assignment of judgment lien

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Judgment lien, your filing options.

File online with a credit card.

Complete the fillable PDF form using your computer.

• Print and sign it.
• Mail the document with payment to the Division of Corporations .

Print the PDF form.

• Complete it using blue or black ink.

When sending your document, do not include a copy of your judgment order or a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Information You Should Know

• Judgment liens on personal property in Florida are filed with the Florida Department of State.
• Filing with the Department of State serves as public notice that the creditor (the person who won the judgment) has a monetary judgment placed against the debtor (the person who owes the money).
• Florida law allows judgment liens to be filed a second time to extend the lien’s validity five more years. (See s. 55.201-55.209 , F.S.)
• You can search for liens on our website.
• If the debtor is a business entity, the debtor’s assigned Department of State document number is required.
• Writs of Execution are not docketed with the County Sheriff’s office.

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• Make all checks payable to the Florida Department of State . Check and money orders must be payable in U.S. currency drawn from a U.S. bank.
• Credit cards accepted for filing online are MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express.
• File online:  Processed in the order received. You will receive an acknowledgment email once the form is processed.
• File by mail: Processed in the order received.

• Judgment Lien Certificate (PDF)
• Second Judgment Lien Certificate (PDF)
• Judgment Lien Correction Statement (PDF) – The debtor adds a statement to the record; nothing in the database changes.
• Judgment Lien Amendment Statement (PDF) – Change or correct information previously filed; the database will reflect changes.
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Judgment interest rates are established in accordance with section 55.03 , F.S. Historical interest rates are available.

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Overview Of Judgments And Collection - Civil Law Self-Help Center

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• Overview Of Judgments And Collection

Get an overview of civil judgments in Nevada, including how a judgment creditor collects a judgment and how a judgment debtor might contest collection.

At the end of a civil case, the final decision awarding money to the winning party is called the “judgment.” (NRCP 54(a); JCRCP 54(a).) The party who won and is entitled to collect the money is called the “judgment creditor.” The party who lost and owes money is called the “judgment debtor.”

After the judgment is signed by the judge, it must be filed with the court clerk. This is called “entering” the judgment. (NRCP 58(c); JCRCP 58(c).) Once the judgment is entered, a notice of that entry must be mailed to all parties in the case and filed with the court clerk. Typically, the winning party can start trying to collect the judgment ten days after the notice of entry. (NRCP 62(a); JCRCP 62(a).) It is up to the judgment creditor – not the court – to collect from the judgment debtor.

To see a flowchart showing the collection process, click the link below or scroll to the bottom of this page.

Flowchart - Overview of Collection of a Civil Judgment

FYI! Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada publishes a number of handy brochures on collection topics, including Attachment and Garnishment , What It Means to Be Collection Proof , and Debt Collection . For copies, click to visit Brochures .

Q&A – Judgments And Collection 

How can a judgment creditor force a judgment debtor to pay a judgment?

There are two main ways a judgment creditor can legally take property or money from the judgment debtor to pay a judgment:

Attachment allows the judgment creditor, with the help of the sheriff or constable, to take personal property, such as a car, from the judgment debtor and sell it. “Attachment” means taking legal possession of the property. “Execution” means selling the attached property.

• Garnishment

Garnishment allows a judgment creditor to take something of the judgment debtor’s that is in the hands of another person or institution, such as money from the judgment debtor’s bank or wages from his employer.

To learn more, click to visit Garnishing Wages or Attaching Bank Accounts .

TIP! This website provides general information about collecting judgments. But judgment collection can be tricky, depending on who you’re trying to collect from. If you hit a brick wall, you may want to talk to an attorney who specializes in collections.  Click to visit Lawyers and Legal Help .

What information does the judgment creditor need to garnish wages or attach bank accounts?

The judgment creditor – not the court – is responsible for collecting the civil judgment she won. To do that, the judgment creditor usually needs some basic information about the judgment debtor’s money or property (for example, where he works and where he banks). If the judgment creditor does not have that information, she can ask the court to set a hearing at which the judgment debtor must provide that information.

To learn more, click to visit Getting Information about a Judgment Debtor’s Assets .

What property or money can the judgment creditor take from the judgment debtor to pay the judgment?

The judgment creditor cannot take certain property related to basic needs. This property is called “exempt” property.

To learn more about exempt property, click to visit What a Judgment Creditor Can and Can’t Take .

FYI! Some judgment debtors are simply “collection proof,” meaning all their income and property is exempt and can’t be taken to pay a judgment. To learn whether you’re collection proof and about the collection process generally, attend the FREE Collection Proof Clinic! To learn more about the clinic, click to visit Free Classes .

