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

 If you've won a civil lawsuit and the court has awarded you a monetary judgment, you may be wondering how to actually collect what you're owed. One powerful tool available in California is recording Abstract of Judgment in the county where the debtor owns property. This blog will walk you through the full process of how to eFile and eRecord an Abstract of Judgment in San Francisco County, ensuring your lien rights are properly secured.



What Is an Abstract of Judgment?

An Abstract of Judgment is a legal document (California Judicial Council Form EJ-001) that summarizes the judgment, including:

  • The amount owed

  • The parties involved

  • The court case number

  • Interest and court costs, if any

Once the Abstract is filed with the court and recorded with the county recorder, it creates a lien on any real property the debtor owns in that county. This means you may be able to collect your judgment if the debtor tries to sell, refinance, or transfer property.

In San Francisco County, this process can now be done digitally through eFiling and eRecording, saving time and avoiding unnecessary courthouse visits.

Step 1: Prepare the Abstract of Judgment

Before recording abstract of judgment documents, you need to correctly prepare your paperwork. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

  • Form EJ-001: Abstract of Judgment (Civil)

  • A copy of the original court judgment

  • Optional: Form MC-012, Memorandum of Costs, if you incurred post-judgment costs

Make sure all names are spelled correctly and match the original court documents. The form must include the debtor’s name, last known address, and Social Security number (if available), as well as the amount of the judgment and accrued interest.

Step 2: eFile the Abstract with San Francisco Superior Court

San Francisco County allows eFiling for most civil documents, including Abstracts of Judgment. You’ll need to use an Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) such as Countrywide, One Legal, or another court-approved portal.

eFiling Tips:

  • Submit the completed EJ-001 and any attachments (e.g., MC-012)

  • All documents must be submitted as searchable PDFs

  • Pay the required eFiling fee (typically around $30–$60)

  • Wait for the court to return a stamped (conformed) copy

It usually takes 1–3 business days to get a stamped Abstract of Judgment back. Once you have it, you’re ready for the next step: recording abstract of judgment with the San Francisco County Assessor-Recorder’s Office.

Step 3: eRecord with San Francisco County Recorder

The next step in recording abstract of judgment is to submit the stamped form to the county recorder. In San Francisco County, eRecording is available through approved eRecording vendors such as Simplifile, CSC, and Countrywide Process.

eRecording Steps:

  1. Scan the stamped Abstract of Judgment at 300 dpi, black and white, PDF format

  2. Submit it through your eRecording provider

  3. Pay the recorder’s fee (usually $20–$35)

  4. Receive confirmation once the document is officially recorded

It’s crucial to follow formatting rules. Improper margins or scan quality can result in rejection, delaying your lien rights. Your document must have a minimum ½ inch margin and be fully legible.

Once recording abstract of judgment is complete, a property lien is automatically placed on the debtor’s real estate in San Francisco County. You will receive a recorded copy as confirmation.

Why Recording an Abstract of Judgment Is Important

Without recording abstract of judgment documents, your court victory remains unsecured. Filing and recording the Abstract ensures:

  • A legal lien on the debtor’s property

  • Priority over other creditors (based on the date recorded)

  • The potential to collect if the debtor sells or refinances

  • Greater leverage in negotiations

In high-value property areas like San Francisco, this lien can be a powerful incentive for the debtor to satisfy the judgment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When recording abstract of judgment, here are some frequent errors to steer clear of:

  • Misspelled party names (must match exactly with court documents)

  • Failing to include a Memorandum of Costs, if applicable

  • Submitting low-resolution or poorly formatted documents

  • Filing in the wrong county (you must file where the debtor owns property)

Professional services can help you avoid these issues and ensure the filing is accepted the first time.

Can You Record in More Than One County?

Yes. If the debtor owns property in multiple counties (e.g., San Francisco and Alameda), you can file and record an Abstract of Judgment in each. You only need to get the court-stamped copy once—then submit it separately to each county recorder.

This expands your lien rights across jurisdictions and gives you a better chance of enforcing your judgment successfully.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an individual, attorney, or business owner, recording abstract of judgment in San Francisco County is one of the most effective ways to enforce a court ruling. Thanks to modern digital services, eFiling and eRecording make the process more efficient than ever.

To recap:

  1. Prepare your Abstract of Judgment (EJ-001)

  2. eFile it with San Francisco Superior Court

  3. eRecord it with the County Recorder

  4. Confirm lien placement and await debtor action

For best results, consider using a professional filing service that understands the intricacies of recording abstract of judgment across California.

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

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