How to eFile and eRecord an Abstract of Judgment in San Francisco County, California

 Winning a lawsuit is a big step, but collecting the judgment is often the real challenge. One of the most effective ways to collect what you're owed is to file and record an Abstract of Judgment, which creates a lien against any real property the debtor owns in the county. If the debtor owns (or might acquire) property in San Francisco County, this document ensures that they cannot sell or refinance without dealing with your judgment first.

Thanks to technology, the process in San Francisco County is streamlined with eFiling through the court and eRecording through the Assessor-Recorder’s Office. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to do both, along with tips to help you avoid common mistakes.

 

What Is an Abstract of Judgment?

An Abstract of Judgment is a document that summarizes a money judgment and can be recorded to create a lien on a judgment debtor’s real property. In California, this is done using Judicial Council Form EJ-001.

Recording this form in San Francisco County places a public lien on any real property the debtor owns in the county. That means they generally cannot sell or refinance the property without satisfying your judgment first—making it a powerful collection tool.

 

Step 1: eFiling the Abstract of Judgment in San Francisco County Superior Court

The first step is to file the Abstract of Judgment with the court that issued the judgment.

How to eFile:

  1. Fill Out the Form (EJ-001):
    • Include the full legal names of the parties, judgment amount, interest accrued, and costs after judgment (if any).
    • Be precise with the debtor’s name—this must match the name used on any property records.
  2. Choose an EFSP (Electronic Filing Service Provider):
    • San Francisco Superior Court does not accept direct filings; you must use an approved EFSP such as One Legal, File & ServeXpress, or TurboCourt.
    • Create an account with your EFSP and select “eFile New Document” under your existing civil case.
  3. Upload Your Abstract:
    • Upload the completed EJ-001 form, select the correct case type, and label the document as “Abstract of Judgment.”
    • Pay the filing fee (typically around $40–$50).
  4. Receive an Endorsed Copy:
    • After court review, you’ll receive a stamped, endorsed copy by email or through your EFSP dashboard.
    • You’ll need this version to proceed with recording.

 

Step 2: eRecording the Abstract with the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder

Once you have the court-endorsed Abstract of Judgment, the next step is to record it with the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder’s Office.

What You'll Need:

  • A court-endorsed Abstract of Judgment (EJ-001).
  • A Recording Cover Sheet (some vendors will generate this for you automatically).

How to eRecord:

  1. Choose an eRecording Vendor:
    • The San Francisco Recorder’s Office accepts eRecordings through providers like Simplifile, CSC, and ePN.
    • Some EFSPs (like One Legal) offer direct integration with eRecording vendors, letting you complete both steps within one platform.
  2. Submit for Recording:
    • Upload your court-endorsed Abstract, cover sheet, and any supporting docs.
    • Pay the fee and submit electronically.
    • You’ll receive confirmation and a digital copy with the Recorder’s stamp and document number once accepted.
  3. Lien Is Now Active:
    • The lien attaches to all real property the debtor owns in San Francisco County.
    • If they attempt to sell or refinance, the title company will flag your lien—and they’ll need to pay the judgment (plus interest and fees) before proceeding.

 

Why Use eFiling and eRecording?

In San Francisco, electronic processing is faster, more efficient, and often cheaper than in-person filing. Here’s why it matters:

  • Speed: Entire process can be completed in 1–3 business days.
  • Convenience: No trips to the courthouse or recorder’s office.
  • Trackability: You can monitor the status of your filing every step of the way.
  • Accuracy Checks: Most EFSPs and eRecording systems help catch missing info or formatting issues before submission.

 

Tips & Common Pitfalls

✅ Make Sure the Debtor’s Name Is Correct: The lien only attaches if the debtor’s name matches their name on the property title. If it doesn’t, the lien may not be enforceable.

✅ Include All Interest and Costs: You can add interest and post-judgment costs to the Abstract—but only if you’ve properly claimed them in court. Don't guess; use actual numbers.

✅ Don’t Skip eRecording: Filing the Abstract with the court is not enough. It must be recorded with the county to create the lien.

✅ Record in Every County Where the Debtor May Own Property: You’re not limited to San Francisco. If the debtor owns homes or buildings in other counties, file and record there too.

 

What Happens Next?

Once your lien is in place, the debtor may eventually sell or refinance, giving you the opportunity to collect. If they refuse to pay, you can also take other enforcement actions, like:

  • Wage garnishments
  • Bank levies
  • Property levies (if the equity exists)

The Abstract of Judgment is just one tool in a broader judgment enforcement toolkit—but it’s often the most effective for securing long-term payment.

 

Final Thoughts

The process of eFiling and eRecording an Abstract of Judgment in San Francisco County has become streamlined and efficient—no more waiting in lines or mailing documents. As long as you follow the steps carefully, use the right service providers, and double-check your details, you’ll be well-positioned to collect on your judgment.

Visit http://county.countrywideprocess.com/how-to-efile-and-erecord-an-abstract-of-judgement-in-san-francisco-county/

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