Select your state

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 Maine, 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 registry of deeds in the county where the debtor's real property is located. The filing serves as a public declaration of the judgment creditor's claim against the debtor's property. It alerts potential purchasers and lenders that the property is subject to a claim that must be satisfied to the extent necessary to pay the judgment amount. This lien ensures that the judgment creditor has a legal claim to the proceeds from the sale of the property or can force a sale to collect on the judgment, subject to Maine's statutes and procedural rules governing the enforcement of judgments.

Legal Articles

State Statutes

Individual & Family Legal Plan

As a LegalFix member, you'll get expert legal services from a local law firm that treats you like an important client. Don't wait—be prepared for life's inevitable legal challenges starting today. And ask your employer, credit union, or membership group about preferred pricing opportunities.

Civil litigation

judgment lien

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Maine State Code

Maine State Code

Civil litigation

judgment lien

Articles