Winning a court judgment is only half the battle. If the person or company that owes you money doesn't pay voluntarily, you need to take enforcement steps. In Ontario, you have several powerful tools to collect.
Garnishment of Wages
You can obtain a court order requiring the debtor's employer to deduct money from their wages each pay period. Ontario law limits garnishment to 20% of net wages for most debts. The employer remits the funds to the court, which then pays you.
Garnishment of Bank Accounts
A Notice of Garnishment can be served on the debtor's bank, requiring the bank to freeze and redirect funds to you. You need to know which bank the debtor uses. Banks must respond within 10 days.
Writ of Seizure and Sale (Personal Property)
A bailiff can seize and sell the debtor's personal property (vehicles, equipment, valuables) to satisfy the judgment. Some property is exempt, including tools of the trade up to $11,300 and a vehicle up to $7,117.
Writ of Seizure and Sale (Land)
Filing a Writ of Seizure and Sale with the local land registry prevents the debtor from selling their property without first paying your judgment. This effectively creates a lien on their real estate.
Examination of Debtor
You can summon the debtor to court to answer questions about their assets, income, and bank accounts under oath — helping you identify what enforcement steps will be most effective.
Practical Tips
- Judgments are good for 10 years and can be renewed
- Interest accrues on unpaid judgments at 3% per year
- If the debtor has no assets, enforcement may not be practical — consider this before investing in litigation