New York Judgments & Liens

Introduction: Understanding Judgments and Liens in New York

Judgments and liens represent legal claims against individuals or entities, securing debts or obligations through the power of the courts and public recording systems. In New York, these financial instruments affect hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses each year, impacting credit ratings, real estate transactions, and financial opportunities. Understanding how to locate, interpret, and manage these records is essential for creditors seeking to collect debts, debtors working to resolve outstanding obligations, and real estate professionals conducting due diligence.

A judgment is a court's formal decision establishing that one party owes money to another. In New York, civil judgments are entered by the Supreme Court, Civil Court, or other courts with jurisdiction, creating an enforceable debt that can be collected through various legal mechanisms. Once entered and properly docketed with the county clerk, a judgment becomes a public record that can affect the debtor's ability to obtain credit, buy property, or conduct business.

A lien is a legal claim against property—real or personal—that secures payment of a debt or obligation. Liens can arise from court judgments, unpaid taxes, construction work, or consensual security agreements. In New York, liens must generally be recorded with the county clerk's office where the property is located to be enforceable against third parties.

New York's court system processes approximately 3.5 million new cases annually across its various courts, with civil money judgments representing a substantial portion. The New York Department of Taxation and Finance files thousands of tax warrants each year, while the Secretary of State's UCC Division maintains hundreds of thousands of active financing statements. These numbers reflect the enormous volume of secured transactions and debt collection activity in the nation's fourth most populous state.

The primary categories of liens and judgments in New York include: civil court judgments (money judgments entered after litigation or default), tax liens (federal tax liens filed by the IRS and state tax warrants filed by the Department of Taxation and Finance), and UCC liens (security interests in personal property perfected under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in New York). Each type follows distinct procedural rules, has different duration periods, and requires specific search methods to uncover.

Types of Judgments in New York

New York's civil procedure framework, governed primarily by the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR), recognizes several distinct types of judgments that creditors can obtain and enforce.

Civil and Court Judgments

Civil judgments are the most common type, resulting from lawsuits where a plaintiff proves their case and the court enters a money judgment. In New York, these judgments are typically entered in Supreme Court (the state's general trial court, despite its name) for claims exceeding $25,000, or in Civil Court or City Court for smaller amounts. Once entered, a judgment creditor must take additional steps to perfect the judgment as a lien against real property.

Under CPLR § 5203, a judgment becomes a lien on real property when a judgment-roll is filed and docketed with the county clerk in any county where the debtor owns property. The lien attaches to all real property the debtor currently owns in that county and any property they acquire during the judgment's effective period. This lien continues for ten years from the date of entry, as specified in CPLR § 5203(a).

Judgments can be renewed before expiration. Under CPLR § 5014, a judgment creditor may renew a money judgment by filing a motion or affidavit with the court that originally entered the judgment. The renewal extends the judgment's life for an additional ten years from the date of renewal. This process can be repeated indefinitely, meaning a diligent creditor can maintain a judgment as an enforceable lien for decades.

Default Judgments

Default judgments are entered when a defendant fails to answer or appear in a lawsuit. Under CPLR § 3215, if a defendant does not respond to a summons and complaint within the required timeframe (typically 20 or 30 days depending on service method), the plaintiff can move for a default judgment. In consumer debt cases, default judgments represent a significant portion of all judgments entered, as many defendants fail to respond to lawsuits. Default judgments carry the same enforcement power as judgments entered after trial, though they can be vacated under certain circumstances if the defendant shows reasonable excuse for the default and a meritorious defense.

Summary Judgments

Summary judgments, governed by CPLR § 3212, are entered when the court determines there are no genuine issues of material fact requiring a trial. This procedural device allows parties to resolve cases more quickly when the evidence is clear. In debt collection matters, creditors frequently seek summary judgment by submitting account statements, affidavits of amounts due, and evidence of the debtor's obligation. If the debtor cannot raise a factual dispute about the debt's validity or amount, the court enters judgment without a trial.

