Question 1

Can I sell my judgment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most civil judgments can be legally sold or assigned to a third party in all 50 states. The process involves executing an assignment document that transfers your rights as judgment creditor to the purchaser. Once assigned, the buyer assumes full responsibility for collection and enforcement. Not all judgments qualify for purchase—we focus exclusively on non-consumer civil judgments such as business disputes, commercial landlord cases, and contractor claims.

Question 2

What types of judgments do you buy?

Accepted Answer

We purchase civil, non-consumer judgments of $3,000 or more, including small claims judgments. This includes: business-to-business contract disputes, commercial landlord judgments, contractor and professional fee judgments, partnership disputes, fraud judgments, and other commercial claims. We do NOT purchase consumer debts, credit card judgments, medical bills, student loans, child support orders, or any debt covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Question 3

How much will I get for my judgment?

Accepted Answer

Judgment purchase prices vary based on the collectibility of your specific case. Key factors include: the amount of the judgment, known debtor assets, debtor's financial history, age of the judgment, jurisdiction, and overall collectibility assessment. Judgments with verified debtor assets (real estate, business operations, steady employment) command higher prices than those with unknown collection potential. Every judgment is different—submit yours for a free evaluation and a specific cash offer.

Question 4

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

The typical timeline from submission to payment is 6-8 weeks. Initial review takes 24-48 hours. If your judgment qualifies, we conduct due diligence over 1-2 weeks. Once approved, documentation and payment usually complete within another week. Complex cases may take longer.

Question 5

Is there any cost to submit?

Accepted Answer

No. Submitting your judgment for evaluation is completely free with no obligation. We never charge upfront fees, evaluation fees, or consultation fees. We purchase judgments outright, meaning you receive a lump sum payment without any costs to you. Unlike contingency collection agencies that take a percentage of what they collect, we pay you a fixed amount regardless of what we ultimately recover.

Question 6

Do you buy judgments in all 50 states?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We purchase civil judgments nationwide across all 50 states. Each state has different statutes of limitations, enforcement procedures, and exemption laws—we have experience navigating judgment law in every U.S. jurisdiction. Whether your judgment was entered in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Michigan, or any other state, we can evaluate it for purchase.

Question 7

Will you contact my debtor?

Accepted Answer

Not until after the judgment is legally assigned to us and we own it. During the evaluation and purchase process, we conduct confidential asset research and due diligence without alerting the debtor. Once we purchase your judgment and the assignment is recorded, we assume all enforcement responsibilities and the debtor will be contacted as part of our collection strategy.

Question 8

Can I sell a judgment that is years old?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. Judgments remain enforceable for 10-20 years in most states (varies by jurisdiction), and many can be renewed before expiration. Older judgments may have lower purchase values due to reduced enforcement timelines, but we regularly purchase judgments that are 5, 10, or even 15+ years old. Submit your judgment regardless of age—we'll evaluate whether it still has recoverable value.

Question 9

What documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate your judgment, we need: (1) a copy of the judgment or court order, (2) debtor name and any known contact information, (3) court name, case number, and state, (4) the original judgment amount and any accrued interest, (5) information about previous collection attempts, and (6) any known debtor assets or employment information. Don't worry if you don't have everything—submit what you have and we'll guide you through the rest.

Question 10

How does judgment enforcement work?

Accepted Answer

After we purchase your judgment, we conduct thorough asset investigations to locate debtor bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, business interests, and employment. We then use lawful enforcement methods including bank levies, wage garnishments, property liens, and debtor examinations. All enforcement is conducted through proper legal channels, often with the assistance of qualified attorneys in the relevant jurisdictions.

Question 11

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate your judgment, we need: a copy of the judgment or court order, debtor name and any known contact information, court name, case number, and state, the original judgment amount and any known accrued interest, information about previous collection attempts, and any known debtor assets or employment.

Question 12

What happens after I submit?

Accepted Answer

Within 24-48 hours, we review your submission to confirm it meets our basic criteria (non-consumer, $3,000+ minimum). If it qualifies, we conduct deeper due diligence including asset searches and debtor research over 1-2 weeks. If approved, we present a cash purchase offer. Upon acceptance, we prepare assignment documents for your signature, and then wire payment directly to your bank account. You're done — you walk away with guaranteed cash and no further responsibility.

Question 13

Do I need an attorney to sell my judgment?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't need an attorney to sell your judgment to us. The assignment process is straightforward, and we provide all necessary documentation. However, if you prefer to have your own attorney review the assignment agreement, you're welcome to do so.

Question 14

Do you collect consumer debt?

Accepted Answer

No. Great Lakes Strategic Capital does not collect consumer debts. We exclusively deal with civil, non-consumer judgments arising from business disputes, commercial transactions, and similar matters. We do not purchase or collect credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, student loans, or any debt covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) or Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Question 15

Is selling a judgment legal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Judgment assignment (selling) is legal in all 50 states. Courts regularly recognize and enforce judgment assignments. The process simply transfers your rights as judgment creditor to the purchaser, who then has the legal authority to enforce collection. We handle all documentation to ensure the assignment is properly recorded with the court.

Question 16

Are you a law firm?

