Allegheny County
Local judgment collection resources, offices, and practical tips specific to Allegheny County and the Pittsburgh area.
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.
Key Offices
Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office
Executions, levies, and sheriff’s sales for CCP judgments.
Prothonotary’s Office
File Praecipes for Writs of Execution, transfer judgments, and record liens.
Magisterial District Courts
File Requests for Order of Execution for MDJ judgments (≤$12,000).
Collection Strategy Tips
Act Quickly
Begin discovery and execution promptly. Debtors may move assets or leave the jurisdiction if you delay. The 5-year judgment lien period starts immediately.
Use Multiple Strategies
Don’t rely on a single collection method. Pursue bank levies, judgment liens, and discovery simultaneously for the best chance of recovery.
Document Everything
Keep copies of all filings, service proofs, and correspondence. You’ll need this record if the debtor contests execution or claims exemptions.
Consider Installments
If the debtor has limited assets, an installment payment agreement may yield more than forced execution, especially at the MDJ level.
Transfer Judgments
If the debtor owns property in other PA counties, transfer your CCP judgment to those counties to create liens on that real estate.
Revive Before Expiration
A judgment lien expires after 5 years. File a Praecipe for Writ of Revival before expiration or you lose lien priority.
Content prepared under the supervision of a PA licensed attorney. Last updated April 2026.