Answers to FAQs about Iowa Court Cases, Procedures, and Policies (8.30.21) Page 43 of 68
Using the court system to collect a judgment, also called "executing on a judgment", can be complicated. If you do not understand any part of this information, you should talk to an attorney. The Iowa Judicial Branch website contains more information on executing on a judgment at: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/representing-yourself/collecting-a-judgment/. See also Iowa Code section 626.12. Iowa Rule of Court form 3.25 is the required form for filing a “Request for General Execution” available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/court-forms/,under the Small Claims tab.
A judgment gives the judgment creditor (the person the judgment favors) a lien against the other party, but the judgment and lien do not guarantee voluntary payment. A lien is a legal right or interest a creditor has in a debtor’s property for the purpose of securing the payment of a debt. The Iowa Code authorizes a number of liens for specific obligations as well as for judgments.
The judgment creditor may pursue collection through various legal forms of execution, but these also can be complicated and you should talk to an attorney.
A “debtor’s exam” is another way to use the court system to collect your judgment. See next section.