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Civil litigation

judgment lien

A judgment in a civil lawsuit will generally create a lien on the judgment debtor’s real property when notice of the judgment is filed with the county clerk in the county records where the judgment debtor owns real property. This public filing (often called an abstract of judgment) effectively puts all future purchasers and lenders on notice of the judgment creditor’s claim to the judgment debtor’s real property—to the extent necessary to pay/satisfy the judgment.

In Iowa, when a judgment is obtained in a civil lawsuit, it can create a lien on the judgment debtor's real property. This occurs when a notice of the judgment, often referred to as an abstract of judgment, is filed with the county recorder in the county where the real property is located. The filing of the abstract of judgment serves as a public declaration that the judgment creditor has a claim against the judgment debtor's property. This lien remains in place until the judgment is paid or satisfied. The existence of the lien ensures that future purchasers and lenders are aware of the creditor's claim, which must be settled before clear title can be transferred or new encumbrances can be placed on the property. The process of filing the abstract of judgment and creating the lien is governed by Iowa state statutes, which outline the specific procedures and effects of such liens on real property.

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Civil litigation

judgment lien

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Iowa State Code

Iowa State Code

Civil litigation

judgment lien

Articles