Massachusetts Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

Massachusetts Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

20 yrs

Judgment Lifespan

6 yrs

Debt SOL (Written)

12%

Post-Judgment Interest

✗

COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Massachusetts has a 12% post-judgment interest rate — among the highest in the nation — and a 20-year judgment lien. Wage garnishment is available, and the homestead exemption of $500,000 for declared homesteads means creditors must focus on other assets or equity above the cap.

Massachusetts Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type	Limitation Period	Statute
Written Contract	6 years	`MGL c.260 §2`
Open Account / Credit Card	6 years	`MGL c.260 §2`
Oral Contract	6 years	`MGL c.260 §2`
Promissory Note	6 years	`MGL c.260 §2`
Judgment Lien	20 years	`MGL c.235 §14`

Massachusetts uses a 6-year SOL for most contract claims. Partial payments and written acknowledgments restart the statute under MGL c.260 §13.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Massachusetts post-judgment interest accrues at 12% per annum under MGL c.235 §8. Interest is simple and begins on the date of judgment.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Massachusetts

Wage Garnishment yes

Massachusetts allows wage garnishment of 15% of gross wages or the excess over 50× the state minimum wage per week, whichever is less (MGL c.246 §28).

Bank Account Levy yes

Bank account trustee process (garnishment) is available after judgment under MGL c.246 §1. Financial institutions are served as trustees.

Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes

Recording an execution in the Registry of Deeds creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (MGL c.236 §1). Lien lasts 20 years.

Turnover Order yes

Massachusetts courts may issue supplemental process orders requiring disclosure and turnover of non-exempt assets (MGL c.224 §14).

Writ of Execution yes

Writs of execution allow the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property (MGL c.235 §60).

Vehicle Levy yes

Massachusetts exempts one motor vehicle up to $7,500 in equity under MGL c.235 §34(24). Additional vehicles or higher equity may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type	Exemption Amount	Statute
Homestead	$500,000 (declared); $125,000 automatic	`MGL c.188 §1`
Motor Vehicle	$7,500 equity	`MGL c.235 §34(24)`
Wages	Per MGL c.246 §28 formula	`MGL c.246 §28`
Personal Property	$1,000	`MGL c.235 §34`
Retirement	All ERISA-qualified plans	`MGL c.235 §34A`

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Massachusetts Resources

Massachusetts Trial Court – Case SearchCivil case records statewide Massachusetts SOS – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookup Massachusetts Registry of DeedsReal property & judgment lien records Massachusetts General Laws – 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 Massachusetts attorney before taking collection action.