A judgment becomes dormant and unenforceable when seven years lapse after the granting of the judgment, but may be revived by an additional entry within seven years from the initial judgment. Ga. Code Ann. § 9-12-60.
If you do not think the default judgment was appropriately entered against you, you must file a motion with the court asking the judge to “set aside” (void or nullify) the judgment. If the judge grants your motion, the case starts back up again.
Judgments have expiration dates. If they are not timely renewed, they expire. In CA that is 10 years. However, when a judgment lien has been recorded against your property, it has no expiration date.
If the defendant doesn't file an answer to the claim within 30 days, the defendant shall be in default. However, after the expiration of the 30 days, the defendant has 15 days in which to "open the default" by filing an answer and paying court costs.
In Georgia, a judgment lien can be attached to the debtor's real estate -- meaning a house, condo, land, or similar kind of property interest -- or to the debtor's personal property -- things like jewelry, art, antiques, and other valuables.
Regardless of how the judgment is obtained, there are three main options to consider in attempting to collect on the judgment. Filing a Garnishment. First, a party may pursue a garnishment. Recording a Writ of Fieri Facias. Conducting Post-Judgment Discovery.