Texas Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

Texas Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

10 yrs

Judgment Lifespan

4 yrs

Debt SOL (Written)

8.5%

Post-Judgment Interest

✓

COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Texas judgment enforcement combines strong creditor tools with significant debtor protections. Community property laws mean a judgment against one spouse can reach jointly-held marital assets. Wage garnishment is constitutionally prohibited for consumer debts, but bank levies, turnover orders, and abstract of judgment liens are powerful alternatives.

Texas Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type	Limitation Period	Statute
Written Contract	4 years	`CPRC §16.004`
Open Account / Credit Card	4 years	`CPRC §16.004`
Oral Contract	4 years	`CPRC §16.004`
Promissory Note	4 years	`CPRC §16.004`
Judgment Lien (renewable)	10 years	`CPRC §34.001`

Texas uses a uniform 4-year statute of limitations for most contract claims under the Civil Practice & Remedies Code. The clock begins when the debt becomes due or the last payment is made.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Texas post-judgment interest is set quarterly at the prime rate published by the Federal Reserve plus 1%, under Texas Finance Code §304.003. Interest compounds annually on the unpaid principal.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Texas

Wage Garnishment no

Wage garnishment for consumer debts is prohibited by the Texas Constitution (Art. 16, §28). Exceptions exist only for child support, student loans, and federal taxes.

Bank Account Levy yes

Writs of garnishment against bank accounts are available under CPRC §63.001. Exempt wages directly deposited and clearly identifiable may retain constitutional protection.

Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes

Filing an Abstract of Judgment in any Texas county creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (CPRC §52.001). Lien lasts 10 years and is renewable.

Turnover Order yes

Texas’s unique Turnover statute (CPRC §31.002) allows courts to order debtors to turn over non-exempt property or appoint a receiver — a powerful and flexible enforcement tool.

Writ of Execution yes

Writs of execution direct the sheriff or constable to seize and sell non-exempt personal property (CPRC §34.001). Proceeds are applied to the judgment balance.

Vehicle Levy yes

Vehicles beyond the one-per-licensed-driver exemption may be seized via writ of execution. Verify VIN and title through TxDMV before proceeding.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type	Exemption Amount	Statute
Homestead	Unlimited (urban: 10 acres; rural: 100/200 acres)	`TX Const. Art. 16 §50`
Personal Property	$50,000 (single) / $100,000 (family)	`CPRC §42.001`
Wages	100% exempt	`TX Const. Art. 16 §28`
Vehicle	1 per licensed household driver	`CPRC §42.002(a)(9)`
Retirement / IRA	All qualified plans — unlimited	`CPRC §42.0021`

Judgment Value Calculator

Estimate Your Texas Judgment Value

Original Judgment ($)

Annual Interest Rate (%)

Years Elapsed

Official Texas Resources

Texas Courts Records SearchStatewide case lookup Texas Secretary of State — Entity SearchBusiness entity & registered agent lookup Texas Office of Court AdministrationCourt directory & judicial resources Texas Comptroller — Post-Judgment Interest RateCurrent judgment interest rate

Need Help Enforcing a Judgment in Texas?

Asset Investigation provides skip tracing, asset location, and judgment enforcement support nationwide. Let us help you collect.

Submit Your Case

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