Winning a court case and getting a judgment is a big step—but collecting that judgment is a whole different challenge. Things get even harder when the person or business you’re trying to collect from is located in another country.
Cross-border judgment collection isn’t just about paperwork. It involves legal rules from different countries, international treaties, and sometimes even language barriers. But with the right tools and help, it’s possible to collect what you’re owed—even across borders.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the key challenges and how a skilled Judgement Collection Attorney can help you get results beyond U.S. borders.
What Does “Domestication” Mean?
Before you can collect a judgment in another country, you usually have to “domesticate” it. This means having a foreign court recognize the judgment as valid. Once it’s recognized, you can use that country’s legal system to start collection actions like freezing bank accounts or seizing property.
Domestication is just the first step—but it’s a big one. Each country has its own rules about which judgments they will honor. Some may require you to re-litigate the case. Others might refuse to recognize the judgment at all.
Common Challenges in Cross-Border Collection
Here are some of the most common roadblocks creditors face when trying to collect internationally:
1. Lack of Recognition
Not all countries recognize U.S. court judgments. Some only accept judgments from countries they have treaties with. Others may reject a judgment if they think the original court didn’t have proper jurisdiction.
2. Different Legal Systems
Every country has its own rules for how property can be seized, how court orders are enforced, and what counts as fraud. What works in New York may not work in Spain, Japan, or Brazil.
3. Language and Translation
Legal documents may need to be translated into the country’s official language—and not just using Google Translate. Certified translations are often required and can take time and money.
4. Time Limits
Some countries have strict deadlines for enforcing foreign judgments. If you miss the window, you might lose your chance to collect.
5. Hidden Assets
If the debtor is hiding money in international accounts or foreign shell companies, it can be very hard to trace without expert help.
Solutions That Work
Even though cross-border collection is complex, there are proven strategies that can help.
Use International Treaties
Some countries have signed agreements to recognize and enforce each other’s judgments. These treaties can make the process faster and more predictable. For example, the Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments (signed by some countries) provides a framework for enforcement.
Your attorney can check if the debtor’s country is part of any relevant treaty—and what rules apply.
Hire Local Counsel
In most cases, your U.S.-based lawyer will partner with a trusted attorney in the country where you’re trying to collect. This local counsel understands that country’s legal system and can file the necessary documents on your behalf.
Having strong local representation also helps avoid mistakes and delays.
Use Asset Tracing Tools
Technology can help locate international bank accounts, properties, and business interests. AI-powered tools, financial databases, and professional investigators can help uncover assets that a debtor is trying to hide.
Once assets are located, your legal team can work with local courts to freeze them or force their sale.
Take Swift Action
In cross-border cases, timing is everything. Acting quickly can prevent a debtor from moving assets again or filing for protection in another country.
Your attorney may also ask the foreign court for emergency relief, such as a “worldwide freezing order” or temporary injunction.
Why Legal Experience Matters
Cross-border judgment collection requires a deep understanding of both U.S. law and foreign legal systems. It’s not something you can easily manage on your own—or with a general lawyer.
A knowledgeable Judgement Collection Attorney can coordinate with global partners, navigate international treaties, and push through local red tape to help you collect what you’re owed.
At Warner & Scheuerman, we’ve handled complex judgment enforcement cases that stretch across borders and legal systems. We know how to build the right team, choose the right jurisdictions, and use every available tool to your advantage.
Final Thoughts
Cross-border judgment collection isn’t easy—but it’s not impossible either. With the right plan, legal team, and technology, you can follow the money and enforce your judgment anywhere in the world.
Don’t let borders stop you from collecting what’s rightfully yours. At Warner & Scheuerman, we help clients turn hard-won court victories into real results—even across international lines.
Need help enforcing a judgment outside the U.S.?
Contact Warner & Scheuerman to work with an experienced Judgement Collection Attorney who understands both local and international enforcement strategies.