Step 1 of 7

Start with the judgment itself

The judgment

Pull the judgment out and copy it exactly. Every number on the writ is calculated from the date it was entered, so an approximate date produces a wrong writ.

County of the court that entered itCase numberExactly as it appears on the judgment, including letters.

Date the court entered the judgmentCopy it from the judgment or the minute order line that reads "Judgment entered" — not the hearing, trial, or submission date. A wrong date here is the most common reason a clerk rejects the abstract.Date renewed, if it ever wasLeave blank if you have never renewed this judgment.

I have a certified copy of the judgment from the clerkA certified copy carries the clerk's stamp and seal. Los Angeles and several other counties will not issue the abstract without one attached — the clerk's office sells them for about $50 plus copy fees.

Amount of the judgment

Payments the debtor has already made

Costs already added after judgment

This was small claims or a limited civil case (under $35,000)This judgment came out of small claims courtIt decides which debtor's examination form the court accepts.

What kind of judgment is it?

An ordinary money judgmentUnpaid wages owed to youA consumer or personal debtFamily support

Describe it

California judgments earn 10% simple interest a year until they are paid. We calculate it to the day and show the work.

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