Guide
Ohio Judgments & Liens Search at a Glance
In Ohio, money judgments come from the courts of common pleas and the municipal and county courts. A judgment becomes a lien on the debtor's land in a county when a certificate of judgment is filed with the clerk of the court of common pleas of that county. UCC financing statements are filed with the Ohio 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 Ohio
Ohio has a court of common pleas in each of its 88 counties, and each county's clerk of courts keeps the civil cases and the certificates of judgment filed there. The Supreme Court of Ohio lists the trial courts of every county with their local rules.
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Where liens are recorded in Ohio
A judgment of any court of general jurisdiction in Ohio, federal district courts included, is a lien on the debtor's lands and tenements in a county from the time a certificate of the judgment is filed with the clerk of the court of common pleas of that county (R.C. 2329.02). A mechanics lien affidavit is filed for record with the county recorder within 60 days after the last work or materials for a one or two family dwelling or a residential condominium unit, and within 75 days in most other cases (R.C. 1311.06).
Guide
Ohio UCC filings
UCC financing statements are filed with the Ohio Secretary of State, whose UCC online services file and amend financing statements, search lien records and order official search certificates.
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How long a judgment lien lasts in Ohio
A judgment that is not in favor of the state becomes dormant, and stops being a lien, unless within five years of the judgment or its last renewal an execution issues, a certificate of judgment is filed, a garnishment is issued or continuing, or a proceeding in aid of execution is under way (R.C. 2329.07). A dormant judgment can be revived only within ten years after it became dormant (R.C. 2325.18).
Guide
Finding the debtor's assets after judgment in Ohio
Ohio's procedure is the proceeding in aid of execution in R.C. Chapter 2333. Under R.C. 2333.09 a judgment creditor is entitled to an order for the examination of a judgment debtor concerning his property, income or other means of satisfying the judgment upon proof by affidavit that the judgment is unpaid in whole or in part. The order comes from a common pleas or probate judge in the county of the judgment or of the debtor's residence, and it requires the debtor to appear and answer concerning his property before the judge or a referee.
Two court files may already hold the answers. An Ohio divorce file is public under Sup.R. 11.10, formerly Sup.R. 45(A), except for the sworn affidavits and appraisals confidential under Sup.R. 11.09(C)(2)(h), formerly Sup.R. 44(C)(2)(h), so the decree and the separation agreement show who received each asset even though the sworn inventory is withheld. A bankruptcy file in the Northern or Southern District lists deposit accounts by institution and the employer by name. The Ohio asset search page covers both.
Guide
Court forms and self-help in Ohio
The Supreme Court of Ohio's access to justice resources include Keys to the Courtroom, a guide to court procedure for people representing themselves in a civil case.
Guide
Federal & National Authoritative Sources
By state
Judgments and liens in other states
Straight answers
Ohio Judgments & Liens Search, questions
How long is a judgment lien enforceable in Ohio?
In Ohio, a money judgment is enforceable as a lien for 15 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 Ohio statute.
What is the deadline for filing a mechanics lien in Ohio?
In Ohio, a mechanics lien (also called a construction or materialman's lien) must generally be filed within 120 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: Ohio statute.
What property is protected from judgment creditors in Ohio?
Ohio protects a homestead, the debtor's primary residence, up to $161,375 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 Ohio?
UCC-1 financing statements for personal-property collateral in Ohio are filed with the Secretary of State (or equivalent state filing office). Open the official Ohio 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.