Kentucky Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

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Kentucky Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

15 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
5 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
12%
Post-Judgment Interest
✗
COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Kentucky has one of the highest post-judgment interest rates in the nation at 12%, and a 15-year judgment lien. Wage garnishment is available, and the $5,000 homestead exemption is among the lowest in the country — making real property liens highly effective for creditors.

Kentucky Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 5 years KRS §413.120
Open Account / Credit Card 5 years KRS §413.120
Oral Contract 5 years KRS §413.120
Promissory Note 5 years KRS §413.120
Judgment Lien 15 years KRS §426.380

Kentucky’s 5-year SOL for written contracts is standard. Judgments may be revived after 5 years for continued enforcement under KRS §413.090.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Kentucky post-judgment interest accrues at 12% per annum under KRS §360.040. This rate makes timely enforcement highly rewarding for creditors. Interest is simple.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Kentucky

Wage Garnishment yes
Kentucky allows wage garnishment of 25% of disposable earnings under federal guidelines. Employers receive garnishment orders after judgment (KRS §425.501).
Bank Account Levy yes
Bank garnishments are available after judgment under KRS §425.301. Writ of garnishment is served on the financial institution.
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
Recording an abstract of judgment in the county clerk’s office creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (KRS §426.720). Lien lasts 15 years.
Turnover Order yes
Kentucky courts may issue orders requiring debtors to transfer non-exempt property under KRS §426.381 supplemental proceedings.
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution authorize the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property and sell it at public auction (KRS §426.150).
Vehicle Levy yes
Kentucky exempts one motor vehicle up to $2,500 in equity under KRS §427.010. Additional vehicles or equity above the cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead $5,000 KRS §427.060
Motor Vehicle $2,500 equity KRS §427.010
Wages 75% of disposable earnings KRS §427.010
Personal Property $3,000 general KRS §427.010
Retirement All ERISA-qualified plans KRS §427.150

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Official Kentucky Resources

Kentucky Court of Justice – Case SearchCivil case records onlineKentucky SOS – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookupKentucky County Clerk – Property RecordsReal property & lien filingsKentucky Legislature – Revised StatutesOfficial state code search

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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 Kentucky attorney before taking collection action.