Accepted Answer

No. Great Lakes Strategic Capital is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a judgment purchasing and enforcement company. Where legal representation is required for enforcement activities, we work with licensed attorneys in the appropriate jurisdictions.

Question 17

How do you ensure compliance?

Accepted Answer

We maintain strict compliance protocols including: working only with non-consumer judgments, using qualified attorneys for court filings and legal process, following all state-specific enforcement procedures, respecting debtor exemptions and legal protections, and maintaining detailed documentation of all activities. Our team receives regular compliance training.

Question 18

How do I receive payment?

Accepted Answer

Once you accept our offer and sign the assignment documents, we wire payment directly to your bank account. Payment is typically received within 3-5 business days after document execution. We can also issue a check if preferred.

Question 19

What if I don't like your offer?

Accepted Answer

You are under no obligation to accept any offer. Our evaluation is free and confidential. If our offer doesn't meet your expectations, you can decline and retain full ownership of your judgment. Some creditors choose to continue collection efforts on their own or explore other options.

Question 20

Can I sell part of my judgment?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, we purchase judgments in full rather than partial interests. This provides you with immediate complete resolution and avoids complications in enforcement. However, we can discuss options for very large judgments on a case-by-case basis.

Question 21

Won a lawsuit but can't collect — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Winning a lawsuit is only half the battle. If your debtor refuses to pay or has no visible assets, you have several options: continue pursuing enforcement through garnishments, liens, and levies; hire a post-judgment attorney; or sell your judgment to a professional judgment buyer like us for immediate cash. Selling eliminates the uncertainty, cost, and time of continued collection efforts.

Question 22

How are judgments enforced after purchase?

Accepted Answer

We don't provide enforcement services — we purchase judgments for cash so you don't have to enforce at all. If you prefer to keep your judgment and pursue enforcement yourself, we recommend Wayne Bisard Investigations, LLC (wbinvestigations.net, (517) 917-0718) for licensed investigative and asset-location support. Once you sell to us, the judgment becomes ours and you have no further involvement.

Question 23

What is a judgment lien and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A judgment lien is a legal claim recorded against a debtor's real property. Once a judgment is recorded in the county where the debtor owns property, the debtor cannot sell or refinance without satisfying the lien. Judgment liens are one of the most powerful enforcement tools available, particularly for debtors who own real estate. Liens are typically handled by the party enforcing the judgment — if you sell to us, that becomes our responsibility, not yours.

Question 24

Can a judgment be enforced across state lines?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Through a process called "domestication" or "foreign judgment registration," a judgment entered in one state can be registered and enforced in another state where the debtor has assets. This is governed by the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act (UEFJA), which has been adopted by most states. We purchase judgments in all 50 states, regardless of where they were originally entered.

Question 25

What is a debtor examination (ORAP)?

Accepted Answer

A debtor examination — also called an Order to Appear for Examination (ORAP) or Judgment Debtor Exam — is a court procedure that requires the debtor to appear and answer questions under oath about their finances, assets, income, and property. This is one of the most effective tools for locating hidden assets. If you choose to enforce rather than sell, an attorney or licensed investigator can coordinate these proceedings on your behalf.

Question 26

What is judgment domestication?

Accepted Answer

Judgment domestication is the legal process of registering a judgment from one state in another state's court system. This allows you to enforce the judgment where the debtor currently lives, works, or holds assets — even if that's different from where the original lawsuit was filed. Domestication is typically handled by whoever enforces the judgment — we purchase judgments in all 50 states, so geography is never a barrier to selling.

Question 27

What is my judgment worth?

Accepted Answer

Judgment value is determined by collectibility — not the face amount. Key factors include: known debtor assets (real estate, bank accounts, business interests), the debtor's financial history and employment status, the age and remaining term of the judgment, the state where the judgment was entered and enforcement options available, and prior collection attempts. Use our free judgment value calculator for an instant estimate, or submit for a detailed evaluation.

Question 28

Why do judgment buyers pay less than the face value?

Accepted Answer

Judgment buyers purchase at a discount because collection is not guaranteed. After buying your judgment, we assume all enforcement costs, legal fees, investigation expenses, and collection risk. The discount reflects the time, cost, uncertainty, and risk we absorb so you don't have to. Judgments with strong debtor assets command higher purchase prices — sometimes 30-60% of face value — while those with unknown assets may receive lower offers.

Question 29

How is a judgment different from a debt?

Accepted Answer

A judgment is a court order declaring that one party owes money to another. Unlike a general debt or invoice, a judgment has been adjudicated by a court and carries legal enforcement authority — including the right to garnish wages, levy bank accounts, and place liens on property. This legal authority is what makes judgments purchasable and enforceable by third parties like us.

Question 30

Can business judgments be sold?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business-to-business judgments are among the most common types we purchase. These include breach of contract judgments, unpaid invoice disputes, commercial lease violations, partnership disputes, professional fee judgments, and construction or contractor claims. Business judgments are often attractive purchases because business debtors frequently have identifiable assets and ongoing operations.

Question 31

Can attorney-held judgments be sold?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Law firms and attorneys who hold judgments on behalf of former clients, or who have purchased judgments as assets, can sell those judgments to us. We work with attorneys and law firms regularly. If you're an attorney with unsatisfied judgments in your portfolio, contact us to discuss bulk or individual judgment acquisition.

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