Q: I thought my Judgment was an order for the debtor to pay? Isn't the debtor breaking the law by not paying me?

A: Unfortunately, it is not against the law to owe money. There are no more debtor's prisons. Even Frauds and Embezzlers rarely go to jail. And if your debtor were in jail, it would be more difficult for me to collect. I want the debtor working, making money, saving money, and making purchases so that I can (surprise!) take them all to help pay their debts. The courts are too busy, and the laws don't address how or if Judgment creditors will ever be paid. And of course, the debtor has to be Served!

Q: You just send me a letter saying you are enforcing a judgment against me. I'm contacting my lawyer and suing you!, what do you think of that?

A: I did not pick your name out of the blue. A court Judge ruled you owe a money Judgment. The original owner of the Judgment wisely sold it to me, to enforce it. And enforce it I will. Please do show my letter, and my proof of my legal rights to enforce this Judgment, to your lawyer. After discussing it with your lawyer, you will discover you can:

A) Start or take further actions - that will only increase your costs and debt.
B) Pay the Judgment in full.
C) Negotiate a payment plan or cash settlement quickly.
D) Attempt to file for Bankruptcy protection - but even that might not eliminate this debt.
Any reasonable lawyer will explain what I am doing is fully legal, and you are best off just quickly paying what you legally owe.

Q: You put this on my credit report! What gives you that right?

A: This is standard result of enforcement actions. I gave you 30 days to pay or contact me. You did nothing - and as your Creditor, it is legal to take actions that cause the credit reporting agencies to notice the judgment against you. Of course if you pay the amount you owe in full, I will take actions so you can report the debt as paid on your credit report. Next time, don't ignore your debts, and this won't happen.

Q. How long is a judgment good for?

A: If you are in California, a judgment is good for 10 years, and can be renewed indefinitely. Other states may vary from 7 to 25 years.

Q. Do Judgments earn interest?

A: Yes. In California, a judgment collects 10 % interest per year. Other states may have different interest rates. To check the interest earned on your Judgment, click here.

Q: Are you a collection agency?

A: I am not a collection agency. (Collection agencies process debts in bulk. They send out thousands of nasty letters and call debtors to try to get them to pay.)

I am different - I have much more powerful tools - to get much better results than any collection agency. I take full assignment on court Judgments, putting the Judgment in my name, then creatively enforce the judgment as the legal assignee of record. I buy the Judgment, and become the new owner, paying the original judgment creditor after I enforce the debt of the Judgment Debtor. When the Judgment is paid, I file a Satisfaction Of Judgment with the Court.

I "take assignment" of your judgment. Then I have the authority to pull credit reports, and conduct thorough asset investigations. I can do surveillance, bank locates and more, and even bring the debtor back into court many times. Every Judgment enforcement is treated individually and expertly. I am not afraid to put out money for enforcement procedures. And I have resources that collection agencies will never have.

Q: Can I use an attorney?

A: Yes you can. However, an attorney will charge an hourly fee of $200 to $350 per hour - with no guarantee of any return of the money owed you. Also, while many attorneys are skilled at winning judgments, many are not familiar with effective post-judgment strategies. I am not an attorney and do not give legal advice. If you require legal advice, please seek a qualified attorney.

Judgment collection requires legal, investigative, and many other skills. I am not a Lawyer or a Private Investigator - but when it comes to finding assets and collecting Judgments, my skills exceed those of many Lawyers and Private Investigators. Also, if you used an attorney to win or enforce your judgment, your attorney may need to sign a Substitution Of Attorney document back to you - so you can then assign your judgment to me. I can only enforce a judgment when I am the Assignee Of Record.

Q: I'm an attorney - can you work for or with me, to enforce a Judgment?

A: You can assign the Judgment to me. :)

I can't "work for you", for several reasons, including that all the data services I use will not allow me to resell or disclose any private data. Another reason is because I am not your employee - I cannot offer legal service or advice to anyone, because I am not an attorney.

Q: My lawyer said "What Judgment enforcers who are not lawyers are doing is violating the debt collection act (both the Federal and California versions). Purchasing judgments is a risky business. Only "pros" deal with this kind of thing. Amateurs get burned. The pros utilize a small group of attorneys that specialize in debt collection." What do you say to that?

