How to Collect a Judgment in Tennessee (2026)
You won your case — now get paid. This guide covers every enforcement tool available in Tennessee: wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens.
Step-by-Step: Collecting Your Judgment in Tennessee
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 10% 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 General Sessions 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 Tennessee rules), so act promptly.
Garnish the debtor's wages
Once you have the Writ of Execution, serve a Writ of Garnishment on the debtor's employer. In Tennessee, the employer must withhold up to 25% of the debtor's disposable earnings each pay period and send it to the court or directly to you. Garnishment continues until the full judgment (including accrued interest) is satisfied or the employment ends. You may need to renew the writ periodically.
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 Tennessee, 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 10 years. The debtor cannot sell, refinance, or transfer the property without first satisfying your judgment. The debtor's primary residence is protected up to $5,000 (homestead exemption).
Renew the judgment before it expires
Your judgment is valid for 10 years in Tennessee. Before it expires, file a motion to renew the judgment in the same court — this typically extends it for another 10 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.
Find a Collections Attorney →Tennessee Judgment Collection — Key Facts
| Judgment valid for | 10 years (renewable) |
| Property lien duration | 10 years |
| Post-judgment interest | 10% per year |
| Wage garnishment | Up to 25% of disposable income |
| Bank account levy | Available |
| Homestead exemption | $5,000 |
| Vehicle exemption | $10,000 |
Source: Tennessee Courts ↗. Always verify current rules with the court clerk or a licensed attorney.
Already Filed? Tennessee Small Claims Basics
If you haven't filed yet, here are the key figures for Tennessee's General Sessions Court.