How and when does a judgment become a lien against property?
A judgment attaches automatically and instantly as a lien against the real property of the judgment debtor, and continues as a lien against the debtor’s real property as long as the judgment remains valid (up to twenty years). Further, if a judgment debtor attempts to sell real property subject to a judgment lien, the property will remain subject to the judgment lien unless it is satisfied at closing. As a practical matter, a lender will likely require that any judgment lien on real property be satisfied at closing or in the event of a refinancing of the property. A judgment becomes a lien against the personal property of a judgment debtor upon execution by the sheriff.
