Judgments

Have you been hampered by a judgment on your credit or title search? Whether you are a Real Estate Professional, Loan Originator, or a homeowner / homebuyer, in most cases, judgments can be a roadblock to successfully finalizing a real estate transaction unless they are satisfied in advance. We have provided a state by state list of judgment requirements that could allow you to complete a transaction even though a judgment is present for one or more borrowers. If you have asked yourself any one of the questions below, the following list will educate you on whether you are required to satisfy your judgment, or if, Title Insurance can be issued regardless of the judgment. For questions please contact Tier 1 Title Title and we will research your situation and advise you of your options.

Disclaimer: The terms and conditions listed are state specific requirements and can change without notice and may require additional stipulations. The information provided is gathered from external sources, therefore, Tier 1 Title, assumes no responsibility or liability in the accuracy of the information.

Below are frequently asked questions

  • What are the statutes of limitations on judgments?
  • Can I purchase a home if I have a judgment?
  • Can I refinance my home if I have a judgment?

JUDGMENT CLEARANCE

Updated as of 9/18/14.

How Long Are Judgments Valid

Extension Periods

Tenants By The Entireties

Purchase Money Mortgages Have Priority Over Judgments
Alabama 10 years after date of execution 1 -10 year period Not Recognized Yes
Alaska 10 years after date of execution After 5 years court must grant execution No debt protection No
Only IRS Liens subordinate to PMM
Arizona 5 years after recording date Unlimited renewals Not Recognized No
Arkansas 10 years after date of execution May be revived No protection Yes
California 10 years after date of execution 1-10 year period Not Recognized Yes
Colorado 6 years after date of execution Can be renewed for additional 6 year periods Not Recognized Yes
Connecticut 20 years after date of execution No extensions Not Recognized Yes
Delaware 10 years after date of execution. 1 – 10 year extension Debt protection Yes
If mortgage is within 5 days of deed
District of Columbia 12 years after date of execution 1 – 12 year period No debt protection Yes
Florida 10 years after date of recording 1 – 10 year period Debt protection Yes
Georgia 7 years after date of execution Unlimited 7 year renewals Not Recognized Yes
Hawaii 10 years after date of execution 1 – 10 year extension Debt protection No
Idaho 5 years after date of execution 1 – 5 year extension Not Recognized Yes
Illinois 7 years after date of execution 2 – 7 year periods
max 20 yrs		 Debt protection Yes
Indiana 10 years after date of execution Extended by court order only Debt protection Yes
Iowa 10 years after date of execution No extensions Not Recognized Yes
Kansas 5 years after date of execution May be revived if motion filed within 2 yrs of dormancy
Court revives		 Not Recognized Yes
Kentucky 15 years after the date of recording Can be extended No debt protection Yes,
but not for equitable subrogation
Louisiana 10 years after date of execution Multiple 10 year renewal periods Not Recognized No
Maine 20 years after date of recording 1 – 20 year renewal Not Recognized No
Maryland 12 years from date of execution 1 – 12 year extension period Debt protection Yes,
Mtg must say that it is PMM
Massachusetts 6 years after recording lien Can be renewed for additional 6 years periods Recognized No
Michigan 5 years after date of recording 1 – 5 year ext, if re-rec’d within 120 days of expiration Debt protection Yes
Minnesota 10 years after date of execution Renewable before judgment expires Not Recognized Yes
Mississippi 7 years after date of execution 1 – 7 yr period, if re-filed within 6 months after expiration Debt protection Yes
Missouri Prior to 8/28/98 = 3 yrs
On or after 8/28/98 = 10 yrs		 May be renewed for multiple extension periods Debt protection Yes
Montana 10 years after date of execution Judgments can be extended Debt protection Yes
Nebraska 5 years after date of execution Can be revived within 10 years of becoming dormant Not Recognized Yes
Nevada 6 years after recording date Multiple renewals
Aff must be rec’d within 90 days of expiration		 Not Recognized Yes
New Hampshire 16 years after date of execution No extensions Debt protection No
New Jersey 20 years after date of execution 20 yr ext
must be filed prior to original expiring		 No debt protection Yes
New Mexico 14 years after date of execution 1 – 7 year extension Not Recognized No
New York 10 years after date of execution 1 – 10 year period No debt protection Yes
North Carolina 10 years after date of execution Can be extended indefinitely if filed before original judgment expires Debt protection Yes
North Dakota 10 years after date of execution 1 – 10 year extension period Not Recognized Yes
Ohio 5 years after date of recording Can be extended for multiple 5 yr extensions, if filed prior to expiration Not Recognized Repealed 1985
If created pre-85 still valid		 Yes
Oklahoma 5 years after date of recording Can be extended No debt protection Yes
Oregon 10 yrs from date execution
Criminal Judge 20 yrs if after 1/15/98
50 yrs if after 1/1/06		 1 – 10 year extension No debt protection Yes
Pennsylvania 5 years after date of execution Can be extended for 5 year periods Debt protect on sale only.
Refi must obtain release		 Yes
Rhode Island 20 years after date of execution No extensions No debt protection No
South Carolina 10 years after date of execution No extensions Not Recognized Yes
South Dakota 10 years after date of execution May be extended for 10 year period Not Recognized Yes
Tennessee Prior to 5/17/00, good for 3 years. After 5/17/00, good for 10 years from date of execution No extensions Limited protection
Treat as no debt protection		 Yes
Texas 10 years after recording abstract of judgment Can be revived by action brought within 2 yrs of judgment becoming dormant Not Recognized Yes
Utah 8 years after date of execution No debt protection Yes
Vermont 8 years after issuance of FJ that judgment is based on May be renewed for 8 year ext’s
relates back to recording original lien		 Debt protection but can be attached for debt incurred by husband for “necessary upkeep” of property No
Virginia 20 years for Circuit Ct or judgment for Virginia
10 years for District Ct		 May be extended for a 20 year period Debt protection Yes
Washington 10 years after date of execution 1 – 10 yr period, if filed with 90 days of expiration Not Recognized No
West Virginia 10 years after date of execution. However, if against current owner can still be valid after 10 yrs Extended for add’l 10 yr periods, if filed prior to expiration Not Recognized Yes
Wisconsin 10 years after
date of Entry		 No extensions Not Recognized Yes
Wyoming 5 years after date
of execution		 Debt protection Yes