Post-judgment examination is the most effective collection tool and is under-used.
Scope. Broad — any matter relating to the debtor’s property and financial affairs, including transfers, businesses, trusts, entities in which the debtor has an interest, and the property of a spouse where marital property rules make it relevant.
Procedure. A subpoena or an order to appear, served as the rules require, with a document request attached — tax returns, bank statements, financial statements, loan applications, and entity records.
Loan applications are particularly valuable, since a debtor claiming poverty frequently described substantial assets to a lender.
Third parties. Banks, accountants, employers, business partners and transferees may be examined about the debtor’s property.
Non-appearance. Enforced by contempt, and the threat is credible because the order is the court’s.
Restraining notices in some jurisdictions, prohibiting the debtor from transferring property pending the examination — served on the debtor and on banks.
Continuing obligation. Examinations may be repeated periodically as circumstances change.
Practical approach. Prepare from the public record and from the debtor’s own prior statements, and treat inconsistencies as the opening for fraudulent transfer claims rather than merely as impeachment.