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Maine · LiensMaine execution liens: filing the execution at the registry and the 20-day notice to the debtor

A Maine judgment reaches land through the execution. Executions may issue on a Superior or District Court judgment once it has become final and are returnable within 3 years after issuance (14 M.R.S. §4651), and the first execution may not issue more than one year after the judgment becomes final, except in the cases section 4701 covers (§4652). Filing the execution, or an attested copy, with a registry of deeds within 3 years after it issues creates a lien for each judgment creditor on the debtor's interest in all real estate against which a mortgage would be perfected by filing in that registry and that isn't exempt from attachment and execution (§4651-A(1)), in an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment with interest and costs (§4651-A(4)). The lien becomes void unless, on or before the 20th day after filing, the creditor notifies the debtor by certified or registered mail of the lien, the date and place of filing, the amount, and the creditor's name and address (§4651-A(5)).

What the statutes set

  1. Execution (§§4651, 4652)

    First execution within one year after the judgment is final; returnable within 3 years.

  2. Filing (§4651-A(1))

    Execution filed with the registry of deeds within 3 years after issuance.

  3. Amount (§4651-A(4))

    Enough to satisfy the judgment, interest and costs.

  4. 20-day notice (§4651-A(5))

    Certified or registered mail to the debtor, or the lien is void.

What the TC does when a Maine title search shows an execution lien

  • List each recorded execution with the book and page from the title commitment.
  • Ask the seller's attorney for a payoff and a recorded discharge from each judgment creditor.
  • Keep the discharge as a closing condition on the timeline.

Questions about Maine execution liens

How does a Maine judgment become a lien on a house?

By filing the execution, or an attested copy, with the registry of deeds within 3 years after it issues (14 M.R.S. §4651-A(1)).

What makes a Maine execution lien void?

The creditor's failure to notify the debtor by certified or registered mail on or before the 20th day after filing (14 M.R.S. §4651-A(5)).

Related guides

Track each lien payoff and its recorded discharge as tasks on the deal in ClosingCode.

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Sources: 14 M.R.S. §§4651, 4651-A, 4652 (legislature.maine.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.