California Real Estate Salesperson Exam Practice - Question 76

Question

Once an abstract of judgment is recorded it remains a lien on all real property for: 

Selections

A. One year

B. Three years

C. Five years

D. Ten years 

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Answer: D

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5 Keys Summary

• A judgment lien is formally established when a properly certified abstract of the judgment is recorded with the county recorder.

• This recorded abstract creates an involuntary and general lien on the debtor's real property.

• The lien attaches to all real property the debtor owns in that county and any property they acquire thereafter before the lien expires.

• The lien of a recorded money judgment normally continues for ten years from the date of entry of the judgment or decree.

• Recording the abstract of judgment is necessary to enable the judgment creditor to obtain a writ of execution and force the sale of the debtor's property to satisfy the debt.

Explanations

When an abstract of judgment is recorded, it formally establishes a judgment lien on the debtor's real property. This type of lien is considered an involuntary and general lien, meaning it can affect all properties owned by a person or business entity. A judgment lien, once recorded, remains in place for up to 10 years. After this 10-year period, it automatically releases, unless the judgment creditor chooses to renew the lien before its expiration date.

Concepts Definitions

Abstract of Judgment: A document that summarizes the result of a legal action, which, when recorded, creates a judgment lien on a debtor's property.

Judgment Lien: A claim placed upon a debtor's property as a result of a court judgment for money owed. It enables the judgment creditor to potentially have the property sold to satisfy the debt . This lien is general, affecting all properties owned by the debtor, and is involuntary.