Document Checklist
Whether you're collecting on a judgment or resolving one, having the right documents organized and accessible is critical. This comprehensive checklist covers what to gather, where to find it, and why each document matters.
Education Only: This checklist is for educational purposes. Document requirements vary by state and situation. Consult with a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your case.
Why Documentation Matters
Proper documentation is the foundation of successful judgment collection or resolution. It provides:
- •Proof: Evidence to support your position in negotiations or court
- •Clarity: Clear understanding of amounts owed, payments made, and current status
- •Leverage: Information needed to structure realistic settlement offers or payment plans
- •Protection: Records to defend against improper enforcement or validate claims
Priority Levels
🔴 Critical
Must-have documents. Cannot proceed without these.
🟡 Important
Strongly recommended. Significantly improves your position.
🔵 Helpful
Nice to have. Provides additional context or leverage.
For Collectors: Essential Documents
Documents needed to enforce judgment or negotiate settlement
Certified Copy of Judgment
CriticalPurpose: Official proof of judgment for enforcement actions
Where to find: Court clerk's office where judgment was entered
Original Contract or Agreement
CriticalPurpose: Proves underlying debt and terms
Where to find: Your business records or legal files
Payment History Ledger
CriticalPurpose: Shows payments made, interest accrued, current balance
Where to find: Your accounting system or collection records
Debtor Contact Information
ImportantPurpose: Current address, phone, email for communication
Where to find: Court records, skip tracing, public records
Employment Information
ImportantPurpose: Needed for wage garnishment
Where to find: Debtor examination, public records, LinkedIn
Bank Account Information
ImportantPurpose: Needed for bank levy
Where to find: Debtor examination, subpoena, previous payments
Property Records
HelpfulPurpose: Identifies real estate for lien placement
Where to find: County recorder's office, property tax records
Previous Communication Log
HelpfulPurpose: Documents negotiation attempts and debtor responses
Where to find: Your case file, email records, call logs
For Debtors: Essential Documents
Documents needed to negotiate settlement or defend against enforcement
Copy of Judgment Document
CriticalPurpose: Confirms judgment amount, date, and terms
Where to find: Court records, creditor's demand letter, certified mail
Income Documentation
CriticalPurpose: Proves income for settlement negotiation or exemption claims
Where to find: Pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statements
Monthly Budget Breakdown
CriticalPurpose: Shows realistic payment capacity
Where to find: Create using bank statements and expense tracking
Bank Statements (3-6 months)
ImportantPurpose: Demonstrates financial situation and cash flow
Where to find: Your bank's online portal or monthly statements
List of Assets and Exemptions
ImportantPurpose: Identifies protected assets if enforcement occurs
Where to find: Create list; check state exemption laws
Other Debt Obligations
ImportantPurpose: Shows competing financial obligations
Where to find: Credit report, loan statements, other judgments
Hardship Documentation
HelpfulPurpose: Supports settlement negotiation or payment plan request
Where to find: Medical bills, unemployment notices, disability letters
Communication Records
HelpfulPurpose: Documents creditor contact and your responses
Where to find: Emails, letters, call logs with creditor
Organization & Tracking
Documents to create for case management and record-keeping
Case Summary Sheet
CriticalPurpose: One-page overview of key facts and dates
Where to find: Create using our template
Timeline of Events
ImportantPurpose: Chronological record of all actions and communications
Where to find: Create from your records and court documents
Contact Log
ImportantPurpose: Tracks all communication attempts and responses
Where to find: Create and maintain throughout process
Document Index
HelpfulPurpose: Master list of all documents with dates and locations
Where to find: Create as you gather documents
Organization Best Practices
- 1.Create a master folder: Keep all judgment-related documents in one physical or digital location.
- 2.Use subfolders by category: Court documents, financial records, communication logs, settlement offers.
- 3.Date everything: Include dates in file names (YYYY-MM-DD format) for easy chronological sorting.
- 4.Keep backups: Store copies in multiple locations (cloud storage, external drive, physical copies).
- 5.Maintain a document log: Track what you have, what you need, and where each document is located.
- 6.Update regularly: Add new documents immediately and update your index as your case progresses.
Next Steps After Gathering Documents
For Collectors
- → Calculate current balance with interest
- → Review enforcement options for your state
- → Prepare demand letter or settlement offer
- → Read Collection Playbook
For Debtors
- → Calculate realistic monthly payment capacity
- → Identify exempt assets and income
- → Prepare settlement offer or payment plan proposal
- → Read Recovery Guide
Ready to Take Action?
Use our tools and templates to structure your settlement offer, payment plan, or enforcement strategy.