If an owner of an interest in real property has had a judgment obtained against the owner, this form addresses a release of that judgment lien.
Maryland Release of Judgment Lien: A Comprehensive Overview In Maryland, a Release of Judgment Lien refers to the legal process of removing a judgment lien that has been placed against a debtor's property. This release is typically sought after the debtor has satisfied the judgment or reached a settlement with the judgment creditor. When a judgment is rendered by a Maryland court, it creates a lien on any real property owned by the debtor within the state. This lien serves as a legal claim against the debtor's property, preventing them from selling or transferring ownership until the judgment is paid in full or otherwise resolved. To initiate the Release of Judgment Lien process, the debtor must satisfy the judgment amount in one of several ways, including: 1. Full Payment: The debtor can choose to pay the judgment amount in full, along with any accrued interest and associated fees. 2. Negotiated Settlement: The debtor may negotiate a settlement with the judgment creditor, agreeing upon a reduced payment amount or a payment plan if mutually acceptable. 3. Bankruptcy Discharge: If the debtor files for bankruptcy and successfully obtains a discharge, the judgment lien will be removed as part of the bankruptcy process. Once the judgment has been satisfied, the debtor or their legal representative can file a Release of Judgment Lien with the Maryland Circuit Court or District Court where the judgment was initially recorded. This document essentially releases the lien, providing evidence that the debt has been fully paid or otherwise resolved. It's important to note that there are different types of Maryland Release of Judgment Liens, tailored to specific circumstances: 1. Voluntary Release: This type of release is filed when the judgment creditor willingly agrees to release the judgment lien upon the debtor's satisfaction of the judgment. It is typically accomplished through a signed release form or stipulation. 2. Involuntary Release: In certain situations, such as errors or mistakes made during the judgment or lien recording process, the debtor may seek an involuntary release. This release is obtained by petitioning the court to remove the judgment lien based on valid grounds. 3. Partial Release: When a debtor satisfies only a portion of the judgment, they can seek a partial release of the lien. This allows them to sell or transfer ownership of the property while still maintaining a lien on the remaining unpaid amount. In conclusion, a Maryland Release of Judgment Lien is a vital legal process to remove a judgment lien from a debtor's property once the judgment has been satisfied. Whether through full payment, negotiated settlement, or bankruptcy discharge, debtors can seek various types of releases to clear their property's title and regain their financial freedom.
