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California · TitleCalifornia judgment liens: an abstract recorded with the county recorder, ten years from entry

In California a judgment lien on real property is created by recording an abstract of a money judgment with the county recorder, except as otherwise provided by statute (Code of Civil Procedure §697.310(a)). Unless the judgment is satisfied or the lien released, the lien continues until 10 years from the date of entry of the judgment, subject to renewal of the judgment under §683.180 (§697.310(b)). Except as a statute provides otherwise, once 10 years have passed since entry, the judgment may not be enforced, enforcement procedures cease and any lien created by an enforcement procedure is extinguished (§683.020). The abstract is recorded county by county, so the title search covers the county where the property sits.

What the statutes set

  1. Creation (§697.310(a))

    Recording an abstract of the money judgment with the county recorder.

  2. Duration (§697.310(b))

    Until 10 years from entry, unless satisfied, released or renewed.

  3. Renewal (§697.310(b))

    Subject to renewal of the judgment under §683.180.

  4. After 10 years (§683.020)

    No enforcement; enforcement liens are extinguished.

What the TC checks when a California title report shows an abstract of judgment

  • Note the entry date of each judgment and whether a renewal appears of record.
  • Request a payoff or release from the judgment creditor before closing.
  • Confirm the release is recorded in the same county as the abstract.

Questions about California judgment liens

How long does a judgment lien last in California?

Until 10 years from entry of the judgment, unless it's satisfied, released or the judgment is renewed (CCP §697.310(b)).

How is a judgment lien created in California?

By recording an abstract of the money judgment with the county recorder (CCP §697.310(a)).

Related guides

Track judgment payoffs and recorded releases as tasks on the deal in ClosingCode.

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Sources: Code of Civil Procedure §§697.310, 683.020 (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov), read October 31, 2026.

General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.