Minnesota · TitleMinnesota judgment liens: docketing, ten years, Torrens land and the homestead

A Minnesota money judgment is docketed by the court administrator once the creditor files the required affidavit about the debtor, and it can be docketed in other counties by filing a transcript. From docketing it is a lien, for the unpaid amount, on all real property in the county that the debtor owns then or later, but not on registered (Torrens) land unless it is also recorded under the Torrens statutes; the judgment survives and the lien continues for ten years after entry (Minn. Stat. §548.09). The house the debtor owns and occupies as a dwelling, with its land, is exempt from seizure or sale for debts not charged on it in writing, except debts for work or materials to build, repair or improve it (§510.01). The homestead may include up to 160 acres, and the exemption may not exceed $540,000, or $1,350,000 if used primarily for agriculture – amounts the statute adjusts periodically and the commissioner of commerce publishes (§510.02).