Confession of Judgment

Confession of judgment, authorized under CPLR Article 32, allows a debtor to consent in advance to the entry of judgment against them, typically as part of a commercial loan or lease agreement. Under CPLR § 3218, confession of judgment can only be used in specific circumstances: for money owed under a contract, rent under a lease, or amounts owed to employees. These provisions cannot be used in consumer credit transactions involving individuals. When properly executed, a confession of judgment clause allows the creditor to obtain a judgment without filing a lawsuit, simply by filing the confession and supporting affidavit with the county clerk. This powerful tool is heavily regulated because it bypasses normal litigation protections.

Foreign Judgments

Foreign judgments—those entered in other states or countries—can be domesticated in New York and enforced as New York judgments. Under CPLR Article 54, judgments from other U.S. states are entitled to full faith and credit. The process involves filing an authenticated copy of the foreign judgment with the county clerk along with an affidavit containing required information about the judgment. Under CPLR § 5403, once properly filed, the foreign judgment has the same effect as a New York judgment and can be enforced through all available New York collection remedies. Sister-state judgments filed in New York maintain their original date of entry for purposes of calculating the enforcement period, though they remain enforceable for the longer of: (a) the time remaining under the issuing state's law, or (b) twenty years from the date of filing in New York.

Types of Liens in New York

New York law recognizes numerous lien types, each governed by specific statutes with distinct filing requirements, priorities, and duration periods.

Mechanics Liens

Mechanics liens (also called construction liens) are governed by New York Lien Law Article 2. These liens protect contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who provide work or materials for real property improvements. To perfect a mechanic's lien in New York, the claimant must file a Notice of Lien with the county clerk where the property is located within strict deadlines.

For contractors with direct contracts with property owners, the Notice of Lien must be filed within eight months after the last work or materials were furnished (Lien Law § 10). Subcontractors and suppliers face even tighter deadlines and must comply with additional requirements, including serving a Notice of Lien on the owner and general contractor. The lien must contain specific information: property location, owner's name, description of work or materials, amount claimed, and the claimant's name and address.

Once filed, a mechanic's lien remains valid for one year, during which the lienor must commence a foreclosure action to enforce it (Lien Law § 17). If no action is filed within one year, the lien expires automatically. Mechanics liens have priority generally from the date the building permit is issued or visible work begins, which can give them priority over mortgages recorded later. To release a mechanic's lien, the lienor files a Discharge of Mechanic's Lien with the county clerk, or the property owner can bond over the lien by posting security.

Tax Liens

Federal tax liens are filed by the Internal Revenue Service when taxpayers fail to pay federal taxes after demand. The IRS files a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) with the county clerk in counties where the taxpayer owns property or resides. Under Internal Revenue Code § 6323, federal tax liens are valid for ten years from the assessment date, and the IRS can refile to extend them for additional ten-year periods. Federal tax liens attach to all property and rights to property belonging to the taxpayer, including real estate, personal property, and financial assets. These liens are released by the IRS filing a Certificate of Release of Federal Tax Lien, typically after the tax debt is paid or becomes unenforceable.

State tax liens in New York are filed as tax warrants by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Under New York Tax Law § 171, when a taxpayer fails to pay state income tax, sales tax, or other state taxes, the department can issue a warrant for collection. These warrants are filed with the county clerk and create a lien on all real and personal property in the county. State tax warrants remain in effect for twenty years from the date of filing (Tax Law § 171-a), significantly longer than most other liens. The Department of Taxation and Finance releases state tax liens by filing a satisfaction of warrant once the debt is paid or otherwise resolved.

UCC Liens

UCC liens, more properly called security interests, are governed by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in New York (NY UCC § 9-101 et seq.). These are consensual liens where a debtor grants a creditor a security interest in personal property—inventory, equipment, accounts receivable, vehicles, or other assets—to secure a loan or credit obligation. To perfect most security interests (make them enforceable against third parties), creditors file a UCC-1 Financing Statement with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations.

UCC financing statements are effective for five years from the filing date (NY UCC § 9-515). Before expiration, secured parties can file a UCC-3 Continuation Statement to extend effectiveness for another five years. UCC liens terminate automatically after five years if not continued, or can be terminated earlier by filing a UCC-3 Termination Statement when the debt is paid.

