How Often Should You Renew a Judgment in California? Know the Legal Timelines

 In California, a notice of renewal of judgment is a powerful legal tool that ensures a creditor’s right to collect on a judgment does not expire. However, many people don’t realize that judgments don’t last forever. If you’re a creditor who’s won a court judgment, you’ll need to stay informed about how often to renew it, or risk losing your legal claim to the funds.

At Countrywide Process, we help streamline the entire process—from preparing your notice of renewal of judgment to helping you e-file and e-record renewal of judgment documents with ease. In this blog, we’ll break down how often you need to renew your judgment in California, what steps are involved, and how Countrywide Process can make it all hassle-free.

 

What Is a Notice of Renewal of Judgment?

A notice of renewal of judgment is a legal filing submitted to the court to extend the enforceability of a money judgment. In California, judgments are enforceable for 10 years from the date they are entered. However, if a judgment is not renewed before that period ends, the creditor may lose their right to enforce it.

By filing a notice of renewal of judgment, you extend the enforceability of the judgment for another 10 years, giving you more time to collect unpaid debts through wage garnishments, bank levies, or liens.

 

How Often Should You Renew a Judgment in California?

The California Code of Civil Procedure § 683.020 clearly states that a judgment can be renewed every 10 years. However, there’s an important catch:

You must file the notice of renewal of judgment before the current 10-year period expires.

If the 10 years lapse and you fail to renew in time, your judgment becomes unenforceable, and your right to collect is essentially gone. That's why it's crucial to keep track of judgment expiration dates and renew on schedule.

 

Can You Renew a Judgment Early?

Yes, in California, you can renew a judgment any time after 5 years from the original entry or the last renewal date. Many creditors choose to renew early as a precautionary measure, especially if collection has been slow or partial.

However, the 10-year clock for the renewed judgment begins from the date of renewal, not from the original judgment date. That means renewing too early could shorten your window of enforceability for future renewals. It’s important to weigh timing strategically, and that's where Countrywide Process can help with timely reminders and support.

 

Steps to File a Notice of Renewal of Judgment in California:

Here’s a simplified version of the process:

1.      Prepare Forms: Complete the required California Judicial Council forms:

o    Application for and Renewal of Judgment (EJ-190)

o    Notice of Renewal of Judgment (EJ-195)

2.      File with the Court: Submit the forms to the court where the original judgment was entered.

3.      Serve the Judgment Debtor: Within 60 days of filing, serve a copy of the Notice of Renewal of Judgment on the judgment debtor.

4.      Wait Period: The debtor has a limited time to contest the renewal (usually 30 days from service).

This process might seem simple, but it can be time-consuming and confusing, especially if you're not familiar with court procedures. Errors can delay your case or even jeopardize your judgment.

 

Why Use Countrywide Process to File Your Notice of Renewal of Judgment?

At Countrywide Process, we offer full-service support to e-file and e-record renewal of judgment forms accurately and promptly. Here’s how we help:

·         ✅ Document Preparation & Filing
We help you complete and file all required documents, ensuring compliance with local court rules.

·         ✅ E-Filing & E-Recording
Our system allows us to e-file and e-record renewal of judgment documents across all participating courts in California, reducing delays and manual errors.

·         ✅ Service of Process
We also provide professional service of process, making sure your debtor is properly notified.

·         ✅ Deadline Monitoring
Never miss another renewal window. We keep your case on track and notify you when it’s time to file again.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Judgment Renewal:

1.      Missing the Deadline: If you don’t file your notice of renewal of judgment before the 10-year limit, the judgment becomes unenforceable.

2.      Improper Service: If the debtor isn’t served properly, the renewal could be invalid.

3.      Filing in the Wrong Court: Renewals must be filed in the court where the original judgment was entered.

4.      Incorrect Forms: Using outdated or incorrect forms can result in rejection or delays.

By choosing a trusted provider like Countrywide Process, you can avoid these pitfalls entirely.

 

How Long Does the Process Take?

Once your notice of renewal of judgment is filed, it generally becomes effective immediately. The debtor then has a short period to contest, after which it continues as enforceable for another 10 years. With Countrywide Process, the turnaround time is much faster thanks to our e-file and e-record renewal of judgment system.

 

Final Thoughts:

Renewing a judgment isn’t something to put off. California law is clear—if you don’t file a notice of renewal of judgment in time, your right to enforce and collect on that judgment can vanish. Whether you’re an attorney, a collections agency, or an individual creditor, it’s vital to take action before the 10-year window closes.

Don’t let all your hard work in court go to waste. With Countrywide Process, you can trust that your judgment renewal is handled professionally, accurately, and on time.

Ready to renew your judgment? Let Countrywide Process handle the paperwork, filing, and service for you.
📞 Contact Countrywide process today to start your renewal process.