How to Use a Citation to Discover Assets and Uncover Hidden Funds
Oct. 10, 2025
First step in collection
● If you don’t know what assets exist, this is the tool to find out.
Creditor issues the citation
● You file and serve the debtor with a Citation to Discover Assets.
● This creates a “freeze” on the debtor transferring or hiding assets
Powerful leverage
● Just the threat of being examined under oath (and possible contempt) often pressures debtors into payment plans.
Legal reach
● The creditor can also bring in third parties (like a debtor’s bank, employer, or business partner) through a third-party citation to ask about assets they control on the debtor’s behalf.
Court enforcement
● If the debtor doesn’t show up, the court can issue a rule to show cause or even a body attachment.
● If they lie or hide assets, they risk contempt of court.
A Citation to Discover Assets to the debtor is the “where’s your money?” hearing. It rarely gets you paid directly, but it’s the information-gathering step that unlocks all the other tools (bank freezes, garnishments, liens, turnover, charging orders).