1. Which lien is a specific lien rather than a general lien?
Answer & explanation
Answer: C. Specific liens attach to one property (mortgage, mechanic's, property tax). General liens attach to all of a debtor's property (judgments, IRS liens).
property
general lien
A general lien is a claim against all of a debtor's property, real and personal, rather than a single parcel. Common examples include judgment liens from court decisions, federal income tax liens, and estate tax liens. A general lien can attach to any property the debtor owns in the area where it is recorded or filed, and it may be enforced by forcing a sale.
- Exam tip
- Remember the pairs: specific liens (mortgage, property tax, mechanic's lien) attach to one property; general liens (judgments, IRS liens) attach to everything the debtor owns.
- Example
- After losing a lawsuit, a debtor has a $40,000 judgment recorded against him, which attaches to his house, a rental condo, and his vehicles.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
Source verification pending. Confirm current requirements with your state regulator.
Last verified: 2026-10-23