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Judgment Collection

You won the case—now collect what you’re owed. Comprehensive Pennsylvania resources for enforcing civil judgments, executing writs, levying bank accounts, and understanding debtor exemptions.

Covering Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 401–425, Pa.R.C.P. 3101–3149, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8123–8127, and Allegheny County Sheriff procedures.

Notice: Judgment collection procedures can be complex and vary by court and county. This information is provided for educational purposes. For guidance specific to your judgment, consult with a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

Enforcement Topics

Interactive Tools

Document Templates

10+

PA Statutes Cited

Two Paths to Enforcement

Pennsylvania has separate execution procedures depending on which court entered your judgment.

Magisterial District Court

Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 401–425

Execution through constable or sheriff for judgments ≤ $12,000. File a Request for Order of Execution with the MDJ.

Filing fee: $35Learn more

Court of Common Pleas

Pa.R.C.P. 3101–3149

Writs of Execution issued by the Prothonotary. Multiple writs possible for different asset types. Full sheriff sale procedures.

Filing fee: $65Learn more

Critical PA Distinction: Wage Garnishment

Pennsylvania is one of only a few states that broadly protects wages from garnishment. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8127, wages, salaries, and commissions are generally exempt from attachment while in the employer’s hands.

Limited exceptions exist for child/spousal support, federal student loans, certain landlord-tenant damages, and IRS tax levies.

Understand wage garnishment rules

Explore All Topics

Select a topic to access detailed guidance, Pennsylvania statutes, practical strategies, and attorney-drafted document templates.

MDJ Execution

Enforcing judgments from Magisterial District Court.

CCP Execution

Writs of Execution from the Court of Common Pleas.

Wage Garnishment

PA's strict wage protections and limited exceptions.

Bank Levies

Freezing and collecting debtor's bank accounts.

Sheriff's Sales

Seizure and public auction of personal property.

Judgment Liens

Automatic liens on real property and lien priority.

Discovery in Aid

Locating debtor assets with interrogatories and subpoenas.

Exemptions

What property the debtor can protect from execution.

Allegheny County

Local execution procedures and Sheriff's Office info.

Document Templates

Attorney-drafted execution and discovery templates.

Need Attorney-Drafted Collection Documents?

Writs of execution, garnishment petitions, bank levies, judgment liens, and more — drafted by a PA licensed attorney for Allegheny County courts.

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Need Help Collecting Your Judgment?

Judgment collection often requires strategic decisions about which assets to target and which procedures to use. Our attorney-drafted documents and tools can help, or get professional guidance.

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Content prepared under the supervision of a PA licensed attorney. Last updated April 2026.