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Montana · LiensMontana judgment liens on real estate: docketing and the ten-year lien

In Montana, once a judgment is entered in the judgment book, the clerk dockets it. From the time it is docketed, the judgment is a lien on all real property of the judgment debtor in the county that isn't exempt from execution – property owned at the time and property acquired afterward before the lien ends. The lien continues for 10 years unless the judgment is satisfied sooner. A child support judgment's lien continues for 10 years from the end of the support obligation, or 10 years from a lump-sum judgment or order for arrears, whichever is later (MCA 25-9-301). For a sale, a docketed judgment against the seller in the county within the 10 years needs to be paid and satisfied of record at closing.

What the statutes set

  1. Docketing (MCA 25-9-301(1)–(2))

    The lien attaches from docketing in the county.

  2. Property (MCA 25-9-301(2))

    Non-exempt real property owned then or acquired before the lien ends.

  3. Ten years (MCA 25-9-301(2))

    Unless the judgment is satisfied sooner.

  4. Child support (MCA 25-9-301(3))

    Ten years from the end of the obligation or a lump-sum arrears judgment.

What the TC does when a Montana title search shows a judgment

  • Confirm the judgment is against the seller and not someone with a similar name – the title company may accept an affidavit.
  • Request a payoff and a satisfaction or release, and list the payoff on the settlement statement.
  • Check the entry date and any renewal under Montana law.

Questions about Montana judgment liens

How long does a judgment lien last in Montana?

Ten years from docketing unless the judgment is satisfied sooner (MCA 25-9-301(2)).

Does a Montana judgment lien reach land bought later?

Yes. It covers non-exempt real property in the county that the debtor acquires before the lien ends (MCA 25-9-301(2)).

Related guides

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

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Source: MCA 25-9-301 (leg.mt.gov, MCA 2025), read October 30, 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.