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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 Ohio, 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 certified copy of the judgment, often referred to as an 'abstract of judgment,' is filed with the county recorder in the county where the property is located. The filing serves as public notice that the judgment creditor has a claim against the property owned by the debtor within that county. This lien ensures that the creditor has a legal claim to the proceeds from the sale of the property, or can force a sale, to the extent necessary to satisfy the judgment amount. The lien typically remains in effect for five years and can be renewed. It is important for judgment creditors to file the abstract of judgment to protect their rights and for potential purchasers or lenders to be aware of any liens on the property they are interested in.

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Civil litigation

judgment lien

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Ohio State Code

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Civil litigation

judgment lien

Articles