A: I think your lawyer is scared of the competition. Yes, I am a Pro that knows how to deal with, and is not flustered by such bluffing. I know the Rosenthal Act, The FDCPA Act, and all the laws. Perhaps your attorney either does not know much about this subject, or is scared of losing the money you would have paid him. Lawyers get paid by the hour, I only get paid for success. (And I do hire attorneys when necessary.)

Q: But how much will it cost me?

A: It costs you absolutely nothing. I advance all costs. If there are additional court expenses, I petition the court to add these to the judgment. I work with attorneys at no cost to you. I spend the time and the money. If I don't collect, it still costs you nothing. As the Judgment Enforcer, I keep 40 percent of the amount collected from the Judgment Debtor - the balance (60 percent), goes to you.

I "take assignment" on your Judgment, which means it is put in my name, which permits me to pull credit reports, do investigations, seize property, seize bank accounts, etc. It also permits me to bring the person back in to court, undo fraudulent transfers, etc.

Why 40 percent of the amount I recover? While your Judgment Debtors have assets, it's likely the Judgment Debtors have been busy getting assets out of their names, into the name of their spouse's brother, Aunt's boyfriend, offshore, etc. It is so common to do that, and of course they all think they are being very clever. The work to find debtors and undo asset hiding is laborious, costly, time consuming, and requires many court appearances at least, and major investigations. All of this is at my cost if I buy your Judgment. I pursue the Judgment Debtor until all present assets are seized, past assets are put back into the Judgment Debtor's name and taken, and future assets are recovered to satisfy the Judgment. If the Judgment Debtor changes his name, skips to Nigeria, and has his sister buy an estate there in her name, I will return the judgment back to you, as nothing can be done unless the judgment is huge.

As the money comes in, I send out checks to you. You get a percentage of any money I recover. If I run into massive court expenses I may take that off the top for future capital to continue the work. Such expenses are added to the Judgment Debtor's debt. I hold all recovered funds for 90 days because any assets seized within 90 days of bankruptcy must be surrendered to the bankruptcy trustee. Not fair, but that's how bankruptcy works. So, 91 days after I recover money from the Judgment Debtor, you get your money.

Q. Will you take my Judgment? What forms are needed?

A: I send you an "Agreement To Purchase Judgment" form. I also send you an "Assignment Of Judgment" form - that you have to get Notarized. All is disclosed and is easy to read. I don't take every Judgment - I look at every one, and take the ones I feel confident I can work to enforce.

I enforce only money Judgments - I can't enforce any non-money issues. An example of the kind of Judgment I can't help you with, was a California Judgement against a "Psychic", under "other" category on the entry of Judgment:   "Court orders defendants to remove any curse from plaintiff and plaintiff's family forthwith, and not to reinstate above said curse."

I need the debtor's name and the case number so I can see the situation. I need to know the reason for the Judgment, so I can assess whether the debtor can successfully bankrupt out of paying the Judgment. A copy of your Judgment is required.

Q. Why turn my judgment over to you? I can collect it myself!

A: Have you recovered a dime yet? Enforcing judgments is hard work. If it was easy, you would have already collected, right? You can fix your own pipes, but most of us hire plumbers. You can collect your own judgment - but most people have much better results letting a Pro enforce the judgment. I do it every day, and know how to get results, and have access to far more tools than you will ever have. If you wish, do try first to enforce your Judgment - then contact me.

Q. I have a Judgment from overseas, not in US dollars...

A: Sorry, you will have to find a Judgment Specialist in your own country, I can only help US-based customers.

Q. You say you can track debtors in all 50 states so why did you refer me to someone else?

A: I have access to, and agreements with Lawyers, Private Investigators, and other Judgment Enforcement Specialists - in all 50 states through friendships, memberships, and associations - including the National Judgment Network, and the California Association Of Judgment Professionals.

Judgment Enforcers often refer Creditors to other Judgment Enforcers (who are closer to the Judgment Debtor) to make collections easier and faster. I specialize in California Judgments.
A great way to find quality Judgment Enforcers local to your debtor, is to visit www.EnforceMyJudgment.com.

Q. I have a guy that owes me money, can you help me collect?

A: Yes - in certain cases, I can take assignment of debt, and enforce it. Since this is a lot more work, you get 40% of what I recover.

