Texas Law on Civil Judgments

A civil judgment is an order by a civil court. A civil court presides over cases involving civil matters. Under Texas law, the prevailing party has the right to collect personal property or receive title to real property to fulfill the judgment.

Collection

The prevailing party in a civil action in Texas may request the assistance of the court when collecting the judgment. When the debtor owns property, the court may order an injunction, force the debtor to give up nonexempt property, use the property to satisfy a judgment, appoint a receiver to collect the property or hold the debtor in contempt of court if the debtor refuses a court order.

Wages

A court may require the judgment debtor to give up his wages. This includes not just a paycheck but wages paid in the form of cash or property.

Dormant

If a judgment holder fails to enforce a judgment within 10 years of the ruling, the judgment becomes dormant. Texas law allows the holder to revive the judgment no later than two years from the date the judgment became dormant.

References

• Texas Code: Civil Practice and Remedies Code