Alabama Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

/ Judgment Enforcement by State

Alabama Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

20 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
6 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
7.5%
Post-Judgment Interest
✗
COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Alabama provides a 20-year judgment lien window — among the longest in the nation — giving creditors substantial time to locate and seize non-exempt assets. Wage garnishment is available for most debts, and the state’s relatively modest homestead exemption makes real property liens an effective collection tool.

Alabama Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 6 years Ala. Code §6-2-34
Open Account / Credit Card 6 years Ala. Code §6-2-34
Oral Contract 6 years Ala. Code §6-2-34
Promissory Note 6 years Ala. Code §6-2-34
Judgment Lien 20 years Ala. Code §6-9-211

Alabama’s 6-year SOL for written contracts is one of the longer periods in the Southeast. The clock restarts on any partial payment.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Alabama post-judgment interest accrues at 7.5% per annum under Alabama Code §8-8-10. Interest is simple (non-compounding) and runs from the date of judgment.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Alabama

Wage Garnishment yes
Wage garnishment is permitted up to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30× the federal minimum wage, whichever is less (Ala. Code §6-10-7).
Bank Account Levy yes
Bank account garnishment is available via writ of garnishment after judgment (Ala. Code §6-6-370). Creditor must serve garnishment summons on financial institution.
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
A certified copy of the judgment filed in county probate court creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (Ala. Code §6-9-211).
Turnover Order limited
Alabama does not have a standalone turnover statute, but courts may order debtors to disgorge specific assets during post-judgment proceedings.
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution direct the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property and real estate (Ala. Code §6-9-40).
Vehicle Levy yes
Non-exempt vehicles may be levied via writ of execution. Check ADECA title records before proceeding.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead $15,000 (or $30,000 married) Ala. Code §6-10-2
Personal Property $7,500 Ala. Code §6-10-6
Wages 75% of disposable earnings Ala. Code §6-10-7
Retirement / Pension All qualified plans Ala. Code §19-3B-508

Judgment Value Calculator

Estimate Your Alabama Judgment Value




Official Alabama Resources

Alabama Judicial System – Case SearchOnline civil case lookup statewideAlabama SOS – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookupAlabama Dept of Revenue – Tax Lien RecordsState tax lien filingsAlabama Law Institute – StatutesOfficial state code search

Need Help Enforcing a Judgment in Alabama?

Asset Investigation provides skip tracing, asset location, and judgment enforcement support nationwide. Let us help you collect.

Submit Your Case

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Alabama attorney before taking collection action.