New Jersey Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

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New Jersey Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

20 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
6 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
7.75%
Post-Judgment Interest
✗
COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

New Jersey provides a 20-year judgment lien and post-judgment interest pegged to the prime rate. The state lacks a traditional homestead exemption for judgment liens (real property is not protected), making real estate a prime enforcement target. Wage garnishment is available with standard limits.

New Jersey Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 6 years NJS §2A:14-1
Open Account / Credit Card 6 years NJS §2A:14-1
Oral Contract 6 years NJS §2A:14-1
Promissory Note 6 years NJS §2A:14-1
Judgment Lien 20 years NJS §2A:17-25

New Jersey’s 6-year SOL for written contracts is standard in the Northeast. New Jersey courts also allow revival of judgments before expiration.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

New Jersey post-judgment interest is set at the prime rate plus 1% under NJ Court Rule 4:42-11. Currently approximately 7.75% per annum. Interest is simple.

Judgment Recovery Methods in New Jersey

Wage Garnishment yes
New Jersey allows wage garnishment of 10% of gross weekly income (capped at 25% of disposable earnings). This lower threshold protects debtors but still provides a meaningful collection stream (NJS §2A:17-50).
Bank Account Levy yes
Bank account levies are available via execution process under NJS §2A:17-56. The financial institution must hold funds pending exemption review.
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
A judgment entered in Superior Court creates a lien on all real property in New Jersey where properly docketed (NJS §2A:16-1). No homestead exemption for liens.
Turnover Order yes
New Jersey courts issue supplemental proceedings (NJ R. 6:7-2) requiring debtors to appear and disclose non-exempt assets. Contempt available for non-compliance.
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution allow the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property and real estate (NJS §2A:17-1).
Vehicle Levy yes
New Jersey has no specific motor vehicle exemption from judgment execution. Vehicles may be levied upon subject to general personal property exemption provisions.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead None for judgment liens N/A
Personal Property $1,000 general NJS §2A:17-19
Wages Per NJS §2A:17-50 formula NJS §2A:17-50
Retirement All ERISA-qualified plans NJS §25:2-1
Tools of Trade $1,000 NJS §2A:17-19

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official New Jersey Resources

New Jersey Courts – Case SearchCivil case records onlineNew Jersey Treasury – Business Name SearchEntity & registered agent lookupNew Jersey County Clerks – Judgment DocketingReal property lien & judgment recordsNew Jersey Statutes – LegislatureOfficial state code

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