Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Missouri

Collecting a Debt

After a small claims court ruled against a former renter for damages to a house, It seems you have to find out where he, or she is working before a Sherriff can serve legal papers so you can start getting payments through the court. The former renter works over a hundred miles away. Seems unfair that the court has no way after ruling a decision to make it stick... The landlord no longer rents, as it was costing more to repair them than what it was bringing in.. Thanks, for whatever advise you can give.


Asked on 12/27/04, 12:32 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Collecting a Debt

There is more than one way to collect your judgment. Did your former renter ever pay you with a check? If so, you might want to run a garnishment against his bank account. Or, you could check with the Department of Revenue to see whether he owns a car or other vehicle, and then run an execution against that vehicle. If your former renter lives in a different county, or at least a different circuit then where you obtained your judgment, you will need to have the garnishment or execution served there in all probability. In any event, if you need help, you may call me for a free telephone consultation at 314-727-2822. I am on vacation until 1/3/05. Good luck!

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Answered on 12/28/04, 2:12 am
Anthony Smith LawSmith

Re: Collecting a Debt

Getting teh judgment is one thing, collecting it is another, as you have found out. A significant portion of my practice is enforcing judgnments and collecting debts. If the ex-renter/judgment debtor lives on the Western third of the state, then I may be able to help you.

Good Lcuk,

Tony Smith

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Answered on 12/29/04, 12:34 pm


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