Judgment Liens

Judgment liens arise automatically when a money judgment is docketed with the county clerk, as discussed earlier. These liens attach to real property in the county where docketed and last for ten years, renewable for additional ten-year periods. Unlike other liens that require separate filing, judgment liens are created by the act of entering and docketing the judgment itself.

Medical Liens

Medical liens can be asserted by hospitals and healthcare providers against personal injury settlements or judgments under New York Lien Law § 189. When a hospital provides emergency services to an injured patient, it can file a notice of hospital lien with the county clerk, creating a claim against any proceeds the patient receives from the party who caused the injury. The hospital must file the lien notice within 30 days of the patient's discharge and serve copies on relevant parties. These liens expire if a lawsuit is not filed within the statute of limitations period for the underlying injury claim.

HOA and Condo Association Liens

Homeowners association and condominium association liens secure unpaid common charges, assessments, and fees. Under New York Real Property Law § 339-z (condominiums) and various HOA governing documents, associations can file liens for unpaid charges. For condominiums, the lien is automatic and does not require separate filing, though associations typically file notices to perfect their priority. These liens generally must be satisfied before property can be sold, and associations can foreclose on the liens after following proper notice procedures. The priority and duration of HOA liens depend on the specific governing documents and applicable statutes.

How to Search for Judgments in New York

Searching for judgments and liens in New York requires checking multiple databases and offices, as no single comprehensive statewide system exists for all lien types.

New York Court System Online Tools

The New York State Unified Court System provides limited online access to judgment information through its eCourts system. WebCivil Supreme (available at iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivil/etrackLogin) allows users to search Supreme Court civil cases by party name, index number, or attorney. This system provides case information, including whether a judgment has been entered, but coverage varies by county and may not include historical records.

For New York City Civil Court cases, the system is accessible through the same portal with appropriate case type selection. However, these online systems do not comprehensively show whether judgments have been docketed as liens with county clerks—that requires separate county-level searches.

Many researchers find the online court systems useful for confirming that a judgment exists and obtaining the judgment amount and date, but must then verify docketing status at the county level to determine lien status.

County Clerk Searches

The most authoritative source for judgment liens is the county clerk's office in each of New York's 62 counties. County clerks maintain judgment dockets showing all judgments filed in their county, including both local judgments and foreign judgments filed for enforcement. Many county clerks now offer online access to judgment and lien indexes.

For example, the New York County (Manhattan) Clerk provides online access to the City Register's Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) at a836-acris.nyc.gov, which includes judgment and lien records for Manhattan. The Kings County (Brooklyn) Clerk offers similar online access. Westchester County provides its Land Records system at landrecords.westchestergov.com with searchable judgment records.

For counties without online systems, in-person or written searches are necessary. When conducting a county clerk search, request a judgment and lien search against the individual or business name, including name variations. County clerks typically charge fees ranging from $5 to $65 per name searched, depending on the county and search type.

New York UCC Database

The New York Department of State, Division of Corporations maintains the statewide UCC database. The official search portal is accessible at apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry, selecting "UCC Search" from the menu. This free online system allows searches by debtor name (individual or organization) or by filing number.

The database shows all active UCC-1 Financing Statements, amendments, continuations, and terminations filed with the Secretary of State. Search results display the filing date, secured party name, debtor name, collateral description, and filing status. Users can view and print copies of filed documents for a small fee.

For thorough UCC searches, check common name variations and both individual and business names. The system searches exactly as entered, so "John Smith" and "J. Smith" produce different results. Professional UCC search companies can provide certified searches with insurance for title companies and lenders requiring formal documentation.

Federal Tax Lien Searches

Federal tax liens are filed with county clerks, so county-level searches (discussed above) capture these liens. The IRS does not maintain a public centralized database of filed liens, but once a Notice of Federal Tax Lien is filed with the county clerk, it appears in that county's records under the taxpayer's name.

Some counties integrate federal tax liens into their general lien indexes, while others maintain separate federal lien books or databases. When searching county records, specifically request federal tax lien searches in addition to judgment searches to ensure comprehensive results.

Third-Party Aggregators and Search Services

Several commercial services aggregate judgment and lien data from multiple counties, providing more convenient searching across jurisdictions. LexisNexis, Westlaw, and specialized public records companies like DataTrace and First American offer lien and judgment search products that compile county-level records.

