How Long Does a Judgment Last in California? [2024 Guide]
California judgments last 10 years from the date of entry, and creditors can renew them for another 10 years. Your best option is responding to the lawsuit within 30 days to avoid a default judgment, or settling the debt before it reaches court.
Answer Your LawsuitLosing a lawsuit can be devastating. A judgment lien gives creditors power over your property and finances. You’ll be legally obligated to comply with collection efforts.
California judgments last 10 years from the date of entry. But creditors can renew them for another decade. Understanding your rights helps you respond effectively to a judgment against you.
Respond to Your California Lawsuit Before the 30-Day Deadline
Don't let a default judgment ruin your finances for 10 years. Our partner Solo helps you draft and file a legal Answer to fight back against debt collectors.
Respond NowThe good news? You have options to fight back. Our partner Solo helps you respond to lawsuits before they become judgments.
What Is a Judgment Lien?
When you fail to pay a debt, creditors can sue you to recover their money. If you lose the case, the court renders a judgment against you. That judgment gives creditors certain rights to collect the debt.
A judgment lien grants creditors the legal right to take control of your property. They can recover their funds by seizing assets you own.
Other judgment types include wage garnishment and bank account garnishment. Creditors can collect money directly from your paycheck or bank account. They continue taking funds until you pay the debt in full.
Sometimes the court issues a stipulated judgment. You and your creditor agree to a lower sum than the original lawsuit amount. This settlement option can save you money and stress.
How Long Does a Judgment Last in California?
California law gives all judgments a full 10-year lifespan. The clock starts ticking from the date of issue. After this period expires, creditors lose their legal claim against you.
Your debt doesn’t disappear after 10 years. But creditors can no longer enforce judgment liens or garnishments to collect.
Here’s the catch: California law allows creditors to renew judgments for another 10 years. They must renew within the original 10-year window.
If a creditor misses the renewal deadline, they can still file an Action on a Judgment. The court may grant this request, but approval isn’t guaranteed.
Options for Responding to a Court Judgment
You have several options when facing a judgment in California. The right choice depends on your financial situation and goals.
Avoid the Judgment
The best strategy is preventing the judgment from happening. You can avoid a money judgment by responding promptly to the lawsuit.
Filing an Answer with the court shows your willingness to fight. You typically have 30 days to respond in California. Missing this deadline often results in a default judgment favoring your creditor.
Our partner Solo makes it easy to draft and file an Answer. Just answer a few basic questions to generate a legal document. They can even file it on your behalf.
Example: Andrew fell behind on his credit card payments. He’d been ignoring debt collector calls until a lawsuit notice arrived. After researching online, Andrew used Solo to respond promptly. He drafted a legal Answer and had attorneys review it before filing. Andrew avoided a default judgment and bought time to consider debt resolution options.
Wait for the Judgment to Expire
Waiting for judgment expiration isn’t always a bad strategy. Creditors lose their legal claim once the expiration date passes. California law prevents judgment creditors from seizing certain assets like your house or car.
But creditors can still take steps outlined in the judgment. They can seize other property or garnish your income during those 10 years.
Remember: Creditors can renew California judgments. Renewal extends the time you’ll have this judgment hanging over your head. You could face collection efforts for 20 years or more.
Pay the Judgment
Paying your judgment quickly is often your best option. Even without funds for a lump-sum payment, you can work out a payment plan.
The sooner you pay off your judgment, the sooner you rebuild your credit. You’ll also save on interest payments that accrue through your debt.
Make sure your creditor files a Satisfaction of Judgment through the clerk’s office. This document officially clears your debt. It also removes any judgment liens placed against you.
File for Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy can eliminate certain debts like credit card debt or medical debt. Filing after a judgment may help you recover money lost through wage garnishment.
But bankruptcy won’t eliminate student loans, tax debt, or unpaid child support. The judgment may be canceled while the lien remains in place.
Bankruptcy devastates your credit history. It stains your credit report for at least seven years. Consider this option only when all else fails.
You can speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options.
Resolve Debt Out of Court
California judgments can follow you for 10 years or more with renewals. Settling debt before it becomes a legal case makes more sense.
Our partner Solo helps you negotiate with creditors and debt collectors. You can resolve debt without facing a lawsuit.
Negotiating early gives you more control over the outcome. You avoid court costs, attorney fees, and judgment liens. Plus, you protect your credit score from further damage.
Act quickly when you receive a lawsuit notice. The 30-day deadline in California approaches fast. Missing it means losing your chance to fight back.