Justice of the Peace Galveston County Precinct 1: How to Collect Your Judgment or Navigate Bankruptcy
Justice of the Peace Galveston County Precinct 1, presided over by the Honorable Judge Gregory Rikard, is located at 1922 Sealy, Sam Popovich Annex, Galveston, Texas 77550. This court handles civil cases with claims up to $10,000, as well as small claims, evictions, and deed restriction enforcement.
But obtaining a judgment is just the first step. The real challenge lies in collecting your judgment—especially when the debtor is uncooperative or facing financial hardship. This article explores your options, from collections tools like garnishments to bankruptcy protections for debtors.
Enforcing Your Judgment: Collection Tools
If you’ve been awarded a judgment, the court doesn’t automatically transfer funds or seize property for you. You’ll need to pursue enforcement mechanisms, such as:
1. Writ of Garnishment
This is one of the most effective tools for collecting unpaid judgments. With a writ of garnishment, creditors can freeze and seize funds from the debtor’s bank accounts. However, Texas law exempts certain types of accounts, such as Social Security and retirement benefits, so a creditor must carefully evaluate the debtor’s financial situation.
2. Abstract of Judgment
Filing an abstract creates a lien against any real property owned by the debtor in the county. This prevents the debtor from selling or refinancing property until the lien is satisfied.
3. Writ of Execution
This allows a constable or sheriff to seize non-exempt property, such as vehicles, equipment, or other valuable items. These assets can then be sold at auction to satisfy the judgment.
4. Turnover Orders
Turnover orders compel the debtor to hand over non-exempt assets or accounts receivable directly to the creditor or court officer.
Debtor’s Options: Bankruptcy Protection
If you’re on the other side of a judgment—the debtor—and facing mounting debts, bankruptcy may offer relief. Filing for bankruptcy:
- Halts collections immediately through an automatic stay, stopping garnishments, property seizures, and other enforcement actions.
- Discharges most unsecured debts, including judgments, in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
- Allows debt reorganization in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, letting debtors pay over a 3–5 year plan while keeping their assets.
Our firm specializes in representing debtors, helping them navigate bankruptcy laws, Texas exemptions, and asset protection strategies.
Justice Court Logistics: What to Expect
The Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 court provides an accessible venue for resolving small claims and civil disputes.
- Filing a Claim: Small claims cases are for monetary damages up to $10,000. The filing party must properly name defendants and provide evidence supporting their claim.
- Discovery: While limited, discovery tools like written interrogatories and requests for admissions can be used with the court’s approval.
- No Court Record: Proceedings are not recorded unless explicitly requested. This can limit your ability to appeal on procedural grounds.
- Representation: Parties may represent themselves or hire an attorney.