These services charge subscription or per-search fees but can save significant time for professionals conducting frequent searches. However, third-party databases may not be completely current (updates may lag by days or weeks) and should be verified against official county records for critical transactions like real estate closings.

Title insurance companies conducting pre-closing searches typically use a combination of direct county searches and third-party databases, then issue title commitments based on their findings. For individuals conducting occasional searches, the free and low-cost official government sources generally provide sufficient information.

New York UCC Filings: Article 9 Security Interests

Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, as adopted in New York, governs secured transactions in personal property and fixtures. Understanding UCC filings is essential for business owners, lenders, and anyone evaluating a company's financial encumbrances.

Under NY UCC § 9-109, Article 9 applies to any transaction intended to create a security interest in personal property, regardless of its form. This includes traditional security agreements, conditional sales contracts, inventory financing, equipment loans, and accounts receivable financing. When a business borrows money and pledges its assets as collateral, the lender becomes a "secured party" with a security interest in the collateral.

To perfect most security interests (making them enforceable against other creditors and buyers), the secured party files a UCC-1 Financing Statement with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations. The filing office address is: NYS Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231. Filings can be submitted by mail or online through the department's website.

A UCC-1 Financing Statement must include: (1) the debtor's name exactly as it appears on their organizational documents (for entities) or identification (for individuals); (2) the secured party's name and address; (3) the debtor's mailing address; and (4) a description of the collateral. The collateral description can be specific ("2022 Ford F-150, VIN 1FTFW1E89NFA12345") or general ("all equipment, inventory, and accounts").

The filing is effective for five years from the filing date. Before expiration, the secured party can file a UCC-3 Continuation Statement extending effectiveness for another five years. Continuation statements must be filed within six months before expiration. If no continuation is filed, the financing statement lapses, and the security interest becomes unperfected.

When a debt is paid or the security interest is otherwise terminated, the secured party should file a UCC-3 Termination Statement. Under NY UCC § 9-513, secured parties are required to send termination statements to debtors within 20 days after receiving written demand, once the secured obligation is satisfied. Failure to provide a termination statement can result in statutory damages.

The UCC search system at apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry provides real-time access to all active filings. When evaluating a business's financial condition or considering lending to a company, searching the UCC database reveals existing security interests and helps determine what collateral is already pledged. Buyers of business assets should always conduct UCC searches to identify secured creditors who may have claims against the assets being purchased.

How Judgments Affect Credit and Real Estate in New York

Judgments and liens have substantial impacts on credit ratings and real estate transactions, creating obstacles for debtors and complications for property buyers and lenders.

When a judgment is entered and docketed with a county clerk in New York, it becomes a lien on real property under CPLR § 5203. This means the judgment attaches to any real estate the debtor owns in that county, and any property they acquire while the judgment remains active. The lien does not require the judgment creditor to take additional action—it arises automatically from docketing.

In real estate transactions, judgment liens must be satisfied (paid) before clear title can be transferred to a buyer. Title insurance companies conducting pre-closing searches identify judgment liens against sellers and require them to be paid from closing proceeds or otherwise resolved before issuing title insurance. This gives judgment creditors significant leverage, as debtors often cannot sell or refinance property without addressing outstanding judgments.

If a property is sold or refinanced with an outstanding judgment lien, the lien typically must be paid from proceeds, with priority generally determined by the date of recording. First mortgages recorded before the judgment was docketed have priority and are paid first; the judgment lien is paid from remaining equity. If insufficient equity exists to satisfy the judgment, the creditor may agree to a partial payment or the debtor must negotiate a settlement.

Judgments also severely impact credit ratings. The three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—collect public record information including civil judgments. A judgment notation on a credit report can reduce credit scores by 100 points or more, making it difficult to obtain credit cards, loans, or favorable interest rates. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, judgments can remain on credit reports for seven years from the filing date, or longer if the judgment is renewed.

However, since 2017, the credit bureaus have voluntarily removed most civil judgment information from credit reports due to accuracy concerns, unless the judgment includes detailed personal identifying information. Despite this policy change, judgments remain public records discoverable through title searches and background checks, continuing to affect real estate transactions and some lending decisions.

