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Enforcement of Judgments in a Different State?
Thomas Pedreira

Q. 

I have a lawsuit against an ex business partner for $40,000. I live in Michigan, she did when we were partners, but she stole everything and fled to Arizona, can I some how collect that money from her, or will they not take the judgment from Michigan in Arizona. My Attorney passed away a few weeks after the judgment so I cant ask him. Any help would be appreciated.

-- Norma

A. 

It is not clear from your question, but you apparently already have a judgment against your former partner. Sorry to hear about your attorney passing away, but this should prevent you from taking steps to get another attorney to help you enforce it.

Was your attorney part of a firm? If so, one of the other attorneys would be the logical choice. If not, you might call your state's bar association to find out more information about what to do.

Another practical option would be to contact a collection agency. If you have a valid judgment, they may be able to take steps to enforce it in another state. If they collect, you'll have to pay them a percentage of what is recovered, but this may be less expensive than hiring another lawyer on an hourly basis.

-- Thomas Pedreira

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