When and how can the judgment debtor claim his right to an exemption?

A judgment debtor cannot assume property is safe just because it is technically exempt from execution under the law. The judgment debtor must take action to prevent the exempt property or income from being seized or to reclaim it after it is seized.

Before attachment or garnishment, the judgment debtor can:

• “Homestead” his home or mobile home if he owns it or lives in it. To learn more about claiming a homestead, visit the Clark County Recorder website.
• If the judgment debtor has income that is exempt (like Social Security benefits), he can notify the judgment creditor in writing of the fact that his bank account, for example, has only Social Security benefits in it. This technically does not prevent the judgment creditor from garnishing the bank account, but the judgment creditor is less likely to pursue the judgment if she knows that all funds are exempt.

After attachment or garnishment, the judgment debtor can:

• File a claim of exemption with the court. When a judgment creditor garnishes wages or a bank account or attempts to attach and sell property, the judgment debtor has ten days from the date the notice of the attachment or garnishment is mailed to him (postmarked) to claim that the property or money is exempt.

To learn more about filing with the court and claiming an exemption, click to visit Contesting a Garnishment or Attachment .

If the judgment creditor disagrees with the exemption claimed by the judgment debtor, what can she do?

If the judgment creditor disagrees with the judgment debtor’s claimed exemptions, she has eight business days after the claim of exemption is served to file an objection with the court.

To learn more, click to visit Responding If the Judgment Debtor Contests Collection .

If the judgment debtor claims an exemption, how does he get his property back?

How (or if) the judgment debtor gets his property back depends on whether the judgment creditor objects to the exemptions claimed by the judgment debtor.

• If the judgment creditor does not dispute the judgment debtor’s claim of exemption, the sheriff or constable will return the property to the judgment debtor nine business days from the date the claim is served on the creditor and the sheriff or constable.
• If the judgment creditor disputes the claim of exemption, the judgment creditor can request a court hearing. The hearing will generally occur within fourteen days after the judgment debtor files and serves his claim of exemption. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether the judgment debtor’s claimed exemption is valid and whether any money or property must be returned.

For more information, click to visit Responding to a Judgment Creditor’s Objection .

How long does the judgment creditor have to collect a Nevada judgment?

In Nevada, a judgment will expire within six years from the date it is entered. NRS 17.214 provides the process to renew a judgment. To renew a judgment the judgment creditor must file a Declaration for Renewal of Judgment with the Clerk of the Court where the judgment was entered. This must be done at least ninety days before the judgment is set to expire.

The Declaration for Renewal of Judgment  must be served by certified mail to the judgment debtor (NRS 17.214(3)). If the judgment creditor does not serve the judgment debtor by certified mail, the judgment debtor may file a Motion to Set Aside the Renewal of Judgment. That Motion to Set Aside, if successful, would relieve the judgment debtor from any further obligation to pay the judgment debt.

A Declaration for Renewal of Judgment is available, free of charge, at the Self-Help Center. You can also download the form on your computer by clicking on one of the formats underneath the form’s title below:

JUSTICE COURT DECLARATION FOR RENEWAL OF JUDGMENT   Pdf Fillable

Click to visit Basics of Court Forms and Filing for information about how to fill out legal forms and file with the court.

What happens when the judgment is completely paid off?

Once the judgment is completely paid off, the judgment creditor must file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court so that the payoff is reflected in the court’s records. This is important for a couple of reasons. First, Nevada law requires that the judgment creditor notify the court that the judgment has been paid. (NRS 17.200.) Second, an unsatisfied judgment has a negative impact on a judgment debtor’s credit report and credit score. If the judgment creditor fails to file a Satisfaction of Judgment, the judgment debtor can file a motion to have the judge declare the judgment satisfied.

A form Satisfaction of Judgment and a Motion for Satisfaction of Judgment are available, free of charge, at the Self-Help Center, or you can download the form on your computer by clicking on one of the formats underneath the form’s title below:

JUSTICE COURT SATISFACTION OF JUDGMENT   Pdf Fillable | Pdf Nonfillable  

JUSTICE COURT MOTION FOR SATISFACTION OF JUDGMENT   Pdf Nonfillable |

• Property A Creditor Can And Can’t Take
• How To Collect A Judgment
• How To Fight Collection Of A Judgment
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This website was designed and is maintained by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Inc., a private, nonprofit, 501(c) (3) organization that operates the Civil Law Self-Help Center through a contract with Clark County, Nevada. This website is intended to provide general information, forms, and resources for people who are representing themselves in a Clark County court without a lawyer. The information on this website is NOT a substitute for legal advice. Talk with a lawyer licensed in Nevada to get legal advice on your situation.