Q. At what point will you distribute collected monies to me? As the debtor is made to pay, or when you have fully collected?

A: In cases where I have convinced the debtor to pay, eg, $100 a month, or when I grab just a small part of what they owe, I let the balance accrue. If some time goes by I can cut you a check for some of it, if you request. Or you can check with me anytime on how it's going. And when the debtor finally pays the Judgment off - then I pay you your share, in one lump sum. It's simpler that way. If a debtor stretches out payments, it can take a long time, but we are earning 10% interest, so long term that means more money for us.

Q. Am I entitled to discuss strategies for collecting?

A: You can give me suggestions, but it is up to me alone to try and collect. It is my property, that's the way the law lets me enforce a judgment that did not start out belonging to me.

Q. Do you provide progress updates?

A: Only when you ask, or when major events happen. If I grab a big chunk of money, I'll let you know, if the debtor goes BK or dies, I'll let you know, things usually move very slowly due to the laws. You can ask me any time.

Q. Who decides whether to settle for a lesser amount than the full value of the judgment?

A: I do, but like you, I want to get as much as I possibly can from the debtor. This does not happen too often, I usually get the full value. Although I am not required to do so, as a courtesy I will let you know if the debtor attempts to settle with me.

Q. How do I know if I can trust you?

A: A few answers, one is Google Mark Shapiro. Another is look at any court site and search for my name - I'm always the Plaintiff or the Assignee. I'm easy to find. I have many long term business connections in San Jose. I also am bound by the code of ethics of the National Judgment Network, the CAJP, and others. If you can't trust me, well I guess we should not do business. However, I never met anyone who didn't trust me, so you would be the first.

Q. I want to sue someone. Should I sue them under my name, or add my spouse and kids as Plaintiffs?

A: I am Not a lawyer. My opinion (which is not legal advice) is that it does no good to have more than 1 Plaintiff. It just means more expense and hassle as all Plaintiffs need to sign papers, etc. If it were me, I'd sue with my name only, and perhaps have others come in as witnesses. It is a good idea to make sure all defendants are named - their companies, etc. - as this means there are more people to go after. But remember, this is my opinion only, I'm not a lawyer.

Q. Thanks for getting my money! Should I report this as income on my tax return?

A: I am not a Tax expert. My opinion is: If you lost money, sued and won, and I got your money back for you - there was no profit. My opinion (do not rely on my tax opinions) is usually no tax would be due. Please do consult your local tax expert.

Q. What if my debtor went bankrupt?

A: If you were send a Proof Of Claim form and you did nothing with it, then sorry, nothing can be done. If the debtor went Bankrupt, had lots of assets, and did not list you as a creditor, then there is a chance of collecting.

Q. How long does it take you to enforce a Judgment?

A: That depends mostly on the debtor. No matter how good a judgment enforcer is, a broke or scoundrel debtor may be judgment-proof. And since I follow all laws, there are many legal delays (and expenses). The quickest I've ever enforced a judgment is 30 days, the average time is about 16 months. The longest time has been 7 years (so far), and some will take longer than that, or will never be enforced.

Q. Why did it cost so much to enforce my judgment?

A: Enforcing judgments is complex and expensive. I try and get the debtor to pay all costs. Sometimes the debtor is elusive and costs go up. Everything is expensive, and sometimes expenses cut into the profit for you and me. Rest assured, I do my best, but laws are not designed to make judgment enforcement cheap or easy!

Q. Why did you not answer my list questions I emailed you?

A: You are a professional shopper. In your case you have about 20 questions all demanding long answers. I don't have time to answer laundry lists. We Judgment Pros share amusing stories about people that contact every Judgment Enforcer in California sending them the same long question list - as you did. I do answer serious people very quickly. I just ignore spammers and professional shoppers.

Q: I sent you my paperwork weeks / months ago - why haven't you gotten money from the debtor yet?

A: I got your forms and filed them with the court. I sent notice to the debtor, which by law gives them 30 days. Courts and Sheriffs are slow and the law gives debtors many chances to cause delays. Enforcement is not easy, but eventually I usually get money from the debtor. It usually takes months or years to collect. I'm searching for assets. If the debtor has lots of assets showing, enforcement goes quicker. If the debtor is poor or hiding assets, it can take many years. Note that I am enforcing this Judgment as fast as the law allows, and I want to enforce it as much as you do. Also note, the economy is worse than ever, and many debtors do not have jobs or bank accounts at this time - if and when they do, I'll start enforcing your judgment.

