Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Iowa

Collection after Small Claims Court

I filed in Iowa small claims court and expect to win $5000. The defendant has retained an attorney to represent him in court. Our court date was for the 14th of April , but his attorney asked for an extension for an additional 6 weeks (attorney has other obligation now). The Defendant is moving to Tennessee at the end of this month.

My question � If I�m awarded moneys and the Defendant has moved from Iowa to Tennessee how can I collect from him? Is there anything I can do now prior to the Defendant moving from state that will ensure that he pays? I have 15 days until he moves.

Please Help!


Asked on 4/13/04, 8:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Re: Collection after Small Claims Court

Not much you can do now. The key word in your first sentence is "expect." You do not have a judgment against the defendant, so you cannot attempt to collect the amount you "expect" to win. If you are awarded a judgment, you will probably need to register your judgment in TN. You will probably need to contact an attorney in TN to assist you with this.

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Answered on 4/14/04, 9:15 am


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