A creditor whose claim is secured by collateral is entitled to return of the collateral upon default.  Upon default, the creditor is entitled to obtain possession of tangible personal property through self-help as long as doing so does not constitute a breach of the peace.  Walker-Thomas Furniture could therefore have sent its representative to the Williams house and requested that she surrender the property, but entering the house without consent of the occupant would breach the peace.   Alternatively, the creditor, upon an appropriate showing, may obtain possession through use of the judicial process.  The creditor will file a complaint pleading a cause of action for replevin, an action to recover possession of personal property.   After judgment for the creditor, or even before trial upon a sufficient showing, a court will order issuance of a Writ of Replevin (which may go by different names in different jurisdictions).  Once ordered, the court clerk issues the Writ and the creditor delivers the Writ, with instructions and an appropriate fee, to a levying officer (e.g. a sheriff) who will then seize the property pursuant to the Writ.

     Mrs. Williams purchased sheets, curtains, rugs, chairs, a chest of drawers, beds, mattresses, a washing machine, and a stereo set from Walker-Thomas Furniture.  Pursuant to its writ of replevin, it obtained possession of a bed, chest of drawers, washing machine, and the stereo set.  Williams v. Walker-Thomas Furniture Co., 198 A.2d 914 (D.C. Ct. App. 1964).  For two of the items other than the stereo set, the balance owing for the item was $12.60 or less.