property

judgment lien

A general, involuntary lien created when a court awards money to a creditor and the judgment is recorded or docketed. It attaches to real and personal property of the debtor in the county or jurisdiction where it is filed, often including property acquired later. Its priority generally depends on the date it was recorded, and it usually must be paid or released before the debtor can give clear title.

Exam tip: A judgment lien is general (all the debtor's property) and involuntary. Do not confuse it with a mechanic's lien, which is specific to one property.
Example: After losing a lawsuit, a homeowner owes $20,000; once the judgment is recorded, it becomes a lien against his house and any land he owns in that county.

1. A property has a first mortgage (recorded 2015), a judgment lien (2018), a mechanic's lien (2020) and unpaid property taxes. Which is paid FIRST from sale proceeds?

Answer & explanation

Answer: A. Real property tax liens take priority over all others regardless of recording date; other liens generally follow in order of recording.

Related terms & state variants

attachment general lien lien mechanics lien specific lien

Sources

Source verification pending. Confirm current requirements with your state regulator.

Last verified: 2026-10-23