To obtain a judgment lien, you must first record the judgment with the court of common pleas in the county where the debtor owns property. The lien will stay in effect for five years, but can be renewed, if the debtor does not sell the property within that time period.
If a judgment is entered against the debtor in one state, but the debtor resides in another state or the debtor's assets are located in another state, then the creditor must transfer the judgment to that state.
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.
For most kinds of debt, you cannot go to jail for leaving them unpaid. The only consequences will be in the form of potential lawsuits and other negative life consequences.
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.
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.
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.