How long does it actually take to collect money after getting a judgment in Ontario?

The time it takes to collect after obtaining a judgment depends almost entirely on the debtor's financial circumstances and asset profile. There is no fixed timeline. In ideal cases — where the debtor has a steady payroll job and you know their employer — a wage garnishment can begin within a few weeks of serving the notice and can steadily reduce the outstanding balance over months, or extinguish it quickly if the judgment is small.

In more difficult cases — a debtor who is self-employed, has no stable income, holds minimal assets, or is actively evading — enforcement can stretch for years. A writ on their home, for example, produces nothing until they sell or refinance, which might be decades away. Bank accounts may be empty when served. Examinations in aid of execution reveal nothing collectible.

Realistic enforcement planning acknowledges this variability. If the debtor is insolvent, the cost of enforcement steps can exceed recoveries, and at some point writing off the debt (with potential tax implications for businesses) may be the pragmatic choice. If the debtor has a visible income and property, sustained enforcement activity — periodic garnishments, renewing writs, repeat examinations — can eventually produce full payment.

A lawyer with enforcement experience can assess the debtor's profile and recommend an enforcement plan that balances legal costs against recovery prospects. Knowing when to persist and when to stop is part of the strategy.