Ohio Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

Ohio Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

5 yrs

Judgment Lifespan

6 yrs

Debt SOL (Written)

Post-Judgment Interest

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COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Ohio has a shorter 5-year judgment lien period but a creditor-friendly 6-year statute of limitations. Post-judgment interest accrues at 5% (adjusted annually). Wage garnishment is available with standard federal limits, and the homestead exemption is modest at $161,375.

Ohio Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type	Limitation Period	Statute
Written Contract	6 years	`ORC §2305.06`
Open Account / Credit Card	6 years	`ORC §2305.07`
Oral Contract	6 years	`ORC §2305.07`
Promissory Note	6 years	`ORC §2305.06`
Judgment Lien	5 years (renewable)	`ORC §2329.07`

Ohio’s 6-year SOL applies to written contracts. Oral contracts carry a shorter 6-year period as well. Ohio courts apply strict tolling rules.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Ohio post-judgment interest is set at the federal short-term applicable federal rate plus 3% under ORC §1343.03(A). Currently approximately 5% per annum. Adjusted annually.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Ohio

Wage Garnishment yes

Ohio allows wage garnishment of 25% of disposable earnings under ORC §2329.66. Employer receives a continuous order for garnishment and must withhold.

Bank Account Levy yes

Bank account garnishments are available after judgment under ORC §2333.09. Creditor serves a garnishment summons on the financial institution.

Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes

Filing a certified judgment in the county courthouse creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (ORC §2329.02). Lien lasts 5 years and must be renewed.

Turnover Order yes

Ohio courts issue orders for examination of judgment debtors (ORC §2333.09) requiring disclosure of assets. Contempt available for non-compliance.

Writ of Execution yes

Writs of execution allow the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property (ORC §2329.01).

Vehicle Levy yes

Ohio exempts one motor vehicle up to $4,225 in equity under ORC §2329.66(A)(2). Additional vehicles or equity above the cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type	Exemption Amount	Statute
Homestead	$161,375	`ORC §2329.66(A)(1)`
Motor Vehicle	$4,225 equity	`ORC §2329.66(A)(2)`
Wages	75% of disposable earnings	`ORC §2329.66(A)(13)`
Personal Property	$575 per item	`ORC §2329.66`
Retirement	All ERISA-qualified plans	`ORC §2329.66(A)(10)`

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Ohio Resources

Ohio Courts – OJN Case SearchCivil case lookup statewide Ohio SOS – Business SearchEntity & registered agent lookup Ohio County Recorder – Property RecordsReal property & judgment lien filings Ohio Revised Code – LegislatureOfficial state statutes

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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 Ohio attorney before taking collection action.