If you do NOT pay a civil money judgment the creditor can start collection proceedings and: the judgment will accumulate interest at the rate of 10% per year, the creditor can get an order for a reimbursement of any reasonable and necessary costs of collection (lawyer or collection agency fees), your credit may be damaged because credit reporting agencies will know you have an unpaid judgment. This can make it more difficult to get a loan, credit cards, or even rent an apartment.