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Abstract of Judgment
Recording Service

Record Abstracts of Judgment with any of California’s 58 county recorders — online, in 24–48 hours, without leaving your desk.

All 58 California Counties 24–48 Hr Turnaround Flat $130 Fee Secure Upload
24 Hour Avg. Turnaround
$130 Flat Service Fee
58 CA Counties Served
Bank-Level Secure Transmission
Same-Day Submission
County-Compliant Formatting
Trusted by Attorneys & Title Firms
About This Document

What Is a Abstract of Judgment?

An Abstract of Judgment is a document issued by a court that summarizes a money judgment entered against a debtor. When recorded with a California county recorder's office, it automatically creates a lien against all real property the debtor currently owns or may acquire in that county. It is a powerful tool for judgment creditors seeking to collect on court awards.

When You Need It

When to Record a Abstract of Judgment

A judgment creditor should record an Abstract of Judgment as soon as possible after receiving a court judgment to establish a lien on the debtor's real property in the county. Recording in multiple counties extends the lien to any property the debtor owns statewide.

Who We Serve

Built for Professionals & Individuals

  • Attorneys and law firms enforcing money judgments against debtors
  • Business creditors collecting on unpaid debts after winning in court
  • Individuals who have obtained a court judgment and need to collect
  • Title companies researching lien history on properties before closing
Also Available

Other Documents We Record in California

eFileRecorder submits all major document types accepted by California county recorders, including:

Don’t see your document type? Contact us — if your county accepts it, we can record it.

Process

How It Works — 3 Simple Steps

1
Select Your County & Document
Choose your California county and select Abstract of Judgment from the document list. Takes under 2 minutes.
2
Upload Your Document
Securely upload your prepared Abstract of Judgment via our encrypted platform. Need document preparation first? We offer that too.
3
Submit Payment & We Handle the Rest
Pay the flat $130 service fee plus applicable county recording fees. We submit to the county recorder and notify you when your Abstract of Judgment is officially recorded — typically within 24–48 hours.
FAQ

Abstract of Judgment Recording FAQ

How long does an Abstract of Judgment lien last in California?

An Abstract of Judgment lien lasts 10 years from the date of entry of judgment and can be renewed for additional 10-year periods before expiration.

Can an Abstract of Judgment prevent a property sale?

Yes. A recorded Abstract of Judgment creates a lien on the debtor's real property. Most buyers require all liens to be cleared before closing, so a judgment lien can effectively block a sale until resolved.

Does recording in one county cover the whole state?

No. An Abstract of Judgment only creates a lien in the county where it is recorded. To cover all counties where the debtor may own property, you must record in each county separately.

How long does Abstract of Judgment recording take?

Most Abstracts of Judgment submitted through eFileRecorder are recorded within 24-48 business hours.