What You Need to Know About Filing an Abstract of Judgment

 An Abstract of Judgment is a formal document that summarizes a court's decision in a civil lawsuit. It outlines the amount of money owed, interest rates, and any court costs associated with the judgment.

Why File an Abstract of Judgment?

  • Creates a Lien: Filing an Abstract of Judgment creates a legal lien on the judgment debtor's real estate property within the county where it's recorded. This means if the debtor attempts to sell the property, the creditor has a claim on the proceeds of the sale to satisfy the judgment.
  • Enforces the Judgment: It allows the judgment creditor to take steps to collect on the debt, such as:
    • Wage garnishment: Withholding a portion of the debtor's wages to pay the judgment.
    • Bank levies: Seizing funds from the debtor's bank accounts.
    • Property liens: Placing a lien on the debtor's real estate.
    • Sheriff's sale: In some cases, forcing the sale of the debtor's property to satisfy the judgment.

Key Steps in Filing an Abstract of Judgment:

  1. Obtain the Original Judgment: You'll need a certified copy of the original court judgment.
  2. Prepare the Abstract of Judgment: This document typically includes:
    • Names of the judgment creditor and debtor
    • Case number and court name
    • Date of judgment
    • Amount of judgment
    • Interest rate
    • Court costs
  3. File the Abstract of Judgment: File the document with the appropriate county recorder's office.
  4. Pay Filing Fees: Pay the required filing fees to the county recorder's office.

E-Recording Services

Several companies offer e-recording services, simplifying the process of filing an Abstract of Judgment. These companies often have established relationships with government agencies across the country, enabling them to file documents electronically in various locations.

Countrywide Process is one such company that specializes in e-recording services. They offer a streamlined process for filing an Abstract of Judgment, including:

  • Document Preparation: Assistance in preparing the necessary documents for filing.
  • Electronic Filing: Secure and efficient electronic submission of documents to the relevant county recorder's offices.
  • Status Tracking: Real-time tracking of the filing status and delivery of recorded copies.
  • Compliance: Ensuring compliance with all applicable rules and regulations in each jurisdiction.


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