Q: The debtor's middle name is X, on the agreement form you his middle name listed as Y, should that be corrected first?

A: I have access to many databases - and the ones I used so far, show his middle name as Y. But that's just how he's named on our agreement - I may find and add even more names for him over time.

What matters here is I have identified him by the case number and case info - it does not matter if we have his middle name there or not. Please notice, on the separate assignment form - his middle name is not there - as that's the exact name as he was sued.

Q: There's no mention of the 10% annual interest on the Agreement - why is that?

A: The Agreement is designed to match the court-filed Assignment Of Judgment. There is no need to mention interest as interest is part of "rights and title" of owning a judgment. In the agreement I pay you 60% of what I get from the debtor - principle or interest - you get 60% of what I net from seizing the assets of the debtor. Nobody knows if I can collect the full value including all interest due - that is my goal, but it depends on the debtor.

Q: On the forms, there's no mention of the money I already spent trying to enforce this judgment - why is that?

A: The Assignment Of Judgment form is designed to match what court clerks expect. Mentioning the costs you already spent is something that (for some reason) courts typically don't like to see on this form. But if you spent money, and filed the right forms with the court to record that - what you spent will be added to the debtor's debt, and I will try and enforce all their debt.

Q. Other web sites Guarantee they will collect a Judgment - why don't you?

A: That "Guarantee" is advertising only. Best effort - yes - do my best, yes. Guarantee? - This is not a savings bond - this is a Judgment. The value of a Judgment depends on if and when it is enforced. When enforcing judgments - there can be no guarantee. Keep in mind this is not a problem, as I only get paid after I enforce a judgment, so you know I will do my best.

Q. I have a judgment against an LLC - you told me it might take years for you to enforce. Other enforcement companies say they can enforce this quick. Why does it take you so long?

A: I'd rather to under-promise, and over-deliver. Other people say anything to get the judgment - even if it's not the truth. The LLC judgment you showed me had no assets in it's name, and it would take a long court battle to (possibly) show fraudulent transfers. Such battles are very expensive and can take years. Most judgments are hard to collect. I don't lie to get business. I do work hard to enforce judgments.

Q. Can you guarantee that you'll collect my judgment?

A: There are no guarantees, except that I will make my best effort. Every debtor and (every case) is different. I try to collect 100 percent of the total owed - but sometimes that is not possible - e.g., if the debtor dies or becomes disabled or really has no money, etc.
I use many strategies to collect, including pursuing assets of spouses and even a former spouse, and if/when appropriate, add debtors to your judgment on "alter ego theory". If your debtor files for bankruptcy - sometimes I can fight the debtor's bankruptcy to get the judgment non-discharged and paid. If I ultimately cannot collect from your debtor (if I can't collect from the debtor, I doubt anyone can), I can re-assign the Judgment back to you upon request - at no cost to you.

Q. On your agreement form, it doesn't state when the money may be collected, or a time frame. The selling seems final and out of my hands.

A: Yes, that is correct. Judgment enforcement is a complex legal process that cannot be timed or guaranteed. In California, the only way I can enforce a judgment is if I own it outright - 100%.
I must buy the Judgment from you on a deferred-payment basis. The sale must be without recourse. This is because I am not an attorney, and do not work for you, and I'm not collecting money for you. I buy the judgment, and then split the money I collect after I collect it.

That's why I called my company JudgmentBuy.com. A judgment is not cash, so nobody knows how long it will take to enforce it. When I find available assets of the debtor, I take them, and then you get paid. If the debtor never again has assets, both you and I never get paid. As mentioned before, if years go by and I can't collect anything, if you request, and I agree; I may return a judgment to you. (However, if I can't collect, I doubt anyone can.)

Q. What should I do now?

A: Send an email to Mark Shapiro at   Mark@GoGuys.com,
or call me toll free at  888-831-4350. I will answer any questions, and will provide a confidential, no-cost assessment of your judgment. Fax or email me your Judgment. My fax is: 206-MONEY-69 (206-666-3969).