North Carolina § 1-440 - 46. When plaintiff prevails in principal action.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 1-440 — 46. When plaintiff prevails in principal action., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1-440. 46. When plaintiff prevails in principal action.

If judgment is entered for the plaintiff in the principal action, the sheriff shall satisfy such judgment out of money collected by him or paid to him in the attachment proceeding or out of property attached by him as follows: After paying the costs of the action, he shall apply on the judgment as much of the balance of the money in his hands as may be necessary to satisfy the judgment. If the money so applied is not sufficient to pay the judgment in full, the sheriff shall, upon the issuance of an execution on the judgment, sell sufficient attached property, except debts and evidences of indebtedness to satisfy the judgment. While the judgment remains unsatisfied, and notwithstanding the pendency of the sale of any personal or real property as provided by subdivision (2) of this subsection, the sheriff shall collect and apply on the judgment any debts or evidences of indebtedness attached by him. If, after the expiration of six months from the docketing of the judgment, the judgment is not fully satisfied, the sheriff shall, when ordered by the clerk or judge, as provided in subsection (b) of this section, sell all debts and notes and other evidences of indebtedness remaining unpaid in his hands, and shall apply the net proceeds thereof, or as much thereof as may be necessary, to the satisfaction of the judgment. To forestall the running of the statute of limitations, earlier sale may be ordered in the discretion of the court. In order to secure the sale of the remaining debts and evidences of indebtedness as provided in subsection (a)(4) of this section, the plaintiff may move therefor, either before the clerk or the judge, and shall submit with his motion His affidavit setting forth fully the proceedings had by the sheriff since the service of the attachment, listing or describing the property attached, and showing the disposition thereof, and The affidavit of the sheriff that he has endeavored to collect the debts or evidences of indebtedness and that there remains uncollected some part thereof. In case of the sale of a share of stock of a corporation or of property in a warehouse for which a negotiable warehouse receipt has been issued, the sheriff shall execute and deliver to the purchaser a certificate of sale therefor, and the purchaser shall have all the rights with respect thereto which the defendant had. Upon judgment in his favor in the principal action, the plaintiff is entitled to judgment on any bond taken for his benefit therein. When the judgment and all costs of the proceedings have been paid, the sheriff, upon demand of the defendant, shall deliver to the defendant the residue of the attached property or the proceeds thereof. Upon the filing of such motion, the court to which the motion is made shall give the defendant or his attorney such notice of the hearing thereon as the court may deem reasonable, and by such means as the court may deem best. Upon the hearing, the court may order the sheriff to sell the debts and other evidences of indebtedness remaining in his hands, or may make such other order with respect thereto as the court may deem proper. History (1947, c. 693, s. 1; 1951, c. 837, s. 9.)

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 1-440

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 1-440 cover?

Section 1-440 ("46. When plaintiff prevails in principal action.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Carolina § 1-440?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 1-440" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Carolina law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.

How does North Carolina § 1-440 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.