Collecting on a Judgment in New York

Obtaining a judgment is only the first step in debt collection; judgment creditors must then use enforcement mechanisms to actually collect money from the debtor. New York provides numerous collection tools, subject to exemptions protecting debtors' essential assets.

Information Subpoena and Judgment Debtor Examination

Under CPLR § 5223, judgment creditors can serve an Information Subpoena on the debtor or third parties (banks, employers) to discover assets and income available for collection. This subpoena requires the recipient to provide detailed financial information under oath. Additionally, CPLR § 5221 allows creditors to compel the judgment debtor to appear for examination under oath regarding their finances. These discovery tools help creditors identify bank accounts, employment, real property, and other assets subject to enforcement.

Wage Garnishment

Wage garnishment (called income execution in New York) is governed by CPLR § 5231. Creditors can obtain an income execution directing the debtor's employer to withhold a portion of wages and remit it to the creditor. Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1673) limits garnishment to 25% of disposable earnings (after taxes) or the amount by which weekly wages exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less.

New York law provides additional protections. Under CPLR § 5231(d), the first $300 per week of income is exempt from garnishment for ordinary creditors (not child support or tax debts). For earnings above this amount, 10% can be garnished, subject to the federal 25% maximum. Judgment creditors must serve the income execution on the employer and provide notice to the debtor, who can object if the garnishment creates undue hardship.

Bank Levy

Under CPLR § 5232, judgment creditors can levy bank accounts by serving an execution on the bank holding the debtor's funds. The bank must freeze the account and hold available funds for the creditor. However, significant exemptions apply. Under CPLR § 5222-a, bank accounts containing direct deposits of exempt funds (Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits, unemployment, workers' compensation) are protected. The bank must review deposits from the preceding 45 days, and funds from exempt sources cannot be frozen. Additionally, debtors can claim exemptions for up to $3,600 in other bank account funds (adjusted periodically for inflation).

Property Execution and Sheriff Sales

Property execution under CPLR § 5230 allows judgment creditors to seize and sell the debtor's personal property to satisfy judgments. The creditor obtains an execution from the court and delivers it to the sheriff, who levies on (seizes) non-exempt personal property. The property is then sold at public auction, with proceeds applied to the judgment.

New York provides generous exemptions protecting essential property from execution. Under CPLR § 5205, exempt property includes: household furniture and appliances to $10,000; a motor vehicle to $4,400; wedding rings; necessary clothing; books, tools, and equipment needed for the debtor's occupation to $3,000; and various other items. These exemptions ensure debtors retain basic necessities.

Real Property Execution

For real property, judgment creditors can execute on the property through a foreclosure-type proceeding under CPLR § 5236. This is complex and expensive, typically requiring legal representation. New York's homestead exemption under CPLR § 5206 protects equity in a primary residence: $165,550 in counties outside New York City and surrounding suburbs; $90,825 in Kings, Queens, New York, Bronx, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam Counties (these figures are subject to adjustment). Equity above the exemption amount can be reached by judgment creditors, but the homestead exemption often makes residential property execution uneconomical except for large judgments.

Removing or Satisfying Liens and Judgments in New York

Debtors and property owners have several methods for removing liens and judgments, depending on the circumstances.

Satisfaction of Judgment

When a judgment is paid in full, the judgment creditor must file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court that entered the judgment and with any county clerk where the judgment was docketed. Under CPLR § 5020, the judgment creditor must deliver a satisfaction piece within 20 days after receiving written demand, once the judgment is satisfied. The satisfaction piece should be recorded with the county clerk to release the judgment lien from the debtor's real property.

If the creditor refuses or fails to file a satisfaction after payment, the debtor can move the court for an order directing satisfaction under CPLR § 5020(b). The court can also award the debtor costs and attorney's fees if the creditor unreasonably failed to provide the satisfaction.

Partial Satisfaction and Settlement

Judgment debtors often negotiate settlements for less than the full judgment amount. When the creditor accepts partial payment in full satisfaction, the agreement should be documented in writing, and the creditor should file a satisfaction of judgment acknowledging the debt is satisfied. Debtors should insist on receiving a filed satisfaction as part of any settlement agreement.

