How can I found out if Company XYZ, Inc. owns property in San Diego?

[marko3132]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Michigan

I'm located in Michigan. I just won a judgment for over $7,000 against a company in San Diego, CA. The company is closed and is out of business, but they did NOT file bankruptcy.

They were a big company, with an office building (that was probably rented since it was a suite number), and 2,500 employees, and a few hundred stores in many different states.

Since they are closed, they will not pay this judgment. I need to place a lien on any property they might own. But my question is, how do I find out IF and WHERE they own property?

I guess I can file a lien in San Diego without knowing specific property locations... but that is filed on the county level. What if they own properties in other counties? Is there any way to find out about them?

Is there any other way to try to collect on this?
And is it possible to go after the president / owner of the company directly? I know his full name. But I won the lawsuit against his company, not himself.

[marko3132]

One more thing, I found this:

"Application and Order to Produce Statement of Assets and to Appear for Examination (SC-134)"

It would require someone to appear in court to disclose their assets.
However, how would this work against a company? Is it only for individuals? I have a feeling they would not appear since they are closed.

In fact, some items sent to their registered office (third party company) are starting to get returned.

[dfromnyli]

if you have a judgment against a corporation that is out of business - you might as well just laminate and frame that judgment then hang it on your wall because it's a worthless piece of paper now.

[dfromnyli]

Originally Posted by marko3132

And is it possible to go after the president / owner of the company directly? I know his full name.

and the answer to this question is no.

[marko3132]

How can you be so sure? If they own property, I can file a lien on that property and if they ever try to sell or refinance the property, the judgment would have to be paid.

I realize that the judgment will probably never be satisfied, but it wold not hurt to file a lien on any property they may own.

[Some Random Guy]

San Diego property records are not available online.

[url=http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/services/property_records.aspx]Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk[/url]

You will need to go to the resistrar's ofifce in person or get somebody to search for you.

And is it possible to go after the president / owner of the company directly? I know his full name.

Since your judgment is against the company, then no. When dealing with micro businesses likely to fail, you should consider two types of contracted protections: personal guarantees or equipment liens. The former is often used for small business credit cards and the latter for capital equipment purchases.

[You Are Guilty]

Wait a minute. Just where (i.e. what court) did the judgment originate from?

[marko3132]

Superior Court of San Diego

[dfromnyli]

Also it is really uncommon for corporations to own property. Just dosn't really happen anymore.

[marko3132]

Is it worth it to file a lien in San Diego for $25 filing fee? The judgment is over $7,200. You never know.

Any other suggestions?

I realize my chance of collecting is probably less than 5%, but it might be worth a try for very little effort.