Title: Washington Release of Judgment Lien: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction: In Washington State, a judgment lien can be placed on a debtor's property if they fail to satisfy a court-ordered judgment. However, there are provisions for the release of judgment liens once the debt is fully repaid or resolved. This article provides a detailed description of the Washington Release of Judgment Lien process, including various types of release methods and essential keywords associated with it. Keywords: Washington Release of Judgment Lien, judgment lien release, judgment lien satisfaction, release of judgment, judgment enforcement, Washington judgment lien laws, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, real property, personal property. 1. Defined: A Release of Judgment Lien refers to the legal process in Washington State by which a judgment lien, a claim against a debtor's property, is removed or satisfied upon fulfilling certain requirements. This release eliminates the encumbrance on the debtor's property, restoring their ownership rights. 2. Types of Releases: a. Full Satisfaction Release: This type of release is issued when the judgment debtor has fully satisfied the judgment, including the principal amount, interest, and any additional fees or costs. It effectively extinguishes the judgment lien from the debtor's property. b. Partial Satisfaction Release: In cases where the debtor has made partial payment towards satisfying the judgment, a partial satisfaction release can be obtained. This release only removes the lien encumbering the specific portion of the property's value that was paid off. c. Substituted Security Release: If the judgment debtor provides the judgment creditor with a substitute security, such as a cash deposit, bond, or another property, this release replaces the original lien by transferring it to the new security. d. Release Upon Filing of a Bond: In some instances, the debtor can secure a release of the judgment lien by filing a bond with the court to guarantee payment of the judgment amount. This bond serves as an alternative to satisfying the judgment in full and releases the property from the lien. 3. Process for Release: a. Satisfaction Filing: The judgment debtor (or their attorney) must file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court that issued the original judgment. This document states that the judgment has been paid in full and requests the court to release the lien. b. Notice to Creditor: The judgment debtor must serve a copy of the Satisfaction of Judgment on the judgment creditor, informing them of the payment and requesting their cooperation in releasing the lien. c. Validating Release: Once the creditor receives the Satisfaction of Judgment, they have a specific time frame (usually within 20-30 days) to validate its accuracy. If the creditor does not dispute the satisfaction claim, the court will issue a judicial release order. d. File Release with County Records: The final step involves recording the judicial release order with the county recorder's office where the judgment lien was initially filed. This action ensures the public record reflects the release and the debtor's property is free from the encumbrance of the judgment lien. Conclusion: Understanding the Washington Release of Judgment Lien is vital for both judgment debtors and creditors. By satisfying or legally releasing a judgment lien, debtors can regain ownership rights to their property, while creditors receive their rightful amount. Complying with the specific requirements and utilizing the appropriate release methods aids in achieving a smooth release process.