Can I Collect if I Win?

---

(I've researched PineStreetInn's assets and properties they've bought over the last ten years and it's substantial.)

There is  no point in getting a court judgment against a deadbeat. While most  reputable businesses and individuals will pay you what they owe, if they  don't have it, they can't pay you. If your opponent tries to stiff you,  you may be in for a struggle. Unfortunately, the court won't collect  your money for you or even provide much help; it will be up to you to  identify the assets you can grab.

Normally, if an individual is working or owns valuable property --  such as land or investments -- collection is not too difficult. You can  instruct your local law enforcement agency (usually the sheriff, marshal  or constable) to garnish that person's wages or attach his or her  non-exempt property.

For a successful business, especially one that receives cash directly  from customers, you can authorize your local sheriff or marshal to  collect your judgment right out of the cash register. And in many  states, if you are suing a contractor or other businessperson with a  state license, you can apply to have the license suspended until the  judgment is paid.

However, if you can't identify any collection source -- for example,  if you're dealing with an unlicensed contractor of highly doubtful  solvency -- think twice before suing. A judgment will be of no value to  you if the business or individual is insolvent, goes bankrupt, or  disappears.