• Q: I took someone to Small Claims Court, and the judge said I won, but the defendant still hasn't paid me back. How can I collect on my judgment?

• A: ''Obtaining a money judgment doesn't necessarily mean the defendant will pay the plaintiff,'' Leonard Elias, Miami-Dade County's consumer advocate, said. ``The Small Claims Court doesn't collect the judgment.''

But there are a number of enforcement procedures to help. These include court orders, writs of execution and writs of garnishment (taking money directly from wages or bank accounts). All can be secured by contacting the clerk of court.

The clerk of court for the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Miami-Dade is at 305-275-1155 in the Miami-Dade County Courthouse, 73 W. Flagler St., Suite 242, downtown Miami.

Every month, Elias gives seminars at different locations across the county on how to deal with Small Claims Court. For details, call 305-375-3677 or visit www.miamidade.gov/csd.