How to eFile and eRecord an Abstract of Judgment in Napa County

 When a creditor wins a lawsuit and is awarded a money judgment, the next step is to enforce that judgment—especially if the debtor owns real property. One of the most effective ways to do this in California is by filing and recording an Abstract of Judgment, which places a lien on the debtor’s property. Thanks to modern technology, this process can now be handled electronically in many counties, including Napa County.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to eFile and eRecord an Abstract of Judgment in Napa County, from preparing your documents to completing the process through electronic service providers.

What Is an Abstract of Judgment?

An Abstract of Judgment (Form EJ-001) is a court-issued summary of a money judgment that includes key details such as:

  • The name and address of the creditor (judgment creditor)

  • The name and last known address of the debtor (judgment debtor)

  • The amount owed (including interest and court costs)

  • The court where the judgment was entered

  • The date of judgment and the case number

When this form is recorded with the Napa County Recorder’s Office, it creates a public lien on any real property owned by the debtor in that county. If the debtor tries to sell or refinance the property, the lien must be satisfied—often resulting in payment to the creditor.

Step 1: Prepare the Abstract of Judgment

Begin by filling out the Abstract of Judgment (EJ-001) form. You can download this form from the California Courts website. Ensure that all information is accurate and that the amount owed is current, including any post-judgment interest or costs.

Once complete, submit the form to the court that issued the original judgment. The court clerk will certify the abstract, which is required before it can be recorded. Some courts allow this to be done via eFiling, while others may require in-person or mailed submissions.

In Napa County, always confirm with the Superior Court of Napa County whether eFiling is accepted for the initial certification.

Step 2: eFile the Certified Abstract

If the court allows it, you can eFile the certified Abstract of Judgment using an Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP). These third-party platforms interface with the court’s electronic filing system to submit and serve legal documents.

To eFile:

  1. Create an account with an EFSP such as One Legal, First Legal, or Countrywide Process.

  2. Upload the certified Abstract of Judgment (PDF format preferred, 300 DPI).

  3. Select the correct court location and case number.

  4. Submit and pay the applicable eFiling fee (varies by provider).

The court will then accept and return the file-stamped document electronically.

Step 3: eRecord with Napa County Recorder

After eFiling, the next step is to eRecord the Abstract of Judgment with the Napa County Recorder’s Office. This is the step that creates the lien on the debtor’s real property in Napa County.

Like eFiling, eRecording can be done through a certified third-party provider that is authorized to submit documents electronically to the Recorder’s Office. Countrywide Process, for example, offers streamlined eRecording for all California counties, including Napa.

To eRecord:

  1. Upload the court-certified Abstract of Judgment (now file-stamped).

  2. Complete a transmittal cover sheet (often provided by the eRecording vendor).

  3. Pay the county’s recording fee (subject to change; currently around $23 for the first page and $3 for additional pages).

  4. Receive confirmation of recording and a stamped copy of the abstract.

Once recorded, the lien becomes effective immediately.

Why eFile and eRecord?

The traditional method of filing and recording legal documents involved multiple trips to the courthouse and county recorder’s office, long wait times, and possible mailing delays. Today, eFiling and eRecording offer faster turnaround, real-time tracking, and greater accuracy.

Benefits include:

  • Speed: Submissions can often be processed within 24 hours.

  • Convenience: No in-person visits needed.

  • Proof of submission: Electronic confirmation receipts and time stamps.

  • Error reduction: Most systems check for basic errors before submission.

  • Statewide access: Enables lien recording in multiple counties with one provider.

What Happens After Recording?

Once the Abstract of Judgment is recorded in Napa County, it becomes a lien on any property the debtor owns in the county. The lien is valid for 10 years from the date of the judgment and may be renewed for additional 10-year terms.

If the debtor tries to sell or refinance the property, title companies will typically require the judgment to be satisfied before clearing the lien. This gives the creditor a legal mechanism to recover the judgment amount plus interest.

Final Tips

  • Make sure the debtor’s name and address are correct and match public property records.

  • Track your lien’s expiration date and renew as needed.

  • You can record the Abstract in multiple counties if the debtor owns property in more than one location.

  • Always keep digital and printed copies of the certified and recorded documents for your records.

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