Collecting Judgments in California – Definition of “Judgment Debtor”

When collecting judgments in California, the meaning of certain judgment-related terms can be very important.  This post explains California’s Enforcement of Judgment Laws definition of the term “judgment debtor”.

A “judgment debtor” is the person or entity against whom the judgment is entered.  CCP §§ 680.250, 680.280; see Grayson Services, Inc. v. Wells Fargo Bank (2011) 199 Cal.App.4th 563, 575.

The exact identity of the “judgment debtor” can be very important. For example, if the primary wrongdoer is an individual, a judgment may be worthless if it requires only the individual’s corporation or limited liability company to make payment. For this reason, before asking the court to enter a judgment, be sure to consider who, exactly, the judgment should be against.