Guide
Arizona Judgments & Liens Search at a Glance
In Arizona, money judgments come from the superior and justice courts. A judgment becomes a lien on real property when a certified copy and an information statement are recorded with the county recorder in each county where the debtor owns land. UCC financing statements are filed with the Arizona Secretary of State.
Always confirm the official record by ordering a certified copy from the originating office when accuracy matters for closing, refinancing, or litigation.
Guide
Where to search court judgments in Arizona
The Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup covers 177 of the state's 184 courts. Documents filed in superior court cases are on the eAccess portal.
Guide
Where liens are recorded in Arizona
A certified copy of the judgment, with the information statement required by A.R.S. 33-967, is recorded with the county recorder in each county where the creditor wants a lien (A.R.S. 33-961). Mechanics and materialmen's liens are also recorded with the county recorder, within 120 days after the work is completed, or within 60 days after the owner records a notice of completion (A.R.S. 33-993).
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Arizona UCC filings
UCC financing statements are filed with the Arizona Secretary of State, which runs an online UCC search. Fixture filings are recorded with the county recorder where the land is.
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How long a judgment lien lasts in Arizona
A recorded judgment is a lien for 10 years after the date it is given, on the debtor's real property in that county, including land bought later (A.R.S. 33-964). The creditor can renew it by filing a renewal affidavit with the court clerk in the 90 days before the 10 years run out (A.R.S. 12-1612). Civil judgment liens held by the state and support liens last until paid.
Guide
Finding the debtor's assets after judgment in Arizona
Arizona's procedure is the supplemental proceeding under A.R.S. 12-1631. Once a judgment has been entered and docketed, the judgment creditor may at any time have an order from the court requiring the judgment debtor to appear and answer concerning his property before the court or a referee at a time and place specified in the order, or may have a subpoena issued compelling the debtor to appear for a deposition on oral examination concerning his property. The debtor cannot be required to attend outside the county of residence.
Two court files may already hold the answers. An Arizona divorce file is open under Rule 123, but Rule 43.1(g) of the family law rules lets the clerk treat the Affidavit of Financial Information in it as confidential; that affidavit names the employer and the income, while the decree and any attached settlement agreement show who received each asset and debt. A bankruptcy file in the District of Arizona lists deposit accounts by institution and the employer by name. The Arizona asset search page covers both.
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Court forms and self-help in Arizona
The Arizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center explains garnishment, the court process used to collect a money judgment from the debtor's earnings or other money held by someone else, and links the forms.
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Federal & National Authoritative Sources
By state
Judgments and liens in other states
Straight answers
Arizona Judgments & Liens Search, questions
How long is a judgment lien enforceable in Arizona?
In Arizona, a money judgment is enforceable as a lien for 10 years from the date it is entered or properly docketed. Creditors who want to extend collection beyond that period must file a renewal motion with the issuing court before the lien lapses. Read the Arizona statute.
What is the deadline for filing a mechanics lien in Arizona?
In Arizona, a mechanics lien (also called a construction or materialman's lien) must generally be filed within 90 days after the claimant last furnished labor or materials to the project. Different deadlines may apply to general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, so check the exact statute before relying on this window. Source: Arizona statute.
What property is protected from judgment creditors in Arizona?
Arizona protects a homestead, the debtor's primary residence, up to $150,000 in equity from forced sale by most judgment creditors. Personal property exemptions (motor vehicle, household goods, tools of trade, retirement accounts) are listed separately in the state code. Confirm the current amount on the official source.
Where do I file or search a UCC-1 in Arizona?
UCC-1 financing statements for personal-property collateral in Arizona are filed with the Secretary of State (or equivalent state filing office). Open the official Arizona UCC filing portal. Real-property liens (mortgages, judgment-lien dockets, mechanics liens) are recorded at the county recorder/clerk where the property is located, not at the state level.