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Washington · TitleWashington judgment liens: where they attach, ten years and the homestead exemption

A Washington judgment binds the debtor's real estate, including property acquired later, and is a lien for up to ten years from the day it was entered unless the ten years are extended under RCW 6.17.020(3); a lien for a judgment from a crime committed on or after July 1, 2000 lasts until paid. Where the debtor co-owns property, the lien reaches only the debtor's interest (RCW 4.56.190). It starts in the county of a superior court judgment when the clerk files it on the execution docket, and in another county when a certified abstract is filed with that county's clerk (RCW 4.56.200). A creditor can apply within 90 days before the ten years run out for an order adding ten more (RCW 6.17.020(3)). On a homestead the judgment is a lien only on the value above the homestead exemption, from the time the judgment is recorded with the county recording officer (RCW 6.13.090), and the exemption is the greater of $125,000 or the county's median sale price of a single-family home in the preceding year (RCW 6.13.030).

What the statutes set

  1. Duration (RCW 4.56.190)

    Up to ten years from entry; later-acquired real estate included; co-owner's share only.

  2. Where it starts (RCW 4.56.200)

    Execution docket in the judgment's county; certified abstract filed with the clerk elsewhere.

  3. Extension (RCW 6.17.020(3))

    Application within 90 days before the ten years end for ten more years.

  4. Homestead (RCW 6.13.090)

    Lien only on value above the exemption, from recording with the county recording officer.

  5. Exemption amount (RCW 6.13.030)

    Greater of $125,000 or the county median single-family sale price for the prior year.

What the TC does when a judgment shows on title

  • Ask the title company whether the judgment is still within its ten years or was extended.
  • On a seller's homestead, have the title company compare the sale proceeds with the homestead exemption.
  • Order the payoff or partial release in time for the closing statement.

Questions about Washington judgment liens

How long does a judgment lien last in Washington?

Up to ten years from entry, unless extended by a court order applied for within 90 days before the period ends; a judgment from a crime committed on or after July 1, 2000 remains a lien until satisfied (RCW 4.56.190, 6.17.020(3)).

Does a judgment lien attach to a Washington homestead?

Only to the value above the homestead exemption, which is the greater of $125,000 or the county median sale price of a single-family home in the preceding year (RCW 6.13.090, 6.13.030).

Related guides

Track the judgment payoff or partial release as a task on the deal in ClosingCode.

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Sources: RCW 4.56.190, 4.56.200, 6.13.030, 6.13.090, 6.17.020 (app.leg.wa.gov), read October 29, 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.