If a judgment has been entered against you, there are a few options available to you. These include paying the judgment, appealing the case, or filing a motion to rehear. If you fail to act, a number of other actions initiated by the Judgment Creditor may occur.
VA Code Ann. § 8.01-251(B). A judgment expires ten years from the date of entry.
How does a creditor go about getting a judgment lien in Virginia? To attach the lien, the creditor records the judgment on the county recorder's lien docket in any Virginia county where the debtor owns property now or may own property in the future.
The general rule, as stated above, is that judgments last for 20 years from the date of the judgment once docketed in the Circuit Court records. However, the 20 years may be extended for an additional 20 years by filing the appropriate document.
For information about researching current Fairfax Circuit Court Land Records and Deeds, please visit the Land Records Research Room page or contact the Land Records Division at 703-691-7320 (press 3, then 4) (TTY 711).
Judgment Liens: State Va. Code §8.01-458 and 8.01-251 Expire 20 years from date entered, and may be renewed for an additional 20 years If real estate has been conveyed to a BFP, the lien is unenforceable 10 years after date of transfer. Known as “10 year out of title” rule.
Property Liens and Seizure If a judgment is entered against you in Virginia, creditors may use various legal tools to collect the debt, including placing liens on your property or seizing your assets. Understanding how liens work and your rights regarding potential seizure is crucial for protecting your interests.
The Virginia lien law states that the memorandum should be recorded in the clerk's office in the county or city in which the building, structure or railroad, or any part thereof is located. If the property spans more than one county, your claim should be filed in both.