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Enforcement of Judgments

After obtaining a judgment, the judgment creditor’s next step is to attempt to collect what is owed. The court does not collect judgments; the prevailing party is responsible for all collection efforts. However, the court may issue a variety of orders and other documents that may be used to collect your judgment from the debtor.

There are several steps that may need to be taken prior to starting your collection efforts.

Locate the Judgment Debtor

Before any collection efforts may begin, the judgment debtor must be located. Soon after the entry of judgment, this may be an easy task. However, as time passes, it can become increasingly difficult to locate the judgment debtor. For tips on how to do this, see our Legal Research Guide on Finding People and Businesses .

Determine the Debtor’s Assets

It is important to have information about the debtor’s assets, so that the judgment creditor can select the enforcement method(s) that will be the most effective.

An Order of Examination, also called a Debtor’s Examination, is a formal court proceeding during which a judgment creditor may question the judgment debtor about their income and property, to determine what assets are available to the creditor for collection of a judgment.

For More Information Get Information About the Debtor’s Assets , from the California Courts Self-Help Website 

Sample Questions to Ask a Debtor , from the California Courts Self-Help Website

Orders of Examination , from the Sacramento County Superior Court’s Website

Debtor’s Examination , Step-by-Step guide from the Sacramento County Public Law Library

Calculate the Amount Owed

Before beginning enforcement procedures, a judgment creditor must determine the amount currently owed. Unless the judgment debtor promptly pays the judgment in full, the judgment amount ordered by the court is rarely the final amount paid to the judgment creditor. A judgment creditor is entitled to reimbursement of any post-judgment costs, such as the costs associated with enforcing the judgment (including the cost of issuing the Writ of Execution, Levying Officers’ fees, fees for the Application for Order for Appearance of Judgment Debtor, etc.). Additionally, unpaid judgment amounts accrue interest at the legal rate of 10% per year.

Judgment Calculator The San Diego Superior Court provides this free online program that calculates the amount due on a specific day. Just input the judgment amount, date, and payment history, and the program does all the calculations for you.

For More Information

Memorandum of Costs , Step-by-Step guide from the Sacramento County Public Law Library

Begin Your Collection Efforts

There are numerous ways a judgment creditor may collect from a judgment debtor. The method(s) used depend on the judgment debtor’s assets. Below is information about several common enforcement methods.

Collecting from Wages (Earnings Withholding Order)

If the judgment debtor is employed, the judgment creditor may garnish up to 25 percent of the amount over the federal minimum wage that the debtor earns until the judgment is paid in full.

For More Information Collect Your Judgment , from the California Courts Self-Help Website Collect Your Judgment from the Debtor’s Paycheck , Step-by-Step guide from the Sacramento County Public Law Library

Ask the Court to Stop or Reduce a Wage Garnishment ,  Step-by-Step guide from the Sacramento County Public Law Library

Sacramento Sheriff Civil Bureau, Civil Process Types and Fees Provides details of the procedures and required documents. Click on “Earnings Withholding Order” for more information.

Collecting Money from a Bank Account (Bank Levy)

If the judgment debtor has a bank account or safe deposit box, the judgment creditor may be able to take money from the account or seize the contents of the box.

For More Information Collect from the Debtor’s Property , from the California Courts Self-Help Website

Collect Your Judgment from the Debtor’s Bank Account , Step-by-Step guide from the Sacramento County Public Law Library

Ask the Court to Stop or Reduce a Bank Levy , Step-by-Step guide from the Sacramento County Public Law Library

Placing a Lien on Real Property

If the judgment debtor owns real property, the judgment creditor may place a lien on the property. If the debtor tries to sell or refinance the property, the creditor will be paid the judgment amount plus accrued interest from the escrow. In some situations, it may also be possible to “foreclose” on the judgment lien, and force the sale of the property. This is only an option is there is enough equity in the property to pay all existing liens and exemptions, as well as the costs of foreclosure.

Collect from the Debtor’s Property , from the California Courts Self-Help Website

Placing a Judgment Lien , Step-by-Step guide from the Sacramento County Public Law Library

Judgment Liens on Property in California , an article from Nolo Press

Placing a Lien on Personal Property

A judgment creditor can have the sheriff take the debtor’s personal property and sell it at public auction to pay the debt. This can be any type of property, such as jewelry, computers or other electronic equipment, musical instruments, coin collections, etc. This is an expensive process, though, so unless the property is extremely valuable, it is rarely worthwhile.

