Even after getting a court judgment, the creditor can only collect by going after your wages and bank accounts (garnishment) or by taking your property (execution). In either case, they can’t take everything. There are laws setting limits on the amount of the property and wages that creditors can take. Generally, a creditor who has gotten a court judgment against you can take some of your property if you own a home with more than $6,500.00 equity (current market value minus amount owed) or have belongings worth more than $1,500.00. If you rent, up to $2,500.00 worth of certain belongings (such as a car) may also be exempt. A judgment creditor can’t garnish your wages if you make less than 30 times the minimum hourly wage per week.