How Long Does a Judgment Last? State-by-State Guide

You face a debt collection lawsuit. The court enters a judgment against you. The creditor now has the right to claim your property. But how long can they enforce that right?

Judgment lien duration varies dramatically by state. Some states give creditors 5 years. Others allow 20 years or more. Understanding your state’s rules helps you plan your next move.

Understanding Judgment Liens

A judgment lien attaches to your property after a court ruling. The lien gives creditors legal claim to your assets. Most liens apply to real estate. Some states also allow liens on personal property.

The lien survives property transfers in most states. Selling your home won’t make the judgment disappear. The new owner typically takes the property subject to existing liens.

If you’re dealing with a judgment, our partner Solo can help you respond appropriately and protect your rights.

How Long Judgments Last by State

Alabama Through Delaware

Alabama: Judgment liens last 10 years. Only real estate is affected.

Alaska: 10 years on real estate only.

Arizona: 5 years, surviving property sales.

Arkansas: 10 years on property.

California: 10 years for all judgment liens.

Colorado: 6 years from judgment entry.

Connecticut: 20 years for real estate, 5 years for personal property.

Delaware: 10 years, surviving property transfers.

Florida Through Iowa

Florida: 10 years for real estate, 5 years for personal property.

Georgia: 7 years from entry date.

Hawaii: 10 years, effective through ownership changes.

Idaho: 5 years on real estate.

Illinois: 7 years, enforceable throughout.

Indiana: 10 years for foreclosure actions.

Iowa: 10 years, surviving transfers.

Kansas Through Minnesota

Kansas: 5 years before judgment becomes dormant.

Kentucky: 15 years on property. Personal property foreclosure starts 10 days after judgment.

Louisiana: 10 years on real estate.

Maine: 20 years from execution filing.

Maryland: 12 years to execute the lien.

Massachusetts: 20 years on property.

Michigan: 5 years only.

Minnesota: 10 years, though not all real estate is subject.

Mississippi Through New Mexico

Mississippi: 7 years, surviving property sales.

Missouri: 10 years, collectible through transfers.

Montana: 10 years on all property.

Nebraska: 5 years before dormancy.

Nevada: 6 years for both real and personal property.

New Hampshire: 20 years for debt actions.

New Jersey: 20 years, surviving ownership changes.

New Mexico: 14 years total.

New York Through Pennsylvania

New York: 10 years for both property types.

North Carolina: 10 years, renewable for another 10.

North Dakota: 10 years, surviving transfers.

Ohio: 5 years on real property only.

Oklahoma: 5 years for execution.

Oregon: 10 years, extendable for another 10.

Pennsylvania: 5 years, renewable every 5 years up to 20 years total.

Rhode Island Through Virginia

Rhode Island: 20 years from judgment date.

South Carolina: 10 years, not renewable.

South Dakota: 10 years, renewable for another 10.

Tennessee: 10 years on real estate.

Texas: 10 years for execution.

Utah: 8 years on property.

Vermont: 8 years from issuance.

Virginia: 20 years from issuance.

Washington Through Wyoming

Washington: 10 years, surviving property sales.

West Virginia: 10 years, renewable for another 10.

Wisconsin: 10 years on property.

Wyoming: Becomes dormant after 5 years without execution.

What Happens When a Judgment Expires

Expired judgments lose enforcement power. Creditors can no longer force property sales or garnish wages. Some states allow renewal before expiration. Creditors must file paperwork to extend the deadline.

Dormant judgments differ from expired ones. A dormant judgment can sometimes be revived. Check your state’s specific rules about revival procedures.

How to Handle an Active Judgment

You have options even with an active judgment. Negotiating a settlement often reduces what you owe. Creditors may accept less than the full amount.

Payment plans spread the burden over time. Many creditors prefer steady payments to lengthy collection efforts.

Bankruptcy may discharge judgment debts in certain circumstances. Chapter 7 can eliminate unsecured judgment debts entirely. Talk to a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options.

Protecting Your Property From Liens

Some property remains exempt from judgment liens. Homestead exemptions protect primary residences up to certain values. Personal property exemptions vary by state.

Understanding exemptions helps you protect essential assets. You may be able to keep your home, car, and personal belongings. Exemption amounts differ significantly between states.

When Creditors Can Renew Judgments

Many states allow judgment renewal. Creditors file paperwork before expiration. The renewed judgment extends collection rights.

Renewal periods vary widely. Pennsylvania allows renewals every 5 years. North Carolina grants 10-year renewals. Some states prohibit renewals entirely.

Multiple renewals can extend collection rights for decades. In some states, creditors can pursue debts for 40 years or more through repeated renewals.

Responding to a Judgment Collection Attempt

Act quickly when creditors attempt collection. You have the right to contest improper collection methods. Verify the judgment is still valid and within the statute of limitations.

Request documentation proving the debt and judgment. Creditors must provide evidence they own the debt. They must show the judgment hasn’t expired.

If you’re facing collection efforts, our partner Solo helps you respond appropriately and defend your rights in court.

The Impact on Your Credit Report

Judgments previously appeared on credit reports for 7 years. The three major credit bureaus stopped reporting judgments in 2018. However, the underlying debt may still affect your credit.

Collection accounts related to the judgment can damage your score. Unpaid debts hurt your creditworthiness. Settling or paying the judgment helps your financial standing.