How to eFile and eRecord a Renewal of Judgment in Los Angeles County, California

 If you've obtained a court judgment in California, you know it's a powerful tool for recovering debt. But did you know that judgments don’t last forever? In California, a money judgment is enforceable for 10 years—but after that, unless renewed, it becomes unenforceable. To keep your rights intact, you’ll need to file for a Renewalof Judgment before it expires.

Thanks to advancements in court technology and digital services, the process has become significantly more accessible. If you're renewing a judgment in Los Angeles County, you can now complete much of the process online through eFiling and eRecording, saving time, effort, and the hassle of going in person.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to eFile and eRecord a Renewal of Judgment in Los Angeles County.

 

What Is a Renewal of Judgment?

A Renewal of Judgment is a legal procedure that extends the enforceability of a court-issued money judgment. In California, once a judgment is entered, the creditor has 10 years to collect. After that, the judgment expires unless a renewal is filed. By renewing it, the creditor gains another 10 years to enforce it, including collecting money, garnishing wages, or placing liens on property.

 

Why Use eFiling and eRecording?

In Los Angeles County, the courts and Recorder’s Office support electronic filing (eFiling) and electronic recording (eRecording), making the process smoother and more efficient than ever. Here's why these digital options are ideal:

• Convenience: No need to drive to the courthouse or Recorder’s Office.
• Speed: Faster processing times and instant digital confirmation.
• Accuracy: Fewer errors due to built-in validation by electronic filing systems.
• Tracking: You receive status updates and confirmations at every step.

 

Step-by-Step: eFiling a Renewal of Judgment in Los Angeles County

Here’s how to file for a Renewal of Judgment in Los Angeles through the court’s eFiling system:

1. Prepare the Required Forms

You’ll need:

• Form EJ-190: Application for and Renewal of Judgment
• Form EJ-195: Notice of Renewal of Judgment
• Form MC-012: Memorandum of Costs After Judgment (optional, if you’ve incurred additional post-judgment costs)
• Proof of Service: You must serve the debtor with notice

All forms must be filled out accurately. Make sure the amounts include any interest, costs, and fees accrued since the original judgment.

2. Use an Approved eFiling Service Provider (EFSP)

The Los Angeles Superior Court does not accept direct filings. Instead, you must file through an approved EFSP. Services like OneLegal, First Legal, and Countrywide Process are commonly used and offer step-by-step submission guidance.

Create an account, upload your completed forms in PDF format, and submit them via the EFSP portal.

3. Pay Filing Fees

The court requires a fee to file the Renewal of Judgment. The amount varies depending on your case, but most EFSPs allow you to pay court and service fees through their platform.

4. Serve the Notice

After filing, you must serve the Notice of Renewal (Form EJ-195) on the judgment debtor. This can be done:

• Personally, by a process server
• By first-class mail, if allowed

Keep a proof of service form to document that the debtor was notified.

 

eRecording the Abstract of Judgment in Los Angeles County

Filing for a renewal gives you extended rights to collect, but recording an Abstract of Judgment with the county recorder strengthens your position even more—especially if the debtor owns real estate.

1. Why Record an Abstract of Judgment?

By recording an Abstract of Judgment, you create a public lien against the debtor’s real property in Los Angeles County. If the debtor tries to sell or refinance their property, your lien must be satisfied first.

2. Prepare the Abstract

You’ll need to complete:

• Form EJ-001: Abstract of Judgment – Civil and Small Claims

This must include the renewed judgment amount and debtor details.

3. eRecord with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

Los Angeles County allows eRecording through authorized electronic recording submitters. Many EFSPs and legal service companies can handle this for you after your judgment is renewed.

Submit your completed and signed Abstract of Judgment form along with the recording fee. Once recorded, you'll receive a stamped copy confirming the lien has been placed.

 

Important Tips and Deadlines

• Renew early: You must renew before the original 10-year judgment period expires. Don’t wait until the last minute.
• Update amounts: Be sure to calculate interest and costs accurately to maximize your recovery.
• Track confirmation: Keep copies of all filed and recorded documents. Your EFSP or service provider should supply digital confirmation.

 

Final Thoughts

Renewing a judgment in Los Angeles County used to be a paper-heavy, time-consuming task. But with eFiling and eRecording, you can now complete the entire process efficiently and from the comfort of your home or office. Whether you're an attorney, a collections agency, or someone enforcing a small claims decision, digital filing gives you the edge in staying compliant and protecting your rights.

If you’re unsure how to start or want help navigating the technical requirements, consider using a legal support service that specializes in California eFilings and judgment renewals. With the right tools and partners, renewing a judgment can be fast, smooth, and stress-free.

Visit http://county.countrywideprocess.com/how-to-efile-and-erecord-a-renewal-of-judgment-in-los-angeles-county/