March 20, 2011

WSLL Recommends: Judgment Enforcement

Written by retired U.S. administrative law judge James J. Brown, Judgment Enforcement walks legal professionals through each step of the judgment enforcement process. Although the focus is on federal judgments, it addresses both state and foreign judgments.

Judgment Enforcement, Wolters Kluwer/Aspen
Users will find well-researched chapters on: Discovery to find the debtor's assets; Sale and disposition of the debtor's assets; and Reopening, correcting and vacating judgments. Each of the book's 15 chapters includes dozens of applicable forms and practice tips that advise on related matters such as interacting with court clerks.

Probably the most useful chapter for Wisconsin practitioners is Exemptions from judgment enforcement, which includes a state by state summary. Those outlined for Wisconsin include homestead exemptions, property exemptions, life insurance, personal injury or wrongful death claims, and retirement benefits.

The next time you're faced with a judgment enforcement issue, consult this treatise. It just might provide what you need to succeed in enforcing the judgment and obtaining collection.