Arizona Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

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Arizona Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

5 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
6 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
10%
Post-Judgment Interest
✓
COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Arizona is a community property state, meaning a judgment against one spouse can reach marital assets owned jointly. Judgment liens expire after 5 years unless renewed, and the state offers relatively high exemption amounts compared to national averages.

Arizona Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 6 years ARS §12-548
Open Account / Credit Card 6 years ARS §12-548
Oral Contract 3 years ARS §12-543
Promissory Note 6 years ARS §12-548
Judgment Lien 5 years (renewable) ARS §12-1611

Arizona’s 6-year SOL for written contracts runs from the date of default. Oral contracts carry a shorter 3-year period.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Arizona post-judgment interest accrues at the lesser of 10% per annum or the rate stated in the underlying contract (ARS §44-1201). Interest compounds annually.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Arizona

Wage Garnishment yes
Arizona permits wage garnishment of up to 25% of disposable earnings. Earnings exceeding 30× the federal minimum wage per week are also subject to garnishment (ARS §33-1131).
Bank Account Levy yes
Non-exempt bank accounts may be garnished after judgment. Creditor files writ of garnishment with the court and serves it on the financial institution (ARS §12-1572).
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
Recording an abstract in the county recorder’s office creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (ARS §33-961). Lien lasts 5 years, renewable for additional terms.
Turnover Order yes
Arizona courts may issue orders requiring debtors to turn over non-exempt property under ARS §12-1634.
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution allow the sheriff to seize and sell non-exempt personal and real property (ARS §12-1551).
Vehicle Levy yes
One motor vehicle up to $6,000 in equity is exempt per ARS §33-1125. Additional vehicles or equity above that cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead $400,000 ARS §33-1101
Motor Vehicle $6,000 equity ARS §33-1125
Household Goods $6,000 aggregate ARS §33-1123
Wages 75% of disposable earnings ARS §33-1131
Retirement All ERISA-qualified plans ARS §33-1126

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Arizona Resources

Arizona Courts – Public AccessStatewide civil case lookupArizona Corporation Commission – Entity SearchBusiness entity & registered agentMaricopa County RecorderProperty & lien records searchArizona Revised StatutesOfficial 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 Arizona attorney before taking collection action.