Abstract of Judgment

This is a summary of the important requirements of a court judgment, which when recorded in the county recorders office, creates a lien upon the property of the defendant in that county. In most states in order for an abstract of judgment to be obtained you will need to wait at least 10 business days after the judgment has been granted and fill out a form that has been issued by the clerk of court. You will then be required to take the form to a court in the county where the defendant’s real estate is located. You will also be required to pay a filing fee before a lien will be placed on the property. The lien will remain against the defendant’s property until the judgment is paid or expires. During this time the defendant will not be able to sell or borrow against the property until the lien is resolved.

Back To Debt Glossary