If the other side owns real estate in California, you can put a lien on that property so that if they ever sell or refinance the property you might get paid. To do this, you first need an Abstract of Judgment.
PRINT EMAILA lien is like a public mark put on property that shows up in government files. Banks look for liens when they’re financing (for example if the property sells) or refinancing a property. So, if there’s a lien you will probably get paid when whoever owes you money sells or refinances their home or other real estate they own.
If you don’t want to wait for the other side to sell or refinance their property, you can look into "foreclosing" on the judgment lien. This means that you force the debtor to sell the property and pay you with that money. This doesn't work if the money owed is a consumer debt (debt taken out for personal or household use). And, it only works when there is enough equity in the property to pay all the liens (including mortgage) and the foreclosure costs and the owner isn't eligible for a homestead exemption. Visit the law library or see an attorney for help with this process.