How to eFile and eRecord a Renewal of Judgment in San Diego County

 If you are a creditor holding a money judgment in San Diego County, it’s crucial to understand how to maintain the enforceability of that judgment. Under California law, a judgment is valid for 10 years. After this period, unless renewed, the judgment expires, and your right to enforce it disappears. The good news is that you can extend the life of your judgment by filing a renewal. Today, many courts, including San Diego County Superior Court, offer electronic filing (eFiling) and electronic recording (eRecording) services that simplify this process. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to eFile and eRecord a renewal of judgment in San Diego County and why it’s essential to complete both steps properly.



What Is a Renewal of Judgment?

A renewal of judgment is a legal procedure that extends the enforceability of a previously entered judgment. By filing an Application for Renewal of Judgment, you effectively reset the 10-year clock, allowing you to continue collecting the debt or enforcing liens attached to real or personal property.

To renew a judgment in California, you must file a renewal application within the 10-year enforcement period. Failure to renew means the judgment becomes unenforceable, and you lose the legal means to collect the debt.

Why Use eFile and eRecord Services in San Diego County?

San Diego County Superior Court supports eFiling for many civil documents, including renewal of judgment forms. Additionally, once renewed, the judgment lien needs to be recorded with the County Recorder’s office to protect your interest in real property. The county also supports electronic recording (eRecording) services, allowing you to submit certified copies of renewed judgments digitally.

Using eFile and eRecord services provides multiple benefits:

  • Convenience: Submit documents anytime from anywhere, avoiding in-person court or recorder visits.

  • Speed: Electronic filings and recordings are processed faster than paper submissions.

  • Accuracy: Digital submissions reduce errors and missing paperwork.

  • Tracking: You receive immediate confirmations and can track your documents’ status.

Step 1: Preparing to eFile Your Renewal of Judgment

Before eFiling, gather all necessary forms and information. The primary documents needed are:

  • Application for Renewal of Judgment (Form EJ-190): This form officially requests the court to renew your judgment.

  • Notice of Renewal of Judgment (Form EJ-195): This form notifies the judgment debtor of the renewal.

  • Proof of Service: Once you serve the notice to the debtor, you must file a proof of service with the court.

Ensure you have the original judgment details handy, including the case number and court location. Also, be aware of any local San Diego County eFiling rules regarding file formats, size limits, and service requirements.

Step 2: eFiling Your Renewal in San Diego County

To eFile your renewal:

  1. Select an Approved eFiling Service Provider (EFSP): San Diego County works with multiple EFSPs such as Odyssey File & Serve, File & ServeXpress, and others.

  2. Create an Account and Log In: You’ll need to register and log in to the EFSP’s platform.

  3. Upload Your Documents: Upload the completed EJ-190 and EJ-195 forms along with any supporting documents.

  4. Pay the Filing Fee: The renewal filing fee varies, so confirm the current fee with the San Diego County Superior Court.

  5. Submit the Filing: After submission, you’ll receive confirmation and a court-stamped conformed copy.

Once eFiled, the court clerk reviews and processes your application. If approved, your judgment renewal is officially on record with the court.

Step 3: Serving the Debtor and Filing Proof of Service

California law requires you to serve the judgment debtor with the Notice of Renewal (Form EJ-195) after filing. You can serve by mail or personal delivery, but service must be by a neutral third party, at least 18 years old.

Once served, file a Proof of Service form with the court to verify that the debtor was notified. This step is critical to enforce your renewed judgment.

Step 4: eRecord Renewal of Judgement with the San Diego County Recorder

After the court renews your judgment, the next crucial step is to erecord renewal of judgement with the San Diego County Recorder’s office. This step is vital if you want to maintain or renew your lien against real property.

To erecord renewal of judgement:

  1. Obtain a certified copy of your renewed judgment from the court.

  2. Use an approved eRecording vendor authorized by San Diego County, such as Simplifile or CSC.

  3. Upload the certified copy electronically to the Recorder’s office through the eRecording platform.

  4. Pay the applicable recording fees.

  5. Receive electronic confirmation and a certified copy of the recorded document.

Recording your renewal lien keeps your interest attached to real estate owned by the debtor, which is especially important if you plan to enforce the judgment through property liens or foreclosure.

Why is the eRecording Step Important?

Many judgment holders mistakenly think that simply renewing the judgment with the court is enough. However, erecord renewal of judgement ensures the lien against the debtor’s real property continues uninterrupted. Without this step, your lien may expire, giving the debtor an advantage in protecting or selling the property.

By electronically recording your renewal, you also benefit from faster recording times, fewer errors, and digital access to recorded documents.

Tips for a Successful eFile and eRecord Process

  • Start early—don’t wait until the last minute to renew your judgment.

  • Double-check all forms for completeness and accuracy.

  • Use trusted EFSPs and eRecording vendors to avoid delays.

  • Keep copies of all filings, receipts, and confirmations.

  • Follow local court and recorder rules carefully.

Conclusion

Renewing a judgment in San Diego County is a critical step to keep your debt enforceable for another 10 years. By leveraging modern tools to eFile and eRecord renewal of judgement, you save time, reduce errors, and ensure your legal rights remain protected. Whether you’re a creditor, attorney, or paralegal, mastering this electronic process is essential in today’s digital-first legal environment.

If you have a judgment to renew in San Diego County, don’t delay! Utilize the county’s eFiling and eRecording services to stay ahead and secure your rights efficiently.

Visit https://county.countrywideprocess.com/how-to-efile-and-erecord-a-renewal-of-judgment-in-san-diego-county/

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