Court Victory Turns Into Collection Challenge for Quebec Man
A Montreal man who successfully sued his former partner in court now faces the difficult reality of having to collect the awarded money himself, highlighting potential gaps in Quebec's legal enforcement system.
Mani Alizadeh experienced a difficult separation in 2022 when his ex-partner left their shared life taking virtually everything of value with her. After enduring significant financial losses, Alizadeh decided to pursue legal action to recover what he believed was rightfully his.
The Legal Battle and Its Outcome
Alizadeh's case made its way through the Quebec court system, where a judge ultimately ruled in his favor. The court determined that his ex-partner owed him a substantial amount of money for the property and assets she had taken when she left.
The judgment was clear and unequivocal - Alizadeh had won his case and was entitled to compensation. However, the reality of actually receiving that money proved to be far more complicated than simply obtaining a favorable court decision.
The Collection Dilemma
Despite his legal victory, Alizadeh discovered that Quebec's system places the burden of collection squarely on the winning party. Rather than having court officials or another government body ensure payment, he must now navigate the complex process of debt collection himself.
This situation raises important questions about access to justice and whether winning a court case truly provides resolution when the enforcement mechanism requires additional resources, knowledge, and persistence that many individuals may lack.
Legal experts note that this is a common challenge in civil matters, where obtaining a judgment is only the first step toward actual recovery. The system often assumes that successful plaintiffs have the means and understanding to pursue collection through various legal channels.
For ordinary citizens like Alizadeh, the victory can feel hollow when the practical reality of collecting what's owed presents yet another hurdle. His experience serves as a cautionary tale for others considering legal action against individuals who may be unwilling or unable to pay court-ordered judgments.
