How to Collect a Judgment in Pennsylvania (2026)
You won your case — now get paid. This guide covers every enforcement tool available in Pennsylvania: wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens.
Wage garnishment not available in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not allow wage garnishment for most consumer debts. Your primary enforcement options are bank account levies and real property liens.Step-by-Step: Collecting Your Judgment in Pennsylvania
Wait for voluntary payment (and let interest accrue)
After the court enters judgment, give the debtor 30 days to pay voluntarily. Many debtors pay to avoid further enforcement action. Meanwhile, your judgment earns 6% interest per year — a modest but growing amount. Keep a record of the judgment amount and date entered.
Find the debtor's assets
You cannot collect from a debtor whose assets you cannot find. Use these tools: (1) Debtor's examination — ask the court to order the debtor to appear and answer questions about their finances. (2) Interrogatories — written questions the debtor must answer under oath. (3) Public records — check county property records, business registrations, and vehicle registrations. (4) A licensed process server or skip-tracer can often locate employment and banking information.
Get a Writ of Execution
Return to the Magisterial District Court and request a Writ of Execution (sometimes called a Writ of Fi. Fa. or Execution Order). This document authorizes the county Sheriff or court officer to seize the debtor's non-exempt assets. There is usually a small fee to obtain the writ. Writs are typically valid for a limited time (60–180 days depending on Pennsylvania rules), so act promptly.
Wage garnishment — not available in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not permit wage garnishment for most consumer debts. If the debtor's only income is wages, you will need to rely on bank levies (if the wages are deposited into an accessible account) or wait for the debtor to acquire other assets. Exceptions exist for child support, alimony, state taxes, and student loans.
Levy the debtor's bank accounts
Serve the Writ of Execution on the debtor's bank or credit union (typically via the Sheriff). The bank must freeze the account and turn over funds up to the judgment amount — minus any applicable exemptions. In Pennsylvania, certain funds may be protected (e.g., Social Security, disability payments, and sometimes recently deposited wages). A bank levy is a one-time action; if the account is empty, you may need to levy again later.
Record a judgment lien on real property
File a certified copy of the judgment (or a "Abstract of Judgment") with the county recorder or clerk of courts in every county where the debtor owns real property. This creates a judgment lien lasting 5 years. The debtor cannot sell, refinance, or transfer the property without first satisfying your judgment. Pennsylvania has no homestead exemption, so all real property equity is reachable.
Renew the judgment before it expires
Your judgment is valid for 5 years in Pennsylvania. Before it expires, file a motion to renew the judgment in the same court — this typically extends it for another 5 years. Do not wait until the last minute. A lapsed judgment cannot be enforced and may require a new lawsuit.
Need Help Collecting Your Judgment?
A collections attorney can often recover judgments faster using legal tools not available to self-represented parties. Many work on contingency.
Pennsylvania Judgment Collection — Key Facts
| Judgment valid for | 5 years (renewable) |
| Property lien duration | 5 years |
| Post-judgment interest | 6% per year |
| Wage garnishment | Not available for most consumer debts in Pennsylvania |
| Bank account levy | Available |
| Homestead exemption | None |
| Vehicle exemption | $300 |
Pennsylvania note
Pennsylvania does NOT allow wage garnishment for most consumer debts. There is also NO homestead exemption — all home equity is reachable by judgment lien. Bank account levies are possible but the debtor has a $300 personal property exemption. Judgments expire in 5 years but can be revived by action of debt.Source: Pennsylvania Courts ↗. Always verify current rules with the court clerk or a licensed attorney.
Already Filed? Pennsylvania Small Claims Basics
If you haven't filed yet, here are the key figures for Pennsylvania's Magisterial District Court.