Liens & Encumbrances

Judgment Lien

An involuntary general lien placed on a debtor's property as a result of a court judgment for money owed.


Definition

When a court awards a monetary judgment against a debtor, the creditor can file the judgment with the county clerk, creating a lien on all real property the debtor owns in that county. A judgment lien is involuntary (the debtor did not agree to it) and general (it attaches to all the debtor's real property, not just one parcel). In New York, a judgment lien lasts 10 years and can be renewed. It must be satisfied before the debtor can sell any property with clear title.

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