RulesofCivilProcedure.com Civil Procedure · Every State

Rule 69.Execution

Effective July 1, 1974 · Last verified June 26, 2026

In one sentenceRule 69 makes the writ of execution the process for enforcing a money judgment and lets a judgment creditor use discovery to find assets.

Full Text of Rule 69

Text size

Process to enforce a judgment for the payment of money shall be a writ of execution, unless the court directs otherwise. The procedure on execution, in proceedings on and in aid of execution shall be in accordance with applicable statutes. In aid of the judgment or execution, the judgment creditor or his successor in interest when that interest appears of record, may obtain discovery from any person, including the judgment debtor, in the manner provided in these rules.
End

Rule History

Effective Date July 1, 1974.

Reporter’s Notes

(1973)

Rule 69 is a shortened version of Federal Rule 69. It provides that the procedure on execution shall accord with existing statutes. See G.L. c. 235 and G.L. c. 236. In aid of judgment or execution, depositions may be taken in accordance with these rules.

Plain-English Summary

Rule 69 is about collecting. Process to enforce a money judgment is a writ of execution unless the court directs otherwise, and the procedure on and in aid of execution follows the applicable statutes. Just as important, the rule lets a judgment creditor (or a successor in interest of record) obtain discovery from any person, including the judgment debtor, in the manner the rules provide—so a creditor can locate assets to satisfy the judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a money judgment enforced?

By a writ of execution, unless the court directs otherwise, with the procedure on and in aid of execution governed by the applicable statutes.

Can a judgment creditor use discovery to find assets?

Yes. In aid of the judgment or execution, the judgment creditor may obtain discovery from any person, including the judgment debtor, in the manner provided by the rules.

Source & verification. Rule text, Rule History, and Reporter’s Notes reproduced verbatim from the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure as published by the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries. Promulgated by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Last verified June 26, 2026. · Official text
Also known as: executionwrit of executioncollecting a judgmentdiscovery in aid of judgment