Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) funders operate in a fast-moving and high-risk lending space. While many merchants repay their advances as agreed, some default—either by falling behind or outright refusing to pay. When that happens, the funding company is left chasing money that is rightfully theirs, often across state lines and through evasive debtors.

At this stage, judgment attorneys become one of your most valuable assets. A judgment attorney doesn’t just send letters—they help you obtain and enforce legal judgments that compel repayment. They apply court-authorized tools like levies, turnover orders, and debtor exams to get results that internal collections teams simply can’t.

If you're a funder struggling with a non-paying merchant, here’s how a skilled judgment attorney can help you recoup what you're owed.

What Is a Judgment Attorney?

A judgment collection lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in helping creditors like MCA funders collect on debts after a court judgment has been issued. Unlike traditional collection efforts that rely on cooperation or negotiation, a judgment attorney leverages the legal system to locate, secure, and seize assets through court orders.

For funders dealing with delinquent merchants, especially those operating across multiple jurisdictions or trying to hide assets, judgment attorneys are critical for successful debt recovery.

Why Legal Judgments Matter in MCA Recovery

The MCA agreement spells out the merchant’s repayment obligations. When the merchant fails to comply, the funder has the right to sue for breach of contract.

A successful lawsuit results in a court-issued judgment confirming the debt. This judgment is not just a piece of paper—it’s the legal foundation that allows your judgment attorney to pursue advanced recovery strategies.

Without a judgment, you can’t freeze bank accounts, garnish wages (in the case of personal guarantees), or force debtors to appear in court. Once you have it, you gain real leverage.

How Judgment Attorneys Help Funders Get Paid

Here are key ways judgment attorneys work to protect your capital and recover unpaid MCA advances:

Domestication of Out-of-State Judgments

Many MCA funders and merchants operate in different states. If you’ve obtained a judgment in one state but the merchant’s assets are in another, your attorney can domesticate the judgment, allowing it to be enforced across state lines. This is crucial for pursuing merchants who relocate or disperse funds in other jurisdictions.

Post-Judgment Asset Discovery

After a judgment is secured, the next step is tracking down the merchant’s assets. Judgment attorneys use legal tools like:

  • Information subpoenas
  • Bank and brokerage account searches
  • Public record reviews
  • Business ownership investigations

If the merchant is hiding assets or transferring them to family or shell companies, your attorney can uncover these attempts and take swift legal action.

Turnover Motions and Court Orders

Once assets are identified, your attorney files turnover motions that legally require the debtor to hand over money or property. These court orders can freeze and seize funds, helping you collect without relying on voluntary payments.

Turnover motions are especially effective in cases where merchants are sitting on funds but refusing to pay.

Debtor Exams and Contempt Motions

If a merchant ignores your judgment or refuses to disclose financial information, your attorney can compel them to appear in court for a debtor examination. This is a sworn proceeding where the debtor must answer questions about their finances and assets.

Failure to comply can lead to contempt of court motions, which may result in sanctions or even arrest warrants. These tools are powerful in pressuring evasive debtors to cooperate.

Enforcement Against Personal Guarantees

Most MCA agreements include personal guarantees. That means even if the business fails, the merchant’s personal assets may be fair game. Your judgment attorney can pursue those assets directly—homes, vehicles, bank accounts—through the courts.

This is one of the most effective ways to recover high-risk advances.

When to Bring in a Judgment Attorney

You shouldn’t wait until every collection attempt fails before calling an attorney. Engage a judgment attorney when:

  • The merchant defaults and stops responding
  • You've already won a judgment but can’t collect
  • You suspect the merchant is hiding or transferring assets
  • The merchant has moved operations out of state
  • You're dealing with large balances or personal guarantees

The earlier you act, the better your chances of recovering before assets are moved or depleted.

Why MCA Funders Trust Mizrahi Law P.C.

At David I. Mizrahi Law P.C., we specialize in helping commercial creditors and MCA funders enforce judgments and recover difficult debts. Our attorneys understand the structure of merchant cash advance agreements, the urgency of collections, and the complexity of post-judgment enforcement.

We do more than file lawsuits—we provide full-service support for:

  • Judgment domestication
  • Asset location and turnover motions
  • Debtor examinations and contempt actions
  • Multi-jurisdiction enforcement
  • Recovery from personal guarantors

Our focus is on results, not promises. When a merchant stops paying, we help you turn a paper judgment into real dollars.

Winning a Judgment Isn’t Enough; Enforcement Turns It Into Results

Winning a judgment against a defaulting merchant is a critical first step—but without experienced legal enforcement, it often means little in practice. Judgment attorneys do the hard work of turning that legal decision into real, recoverable funds. They know how to navigate complex post-judgment remedies, uncover hidden assets, and compel uncooperative debtors to pay what they owe.

For MCA funders, where every dollar counts and time is money, working with a seasoned judgment attorney is not just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you're holding an uncollected judgment or facing a merchant who’s vanished, the right legal partner can make all the difference.

Ready to Turn Your Judgment Into Real Recovery?

If you're holding an unpaid judgment or dealing with a merchant who’s gone silent, David I. Mizrahi Law P.C. can help you take the next step. Our team focuses on aggressive, results-driven judgment enforcement strategies tailored for MCA funders and commercial lenders.

Contact us today to discuss your case and take action toward full recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I already have a judgment but can’t collect?

That’s exactly when a judgment attorney steps in. We can locate assets, enforce the judgment, and pressure the debtor through legal channels to get you paid.

Can you enforce judgments in other states?

Yes. Through judgment domestication, we help funders enforce judgments nationwide, even if the debtor’s assets are out of state.

How long is a judgment valid?

Most judgments are valid for several years and can often be renewed. We help funders enforce both recent and older judgments within the applicable timeframes.

What if the debtor files for bankruptcy?

We analyze whether the MCA debt qualifies as non-dischargeable and can represent you in bankruptcy court to protect your claim.

How fast can enforcement begin?

Once we locate assets, a judgment attorney can begin enforcement actions such as levies or turnover motions quickly. Time is critical—early legal action often leads to better outcomes.

Contact us

david@mizrahilawpc.com

(212) 804-8841