How to eFile and eRecord an Abstract of Judgment in Monterey County: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

Obtaining a civil judgment in court is a significant milestone in collecting a debt, but enforcing that judgment requires additional legal steps. One of the most effective ways to enforce a judgment is by placing a lien on the debtor’s real estate. This is accomplished by recording abstract of judgment with the county recorder’s office. In Monterey County, this process has been streamlined with electronic options, allowing both attorneys and self-represented litigants to handle everything from filing to recording online.

This guide walks you through the complete process of eFiling and recording an abstract of judgment in Monterey County, California.



Why Recording an Abstract of Judgment Is Important

A judgment alone doesn’t automatically affect a debtor’s assets. To enforce the judgment against real property, you need to create a public record of the debt by recording an abstract of judgment. This document creates a judgment lien on any real estate the debtor owns (or may acquire) in Monterey County. When the debtor attempts to sell, refinance, or transfer property, the lien must be satisfied—often forcing payment of the judgment.

Step 1: Prepare the Abstract of Judgment

Before anything can be filed or recorded, you must complete Judicial Council Form EJ-001: Abstract of Judgment - Civil and Small Claims.

This form includes key information:

  • The court where the judgment was entered

  • The case number

  • The judgment amount (including interest and costs)

  • Names of the judgment creditor and debtor

  • Attorney information (if applicable)

Ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Any mistakes can result in rejection by either the court or the recorder’s office.

Step 2: eFile the Abstract with Monterey County Superior Court

Monterey County participates in California’s Odyssey eFileCA system, which allows for electronic filing of civil documents.

Here’s how to eFile:

  1. Register with an EFSP (Electronic Filing Service Provider): Choose an approved provider such as One Legal, TurboCourt, or File & ServeXpress.

  2. Upload Your Document: Submit the completed Abstract of Judgment (Form EJ-001) through your EFSP’s portal.

  3. Pay the Filing Fee: Monterey County typically charges a small fee for filing; fees can vary depending on case type.

  4. Wait for Court Confirmation: Once accepted, you’ll receive a filed-endorsed copy via email or through the EFSP portal.

It’s important to note that eFiling is mandatory for attorneys but optional for self-represented parties. However, even if you’re not a lawyer, eFiling is still a faster, more efficient way to submit your document.

Step 3: Obtain a Certified Copy for Recording

Once the court accepts the Abstract of Judgment, you must obtain a certified copy to proceed with recording the abstract of judgment. In most cases, this can be requested through your EFSP, or you can contact the court clerk directly.

A certified copy is required because the Monterey County Recorder will not accept regular copies for official recording.

Step 4: eRecord with the Monterey County Recorder’s Office

With your certified Abstract of Judgment in hand, the next step is recording abstract of judgment with the Monterey County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Monterey County offers an electronic recording system through approved vendors such as Simplifile and CSC.

To eRecord:

  1. Choose an Authorized eRecording Vendor: These companies are approved to submit legal documents to the Monterey Recorder's Office electronically.

  2. Create an Account: Set up a profile with your chosen vendor.

  3. Upload the Certified Document: Submit the certified Abstract of Judgment in PDF format.

  4. Pay the Recording Fee: This varies but is generally in the range of $20–$30.

  5. Receive Confirmation: The vendor will send you a recorded copy with the official Recorder’s stamp, completing the lien process.

By recording an abstract of judgment, the lien attaches to any property the debtor owns in Monterey County, making it more likely you’ll be paid in the event of a sale or refinance.

When to Record in Multiple Counties

If you believe the debtor owns property in other California counties, you should repeat this process in each relevant jurisdiction. Each county requires a separate certified copy and a separate recording, but the concept remains the same: recording abstract of judgment in the correct county creates a lien that is enforceable against that local property.

Renewing and Maintaining the Lien

Judgment liens created by recording an abstract of judgment last for 10 years from the date of entry. If the judgment is unpaid after that time, you can renew it by filing a request for renewal and recording an abstract of judgment based on the renewal. This process ensures your lien remains in place and can continue to impact the debtor’s assets.

Conclusion

If you’ve obtained a civil judgment in Monterey County, don’t let it sit unenforced. Use the power of modern tools to take the next step: recording an abstract of judgment. With Monterey County’s efficient eFiling and eRecording systems, the process is faster and easier than ever. Whether you’re an attorney or a self-represented party, following these steps can help turn your judgment into real financial recovery.

From completing the court form to selecting an eRecording vendor, each part of the process matters. And by recording an abstract of judgment, you’re not just documenting a debt—you’re securing your right to collect.

Visit https://county.countrywideprocess.com/how-to-efile-and-erecord-an-abstract-of-judgement-in-monterey-county/

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