Transparency is key, and all terms should be spelled out:
- The final offer amount
- Transfer or assignment terms
- Timeframe for payment
- Confidentiality terms, if any
If you decide to move forward, you’ll sign a simple agreement assigning the judgment to the buyer.
Step 5: Completing the Sale
After the agreement is signed, the final step is the actual transfer.
You’ll provide copies of court documents and sign a formal assignment of judgment. This legal document is typically filed with the court to reflect the change in ownership officially.
Once complete, the buyer issues your payment—often within a few days.
Moreover, that’s it. You’re no longer responsible for collection efforts, follow-ups, or dealing with the debtor in any way.
Step 6: After the Sale
After selling, you’re free from the obligations of collection. But what happens next?
The buyer takes full responsibility for enforcement. They may:
- Conduct asset searches
- Initiate wage garnishments or bank levies
- Place liens on real estate
- Re-open legal proceedings if necessary
From your perspective, it’s over. You’ve received payment and passed the torch to someone equipped to handle the rest.
Why Selling a Judgment for Cash Makes Sense
The benefits of selling a judgment for cash go beyond convenience. Here’s why many choose this path:
1. Guaranteed Payment
Even a partial payment today is better than nothing years from now. Selling guarantees you a fixed amount, regardless of the debtor’s future behavior.
2. No More Legal Costs
Pursuing collection often requires more court filings, attorney fees, and administrative work. Selling eliminates these ongoing costs.
3. Time-Saving
Years can pass with little to no progress. Selling cuts through the wait and delivers immediate resolution.
4. Emotional Relief
Debt collection can be stressful. Letting go of the burden gives you peace of mind.
Who Can Use This Service?
Judgment buying is open to individuals and businesses alike. If you hold a valid, court-awarded monetary judgment, you may be eligible.
Examples include:
- Landlords owed unpaid rent
- Contractors who haven’t been paid
- Small businesses with unpaid invoices
- Individuals with civil court awards
- Attorneys handling post-judgment collection
Even if the judgment is old or partially collected, you may still qualify. Buyers evaluate each case individually.
Understanding Judgment Collection vs. Selling
Understanding judgment collection means recognizing the gap between winning a case and receiving your money.
You might win a $50,000 judgment, but if the debtor has no traceable assets or is actively avoiding payment, the collection becomes an uphill battle. You may spend years tracking, filing, and enforcing orders—with no guarantee of success.
That’s the key difference. The collection is uncertain and costly. Selling is guaranteed and immediate.
Choosing the Right Buyer
Not all judgment buyers are created equal. When selecting a buyer, look for:
- Transparent communication
- Clear purchase agreements
- No upfront fees
- Fast turnaround times
- Legal and ethical professionalism
Ask about their process. Read reviews. Ensure you’re dealing with a company that honors its commitments.
Why Reputation Matters
You’re selling a legal asset. The transaction should be secure, respectful, and professionally handled.
Work only with firms that are:
- Properly licensed
- Familiar with state-specific laws
- Experienced in handling complex judgments
- Willing to explain the entire process
Trustworthiness isn’t optional—it’s essential.
When Is the Best Time to Sell?
Many assume they should first try collecting on their own. That’s perfectly valid, but here are signs it might be time to sell:
- Months (or years) have passed without payment
- You’ve exhausted legal collection options
- You’re spending too much time or money
- You’d rather have cash now
- You’re emotionally drained
The sooner you sell, the more value your judgment may hold. Judgments lose collectability over time—some even expire after a certain number of years, depending on state law.
Common Myths About Selling Judgments
Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:
Myth 1: I’ll lose too much value.
Reality: You’re trading future uncertainty for a guaranteed amount now. That’s often a smart trade-off.
Myth 2: The process is complicated.
Reality: A good buyer streamlines the entire experience with minimal paperwork.
Myth 3: Only businesses can sell.
Reality: Individuals sell judgments all the time—landlords, freelancers, and everyday people.
Real-World Examples
- A contractor wins a $15,000 lawsuit against a client but can’t collect after two years. He sells the judgment and receives $4,000 immediately.
- A landlord wins a judgment for unpaid rent. The tenant disappears. Instead of chasing leads, the landlord sells and recoups part of the funds quickly.
- A small business is awarded a judgment against a delinquent customer. Rather than tie up resources in legal battles, they opt to sell and focus on growth.
The Bottom Line
Selling a judgment isn’t about giving up—it’s about making a strategic decision. For many, it offers closure, liquidity, and a way to move forward without ongoing financial and emotional strain.
By following a simple, transparent process, judgment holders can finally get paid for what they’re owed—without dragging out the process for years.
A Trusted Name in the Industry
If you’re considering selling your judgment, turn to a company that understands the nuances of post-judgment recovery. With a proven track record, fair pricing, and a commitment to transparency, Mayflower Judgments has built its reputation on offering fast, secure transactions that empower individuals and businesses to move on with confidence.
Whether you’re just starting your inquiry or ready to receive an offer, Mayflower Judgments makes the judgment-buying process efficient, professional, and tailored to your needs.