If a court has entered a judgment against you, the creditor may send you a Citation to Discover Assets. This legal document is used to find out about your income, property, or bank accounts so the creditor can collect on the judgment.

There are three main types of citations:

1. Citation to discover assets to debtor

This type of citation is sent to you. It tells you to give information about your finances.

If you get this citation, you must:

• Read and follow all instructions in the paper,
• Go to the court hearing,
• Bring the documents listed in the paper, and
• Answer questions about your finances at the hearing.

❗Important: If you miss the hearing, the judge may schedule another hearing called a rule to show cause to ask why you did not attend. If you miss that too, the judge may find you in contempt of court and issue a warrant for your arrest.

At the hearing, you can protect some of your property, including up to $4,000 in your bank account with a wildcard exemption.

Some courts hold these hearings remotely. Check the documents you received for details. If you have questions, contact the clerk of the court.

👉 Learn more about Citations to Discover Assets to Debtor.

2. Citation to discover assets to debtor's employer

This citation is sent to your employer. It allows the creditor to take part of your wages. You will get a copy.

By law, at least $675 of your wages each week is protected. If you earn more than that, 85% of your gross pay is safe from garnishment.

You do not have to go to court, but you can if you want to claim exemptions to protect other property. Section 5 of the citation form lists the exemptions, including the wildcard exemption for up to $4,000 in your bank account. 

If a judgment was entered against you after January 1, 2020, $1,000 of the money in your checking or savings accounts is automatically protected until the court hearing for the post-judgment citation that was issued to your bank.

In some courts, like in Cook County, you must ask the court for a hearing to claim exemptions. You should get instructions with the citation. If not, contact the clerk of the court.

👉 Learn more about Citations to Discover Assets to Debtor's Employer.

3. Citation to discover assets to debtor's bank

This citation is sent to your bank. It can freeze and take money from your account. You will get a copy.

You have options:

• You can file an Emergency Motion to Claim Exemptions to ask the court to release money for things like rent, food, or utilities.
• You can also go to the court hearing to protect your money, even if you do not file the motion.

Section 5 of the citation form lists your exemptions. This includes the wildcard exemption for up to $4,000 in your bank account. 

💡 In some courts, like Cook County, you must ask the court for a hearing. Check your papers for instructions or contact the clerk of the court.

👉 Learn more about Citations to Discover Assets to Debtor's Bank.