Depends on state and county laws but generally:
HOW CAN I COLLECT MY MONEY?
1. If the other party (defendant) has the money and is present at the trial, s/he can pay you right then.
2. If s/he does not have the money at that time and you both agree at the trial, the judge can set up a payment schedule.
If the defendant is not present at the trial, the court will send a copy of the small claims judgment to the defendant. The judgment will order the defendant to pay you in full within 30 days or tell you and the court where s/he works and the location of his/her bank accounts on form DC 87, Affidavit of Judgment Debtor.
3. If the defendant doesn't pay the judgment as ordered, you will have to collect your money through an execution against property or a garnishment.
WHAT IS EXECUTION?
Execution is a court procedure allowing a court officer to seize property belonging to the defendant which can be sold to pay for your judgment. If you want to file an execution against property, you may use form DC 19, Execution Against Property.
WHAT IS GARNISHMENT?
Garnishment is a court procedure allowing you to collect your judgment directly from the defendant's wages, bank account, or other source such as income tax refunds. If you want to file a garnishment, see the court clerk for the proper forms. Instructions are included with the forms.
HOW DO I GET AN EXECUTION AGAINST PROPERTY OR A GARNISHMENT?
To get an execution against property or a garnishment, you will first need to know where the defendant lives and works, what assets s/he has and where these assets are located, and any other information which identifies the defendant and his/her property.
If you have the information described above, you can start the process for an execution against property or a garnishment.
If you don't have the information described above, you will need to order the defendant to appear in court for questioning through a process called discovery. You can start this process by filing a discovery subpoena.