Notice of Judgment Lien , from the California Secretary of State

Placing a Lien on a Lawsuit the Debtor Has Against Someone Else

If the judgment debtor has a lawsuit against someone else, the judgment creditor may place a lien on the money the debtor hopes to recover if he or she wins that lawsuit.

For More Information Collect from the Debtor’s Property , from the California Courts Self-Help Website 

Placing a Till Tap or Keeper

If the judgment debtor is a business or the sole proprietor of a business, the sheriff may visit the business and take all money on the premises to pay the judgment and the sheriff’s fee. The sheriff’s department may also station a deputy near the cash register, and take possession of all funds as they come in.

For More Information More Ways to Collect , from the California Courts Self-Help Website

Suspending the Debtor’s Real Estate, Contractor’s, or Driver’s License

If the judgment is related to a license, (e.g., a car accident is related to a driver’s license; construction defects are related to a contractor’s license), the judgment creditor may be able to have the judgment debtor’s license suspended.

Unsatisfied Judgments , from the Department of Motor Vehicles Judgments over $1000 , $750 if judgment issued prior to Jan. 1, 2017 Judgments under $1000 , $750 if judgment issued prior to Jan. 1, 2017

Suspending a Driver License to Force Payment ,  from the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs

Civil Judgments ,  Contractors State License Board Consumer Recovery Account , California Department of Real Estate

Obtaining a Seizure, Turnover, or Assignment Order

A seizure order allows the sheriff to take property from a private residence, while a turnover order requires the judgment debtor to give the property to the sheriff. These orders are most commonly used for large, expensive items, such as pianos, boats, or stereo systems. An assignment order requires the debtor to assign ongoing payments, such as sales commissions or rents, to the judgment creditor.

Renew the Judgment if Necessary

Money judgments automatically expire after 10 years, unless the judgment creditor renews the judgment before it expires. A judgment may be renewed for another 10 years, and renewed repeatedly until it is paid in full. Expired judgments cannot be enforced, so judgment creditors must be careful to renew judgments in a timely manner.

For More Information Renew Your Judgment , from the California Courts Self-Help Website

Renew Your Judgment , Step-by-Step guide from the Sacramento County Public Law Library 

Once the Judgment is Paid in Full

Once a judgment is paid, either in full or in an amount the judgment creditor agrees to accept as full payment, the judgment creditor must file an  Acknowledgement of Satisfaction of Judgment  (EJ-100) with the court. It must also be filed with the County Recorder’s Office if any liens were placed on real property, and with the Secretary of State’s Office if liens were placed on personal property. If you do not file an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment, the judgment debtor may sue you for any damages caused by your failure to file the Acknowledgment, plus $100.

For More Information After the Judgment is Paid , from the California Courts Self-Help Website

After Your Judgment is Paid , Step-by-Step guide from the Sacramento County Public Law Library 

This material is intended as general information only. Your case may have factors requiring different procedures or forms. The information and instructions are provided for use in the Sacramento County Superior Court. Please keep in mind that each court may have different requirements. If you need further assistance consult a lawyer.

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2014 Florida Statutes TITLE VI - CIVIL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Chapter 55 - JUDGMENTS 55.206 - Amendment of judgment lien file; termination, partial release, assignment, continuation, tolling, correction.

55.206 Amendment of judgment lien file; termination, partial release, assignment, continuation, tolling, correction.—

(1) An amendment to a judgment lien acquired as provided under s. 55.202 may be filed by or on behalf of the judgment creditor of record, which may provide for:

(a) The termination, partial release, or assignment of the judgment creditor’s interest in a judgment lien;

(b) The continuation and termination of the continuation of a judgment lien, as provided in s. 55.204(4);

(c) The tolling and termination of the tolling of a lapse of a judgment lien, as provided in s. 55.204(5); or

(d) The correction or change of any other information provided in the judgment lien file.

(2) Within 30 days following receipt of a written demand by a judgment debtor after the obligation underlying a judgment lien has been fully or partially released, the judgment lienholder must deliver to the judgment debtor a written statement indicating that there is no longer a claim for a lien on the personal property of the judgment debtor or that the judgment lien has been partially released and setting forth the value of the lien remaining unpaid as of the date of the statement. A statement signed by an assignee must include or be accompanied by a separate written acknowledgment of assignment signed by or for the benefit of the judgment creditor of record. If the judgment lienholder fails to deliver such a statement within 30 days after proper written demand therefor, the judgment lienholder is liable to the judgment debtor for $100, and for any actual or consequential damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, caused by such failure to the judgment debtor. The judgment debtor, the judgment creditor, or assignee may file such statement with the Department of State.

History.—s. 13, ch. 2000-258; s. 6, ch. 2001-154.

Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Florida may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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