Remove Judgment Lien from Your Property
A judgment lien is a claim placed against your property, including your home, as a result of a court judgment. This lien can prevent you from selling or refinancing your property and may eventually lead to foreclosure if not addressed.
Judgment Lien Consequences
- Inability to sell or refinance your property
- Damage to your credit score
- Risk of foreclosure
- Accruing interest on the judgment amount
- Potential loss of equity in your property
How We Can Help Remove Judgment Liens
At NationalLaw.us, we specialize in helping clients remove judgment liens from their property. Our experienced attorneys can:
- File motions to vacate or set aside the underlying judgment
- Negotiate lien releases with creditors
- Identify and claim homestead exemptions
- Challenge improper or fraudulent liens
- Help you develop a comprehensive strategy to protect your property
- Guide you through the lien removal process
Understanding Judgment Liens
How Judgment Liens Work
When a creditor obtains a court judgment against you, they can record that judgment with the county recorder's office, creating a lien against your real property. Here's what you need to know:
- The lien attaches to all real property you own in the county
- It can prevent you from selling or refinancing your property
- The lien typically lasts for 10 years and can often be renewed
- Interest continues to accrue on the judgment amount
- If you sell the property, the judgment must be paid from the proceeds
Types of Judgment Liens
There are several types of judgment liens that can affect your property:
- Credit Card Judgments: From unpaid credit card debt
- Medical Debt Judgments: From unpaid medical bills
- Personal Loan Judgments: From defaulted loans
- Auto Deficiency Judgments: After vehicle repossession
- HOA Judgments: From unpaid homeowners association fees
- Business Debt Judgments: From business-related debts
Options for Removing Judgment Liens
Vacate the Judgment
If the judgment was obtained improperly or if you were never properly served, we may be able to file a motion to vacate the judgment, which would remove the lien.
Negotiate a Settlement
We can negotiate with the creditor to settle the debt for less than the full amount and obtain a release of the judgment lien as part of the settlement.
Claim Exemptions
Depending on your state, you may be entitled to homestead or other exemptions that can protect some or all of the equity in your home from judgment liens.
Pay the Judgment
If you have the means, paying the judgment in full will allow you to obtain a satisfaction of judgment and remove the lien from your property.
File for Bankruptcy
In some cases, filing for bankruptcy can discharge the underlying debt and allow you to remove the judgment lien through a separate motion in bankruptcy court.
Challenge the Lien
If the lien was not properly recorded or if there are other procedural defects, we may be able to challenge the validity of the lien itself.
Protect Your Property from Judgment Liens
Judgment liens can threaten your most valuable asset—your home. Don't wait until you're trying to sell or refinance to address these liens. Taking action now can protect your property and give you peace of mind.
At NationalLaw.us, we have extensive experience helping homeowners remove judgment liens and protect their property. Our attorneys will work with you to develop a customized strategy based on your specific situation.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if there's a judgment lien on my property?
You can check with your county recorder's office or conduct a title search on your property. Judgment liens are public records and will appear in these searches.
Can a judgment lien force the sale of my home?
In most states, a judgment creditor cannot force the sale of your primary residence directly. However, if you try to sell or refinance your property, the lien will need to be paid from the proceeds.
How long does a judgment lien last?
In most states, judgment liens last for 10 years and can often be renewed for additional periods. Without action, a judgment lien can affect your property for decades.
Can I sell my property if it has a judgment lien?
Yes, but the lien must be paid from the sale proceeds before you receive any money. If the lien amount exceeds your equity, you'll need to negotiate with the creditor or explore other options to remove the lien.