Vacating Judgments

Default judgments and other judgments can sometimes be vacated (set aside) through motions under CPLR § 5015. Grounds for vacating judgments include: mistake, excusable default, newly discovered evidence, fraud, or lack of jurisdiction. Vacating a judgment removes it entirely, eliminating the debt and releasing any resulting liens. However, courts grant these motions only when the moving party demonstrates both a reasonable excuse for default and a meritorious defense to the underlying claim.

Releasing Mechanic's Liens

For mechanic's liens, property owners can obtain release by paying the lienor, who then files a Discharge of Mechanic's Lien under Lien Law § 19. Alternatively, owners can bond over the lien by filing an undertaking (bond) with the county clerk in an amount sufficient to cover the lien plus interest and costs. This substitutes the bond for the property as security, allowing the property to be sold or refinanced while the underlying dispute is resolved. The lienor can then proceed against the bond rather than the property.

Statute of Limitations Defenses

While properly docketed judgments last ten years and can be renewed, the underlying statute of limitations may provide defenses in certain circumstances. For example, if a creditor attempts to collect on an extremely old judgment that was never properly renewed, the debtor may argue it is unenforceable. Additionally, if a creditor files a foreign judgment in New York after the issuing state's enforcement period expired, it may be unenforceable. These technical defenses require careful legal analysis and often benefit from attorney consultation.

Do-It-Yourself Resources for New York Residents

New York provides numerous resources for individuals handling judgment and lien matters without attorneys, though complex cases often benefit from legal representation.

The New York State Unified Court System operates a comprehensive self-help website at nycourts.gov/courthelp, offering guides, forms, and instructions for common legal procedures. The site includes specific resources for judgment enforcement, small claims matters, and debt collection defense.

Each of New York's 62 counties has a Supreme Court Help Center providing free assistance to self-represented litigants. These centers offer form help, procedural information, and general guidance, though they cannot provide legal advice or represent parties. Locations and contact information are available at nycourts.gov/courts.

The New York City Civil Court operates a comprehensive Help Center at 111 Centre Street in Manhattan, with satellite locations in each borough. The Help Center provides assistance with money judgment matters, including enforcement and satisfaction procedures.

For low-income New Yorkers, Legal Services NYC (legalservicesnyc.org) provides free civil legal assistance in all five boroughs. Outside New York City, local legal aid societies and legal services organizations offer similar assistance. The New York State Bar Association maintains a referral directory at nysba.org.

The New York State Department of State provides UCC filing forms and instructions at dos.ny.gov/ucc-division, including detailed guidance on completing and filing UCC documents.

Standard court forms are available through the court system's website, including: Satisfaction of Judgment (form EF-003), Information Subpoena (form EF-020), Income Execution (form EF-021), and various enforcement forms. County clerks also typically provide local forms for judgment searches and lien-related procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Judgments and Liens

How long does a judgment last in New York?

A money judgment in New York lasts for ten years from the date of entry under CPLR § 5203(a). Before expiration, the judgment creditor can renew the judgment for an additional ten years by filing a motion or affidavit under CPLR § 5014. This renewal process can be repeated indefinitely, meaning judgments can potentially remain enforceable for decades if properly renewed every ten years.

Can a judgment creditor garnish my wages in New York?

Yes, judgment creditors can garnish wages through income execution under CPLR § 5231, but significant limits apply. The first $300 per week of wages is exempt for ordinary creditors. Above that amount, creditors can garnish 10% of income, subject to the federal maximum of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less. Child support and tax debts face different, more permissive rules.

How do I find out if I have a judgment against me in New York?

Check multiple sources: (1) search the court system's WebCivil Supreme database at iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivil/etrackLogin for your name; (2) contact or search online databases of county clerk offices in counties where you've lived or owned property; (3) obtain your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com, which may show judgments (though many are no longer reported); (4) if you receive collection notices or garnishment paperwork, these indicate judgments have been entered.

What is the difference between a judgment and a lien?

A judgment is a court's decision that you owe money to a creditor. A lien is a legal claim against property securing payment of a debt. In New York, when a money judgment is docketed with the county clerk under CPLR § 5203, it automatically creates a judgment lien against your real property in that county. However, not all liens arise from judgments—tax liens