How to eFile and eRecord a Renewal of Judgment in Madera County: A Step-by-Step Guide
When you’ve obtained a judgment in your favor, the law provides you the right to collect the debt. But what happens when the original 10-year enforcement period is nearing its end? In California, including Madera County, you must renew your judgment before it expires to continue collecting. Thanks to digital advancements, you can now eFile and eRecord a renewal of judgment without ever stepping foot in a courthouse.
This blog will guide you through the process of preparing, filing, and recording your renewal electronically. Whether you’re a legal professional or a private creditor, understanding how to erecord renewal of judgement in Madera County can save you time, ensure compliance, and protect your rights.
Why Renew a Judgment?
In California, a judgment is enforceable for 10 years from the date it was entered. If the judgment is not renewed before it expires, it becomes unenforceable, and the creditor loses the ability to collect the debt through legal means such as wage garnishment or property liens.
Renewing a judgment not only extends its enforceability for another 10 years but also preserves any property liens previously recorded. If the judgment debtor owns real estate, this is particularly crucial because you’ll want to maintain your lien rights. That’s where the ability to erecord renewal of judgement comes in handy.
Step 1: Prepare the Required Forms
Before you can eFile and erecord renewal of judgement, you’ll need to prepare the proper documents. The following forms are required to renew a civil money judgment in California:
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Application for and Renewal of Judgment (Form EJ-190)
This form requests that the court renew the existing judgment. It includes details like the original judgment amount, interest accrued, and costs incurred since the initial entry. -
Notice of Renewal of Judgment (Form EJ-195)
This notifies the judgment debtor of the renewal and starts the 30-day period they have to contest the renewal (which rarely succeeds unless there’s a legal error). -
Memorandum of Costs After Judgment (Form MC-012)
Optional, but used if you're including post-judgment costs like interest, attorney fees, or enforcement-related expenses.
Make sure all forms are accurate and complete. Any errors can delay the renewal or even result in denial.
Step 2: eFile the Renewal with the Madera County Superior Court
Madera County Superior Court accepts electronic filing (eFiling) for civil documents, including those related to judgment renewals.
Here’s how to eFile:
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Register with an Approved EFSP (Electronic Filing Service Provider)
Some options include:-
One Legal
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File & ServeXpress
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Rapid Legal
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Upload Your Documents
Log into your EFSP, select the correct court and case type, and upload your forms (EJ-190, EJ-195, MC-012 if used). -
Pay the Filing Fee
Fees vary but expect to pay around $45–$60 depending on your case and provider. -
Receive Confirmation
After submission, you’ll receive an electronic confirmation and filing receipt.
Once the court accepts your eFiling, you’ll get an endorsed copy of the Notice of Renewal of Judgment, which is essential for the next step—recording.
Step 3: eRecord the Renewal of Judgment
To maintain any existing liens on real estate, you must erecord renewal of judgement with the Madera County Recorder-Clerk’s Office. This places the renewed judgment as a lien on any property the debtor owns in the county.
Here’s how to eRecord:
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Get a Certified Copy of the Renewal
After the court issues the renewed judgment, request a certified copy of the endorsed EJ-195 form. -
Choose an eRecording Provider
Madera County Recorder-Clerk partners with services like:-
Simplifile
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CSC Global
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ePN (eRecording Partners Network)
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Submit Your Document for Recording
Through the provider’s platform, upload your certified document, pay the recording fee, and submit. -
Confirmation and Copy
Once processed, you’ll receive a confirmation that the lien has been officially recorded, plus a digital copy for your records.
By choosing to erecord renewal of judgement, you’re ensuring your lien remains in force and protecting your ability to collect if the debtor tries to sell or refinance real property.
Step 4: Serve the Debtor
Even after you eFile and erecord renewal of judgement, the debtor must be served with the Notice of Renewal of Judgment (EJ-195). This can be done by:
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Personal service (via process server)
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First-class mail (with proof of service form)
This step is mandatory. Failure to serve the debtor properly can lead to complications, including possible reversal of the renewal.
Final Thoughts
eFiling and eRecording your Renewal of Judgment in Madera County is the most efficient way to keep your legal rights active and enforceable. By using modern technology and approved service providers, you can complete this process from your home or office in just a few steps.
Let’s recap the key advantages:
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Saves time and eliminates courthouse visits
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Ensures continued lien rights on debtor’s property
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Provides an official record with the county
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Reduces chances of errors or missed deadlines
As a creditor, staying proactive is essential. If your judgment is approaching the 10-year limit, don’t delay. Get started today and make sure to erecord renewal of judgement with the Madera County Recorder.
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