What Is a Judgment Lien?

In Alabama, a judgment lien is a type of lien that can be placed on a debtor's property when they fail to fulfill a legal obligation to pay a debt. This typically occurs after a creditor has obtained a judgment against the debtor in court. Once a judgment has been entered, the creditor may seek to enforce it by placing a lien on the debtor's property.

A judgment lien in Alabama gives the creditor the right to have the debtor's property sold to satisfy the debt. The lien attaches to any real property owned by the debtor within the county where the judgment was entered, as well as any personal property located within that county. It essentially serves as a way to secure the creditor's interest in the debtor's property until the debt is satisfied.

To enforce a judgment lien in Alabama, the creditor typically files the judgment with the county clerk's office, where it becomes a matter of public record. This puts others on notice of the creditor's interest in the debtor's property. If the debtor attempts to sell or transfer the property, the judgment lien must be satisfied before the transaction can be completed.

It's worth noting that there are specific procedures and timelines that must be followed to enforce a judgment lien in Alabama, and creditors should consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with the law. Additionally, there may be exemptions or limitations on the types of property that can be subject to a judgment lien in certain circumstances.