How to Collect Your Judgment in Nebraska

A Nebraska judgment is enforceable for 5 years, and can be renewed before it expires. A Nebraska judgment becomes DORMANT if no execution is issued within 5 years of entry (or if 5 years pass between executions) and then ceases to be a lien (Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-1515). A dormant judgment may be REVIVED, but the revivor action must be commenced within 10 years after the judgment became dormant (Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-1420). A revived judgment becomes a lien from the date of the revivor order.

Yes. Garnishment in Nebraska can reach Lesser of 25% of disposable earnings (15% if head of family) OR the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 30x the federal minimum hourly wage. Exemptions: Head-of-family exemption lowers the cap from 25% to 15% of disposable earnings (an individual who actually supports dependents connected by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship). Wages cannot be garnished until final judgment. Debtor may request a hearing (CC 3:8N).

Through Examination of Judgment Debtor (proceedings in aid of execution) — the court orders the debtor to appear and disclose their assets under oath. After judgment, the creditor may obtain a court order requiring the debtor to appear and be examined under oath about income and assets (Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-1564 et seq.). Filed by motion/praecipe in the court that entered the judgment; the clerk has forms to assist.

District court judgments are a lien on the debtor's real estate in that county from entry. County court judgments do NOT automatically lien real estate — a certified transcript of the county-court judgment must be filed in the district court of the county where the real estate is located to create the lien. The lien lasts 5 years.

You pay the court and sheriff their own filing/levy fees directly — usually modest, and recoverable from the debtor on top of your judgment. If you hand the case to a judgment-recovery firm or collections attorney instead, expect them to take 33–50% of whatever they recover; doing it yourself with Nebraska's own forms keeps everything you collect.

Some debtors are "judgment-proof" — no job, no bank account, no equity — and no tool can squeeze money that isn't there. The honest play is the debtor's exam to confirm what exists, then keep the judgment alive (it lasts 5 years and is renewable) and try again when their situation changes. We give you the tools, not a guaranteed payout.