Generally, to file a judgment lien, an abstract of judgment must be issued by the justice court. Some justice courts have a form available on their website to request an abstract of judgment.
600.6051. A Judgment lien attaches to all property owned by the judgment debtor in the county where it is recorded. It attaches at the time it is recorded with the register of deeds, except for after-acquired property, when it attaches at the time it is acquired by the judgment debtor. 600.2803.
Creditors typically acquire property liens through your voluntary consent. On the other hand, creditors get judgment liens after winning a lawsuit against you for a debt you owe.
Judgment liens may simply be filed and recorded by an attorney. There is no personal confrontation with the defendant and no personal property is seized. Service of the judgment lien on the judgment debtor is by certified mail if the judgment is less than $25,000.
It shows up on your credit report as well as on any background checks. The judgment is considered a lien against your property, including any real estate that you have, in the state in which the judgment is filed.
What Do You Do When There Is A Judgment Lien On Your Property, But The Judgment Has Expired? Judgments have expiration dates. If they are not timely renewed, they expire. In CA that is 10 years.