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

 If you have a judgment against a debtor in Placer County, California, you understand the importance of keeping that judgment enforceable. Judgments in California are valid for 10 years, and to continue collecting on that judgment beyond that period, you must renew it before it expires. Fortunately, the process of renewing a judgment has become easier with the ability to eFile your renewal documents electronically with the court and eRecord your judgment lien with the county recorder.

In this blog, we’ll explain what renewing a judgment means, why it’s important, and how you can efficiently eFile and eRecord a renewal of judgment in Placer County.

What Is a Renewal of Judgment?

When a court issues a judgment in a civil case, it generally remains valid and enforceable for 10 years from the date of entry. This means you can use legal tools like wage garnishments, bank levies, or property liens to collect what is owed to you during this time.

However, once the 10-year period ends, the judgment expires, and you lose your ability to collect unless you renew it. Renewing a judgment extends its enforceability for another 10 years.

Why Renewing Your Judgment Is Critical

Judgments often involve large sums of money, and debtors don’t always pay promptly. Renewing your judgment before it expires keeps your legal right to collect alive. Failing to renew means losing enforcement options, which could result in never recovering the money owed.

In Placer County, just like throughout California, you can renew your judgment any time after 5 years but before the 10-year expiration date. This renewal process must be completed carefully and timely to avoid losing your rights.

What Forms Are Required to Renew a Judgment?

The renewal process requires submitting specific court forms, which include:

  • Application for Renewal of Judgment (Form EJ-190): This form formally requests the court to renew your judgment. It allows you to add any accrued interest and costs.

  • Notice of Renewal of Judgment (Form EJ-195): This form must be served to the debtor to notify them that the judgment has been renewed.

  • Memorandum of Costs After Judgment (Form MC-012): Optional, but if you want to include any additional costs or fees accrued after the original judgment, you file this form.

Completing and filing these forms correctly is essential to a valid renewal.

What Is eFiling and Why Use It?

eFiling refers to electronically submitting legal documents to the court via an approved online system. Placer County Superior Court supports eFiling for many civil case documents, including renewals of judgment.

The benefits of eFiling include:

  • Convenience: Submit documents anytime from anywhere without visiting the courthouse.

  • Speed: Documents are received instantly, reducing processing delays.

  • Accuracy: Many eFiling platforms include checks to help avoid errors.

  • Tracking: You receive immediate confirmation and can track the status of your filings.

Using eFiling ensures your renewal application reaches the court promptly and is properly logged.

How to eFile a Renewal of Judgment in Placer County

  1. Prepare Your Documents: Fill out the required forms (EJ-190, EJ-195, and optionally MC-012) accurately.

  2. Create an Account on an Approved eFiling Portal: California courts partner with authorized eFiling service providers (EFSPs) like One Legal, CSC, or Tyler Technologies.

  3. Upload Your Documents: Follow the portal’s instructions to upload your renewal documents.

  4. Pay the Filing Fee: The standard fee is approximately $45, but check Placer County’s current rates.

  5. Submit Your Filing: Once submitted, you will receive confirmation from the court.

  6. Serve the Debtor: After filing, serve the Notice of Renewal of Judgment to the debtor personally or by mail.

What Is eRecording and Why Is It Important?

eRecording is the electronic recording of judgment liens with the county recorder’s office. When you have a judgment lien on a debtor’s real property, you must record a certified copy of the renewed judgment with the Placer County Recorder to maintain the lien.

Benefits of eRecording:

  • Speed: Instant recording reduces wait times compared to mailing paper documents.

  • Convenience: Submit documents online without physical trips to the recorder’s office.

  • Security: Electronic systems ensure your documents are properly indexed and stored.

Without recording the renewed judgment lien, you risk losing the priority of your lien and your ability to collect from the debtor’s property.

How to eRecord a Renewal of Judgment in Placer County

  1. Obtain a Certified Copy of the Renewed Judgment: After the court renews the judgment, request a certified copy.

  2. Use an Approved eRecording Service: Placer County Recorder’s Office partners with several eRecording vendors such as Simplifile or CSC.

  3. Upload Your Certified Copy: Submit the certified copy and any other required documents through the eRecording vendor’s website.

  4. Pay the Recording Fee: Fees vary depending on the number of pages and document types.

  5. Receive Confirmation: The recorder will send back a conformed copy with the official recording details.

Tips for a Successful Renewal of Judgment in Placer County

  • Start Early: File your renewal before the 10-year expiration deadline — even one day late can void your ability to collect.

  • Serve Proper Notice: Properly serving the Notice of Renewal of Judgment is legally required and must be proven to the court.

  • Keep Copies of Everything: Maintain records of filings, service proofs, and recordings.

  • Consider Professional Help: If you’re unsure, use legal professionals or specialized services that handle judgment renewals, eFiling, and eRecording to ensure accuracy.

Conclusion

Renewing a judgment in Placer County is a crucial step to protect your legal rights and keep your collection efforts alive. Thanks to modern technology, the process of eFiling your renewal documents with the court and eRecording the judgment lien with the county recorder’s office is now simpler, faster, and more convenient than ever.

If you have a judgment nearing expiration in Placer County, don’t wait. Prepare your forms, file electronically, serve the debtor, and record your lien with ease. By doing so, you ensure your judgment remains enforceable for another 10 years — giving you the best chance to collect what you’re owed.

Visit https://county.countrywideprocess.com/how-to-efile-and-erecord-a-renewal-of-judgment-in-placer-county/



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