Justice of the Peace Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Place 2
Justice of the Peace Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Place 2, presided over by the Honorable Judge Tricia Krenek, handles various legal matters, including small claims and justice court suits. Located at 8100 FM 359, South, Fulshear, Texas 77441, this court is instrumental in helping creditors enforce judgments and collect debts. But once you have a judgment, how do you collect?
This guide shifts the focus from just filing suits to what comes next: enforcing your judgment through collections, especially using tools like writs of garnishment.
You Have a Judgment—Now What?
Winning a judgment is only half the battle. Many debtors fail to pay voluntarily, requiring creditors to pursue collections actively. Justice courts like Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Place 2 provide several tools to help creditors collect.
Key Collection Tools for Creditors
- Writ of Garnishment
If the debtor has money in a bank account, a writ of garnishment can freeze those funds and redirect them to satisfy the judgment. Garnishment requires the court’s permission and must follow Texas-specific rules. Note: While wages are exempt, bank accounts are not. - Writ of Execution
This allows a sheriff or constable to seize non-exempt property owned by the debtor, which can then be sold at auction. - Abstract of Judgment
Filing an abstract of judgment creates a lien on real property owned by the debtor in the county where it’s filed. This lien can prevent the sale or transfer of property until the judgment is satisfied. - Turnover Order
A court may order a debtor to turn over non-exempt property or tax refunds to satisfy the judgment.
Texas Exemptions: What Creditors Cannot Touch
As a seasoned bankruptcy attorney, I know the limits on what creditors can pursue. In Texas, many assets are exempt from collection, including:
- The debtor’s homestead.
- Wages and retirement accounts.
- Personal property up to certain limits (e.g., household goods and vehicles).
This makes it essential to plan your collection strategy carefully, targeting non-exempt assets like bank accounts or investment property.
Challenges Debtors Face After a Judgment
Many debtors struggle to understand their rights after a judgment. Injustice courts, debtors often lack the knowledge to navigate Texas exemptions or fight garnishments. This is where bankruptcy protection becomes an option.
How Bankruptcy Can Stop Collections
Bankruptcy offers immediate relief for debtors facing aggressive collection efforts. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can discharge most debts entirely, while Chapter 13 allows debtors to reorganize and pay creditors over time. Filing for bankruptcy also creates an automatic stay, halting collection efforts, including garnishments and executions.
As a bankruptcy attorney with over 25 years of experience, I can help debtors explore these options and move forward.
