Can I place a lien on someone's property with a judgment?

Full question:

I have a judgement against someone for money owed. They are selling their house soon and moving out of the state. Can I take a certified copy of the judgement to the Register Of Deeds and have a lien put on their property? If not what else can I do?

  • Category: Civil Actions
  • Subcategory: Liens
  • Date:
  • State: National

Answer:

If the judgment remains unpaid, you can enforce it by garnishing wages, seizing a bank account, or placing a lien on the debtor's property. To obtain a judgment lien, you must follow court procedures, which differ by location. Once the court issues the lien, the Register of Deeds can record it. After placing a lien on the property, you can proceed to sell the property to satisfy the judgment debt. If a lien is on a home, you may seek to foreclose on it, similar to how a bank would foreclose on a mortgage if payments are not made.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

To remove a judgment lien, you can pay the debt in full or negotiate a settlement with the creditor. Once the debt is satisfied, the creditor should file a release of lien with the court. If you believe the lien is invalid, you may also contest it in court. Always check with a legal professional for specific procedures in your state.