Judgment Liens on Property in Alabama (2024)

In Alabama, a property lien can be used to collect a court judgment. Here's how it works.

In a civil court case, after a judge or jury hands down a verdict -- or after a court-approved settlement -- a judgment is entered by the court. As part of a typical judgment, the court orders the payment of money from one person to another. But the person who owes the money (the debtor) doesn't always pay up. A judgment lien is one way to ensure that the person who won the judgment (the creditor) gets what he or she is owed. A judgment lien gives the creditor the right to be paid a certain amount of money from proceeds from the sale of the debtor's property.

So how do judgment liens work in Alabama? Read on to understand the rules. (For more background information on liens on property and judgments in general, check out Nolo's articles Collect Your Court Judgment with a Real Estate Lien and Can You Collect Your Judgment?)

What kind of property is subject to a judgment lien under Alabama law?

In Alabama, a judgment lien can be attached to the debtor's real estate -- meaning a house, condo, land, or similar kind of property interest -- or to the debtor's personal property -- things like jewelry, art, antiques, and other valuables.

How does a creditor go about getting a judgment lien in Alabama?

To attach the lien, the creditor registers the judgment with the office of probate court in any Alabama county where the debtor owns property now or may own property in the future.

How long does a judgment lien last in Alabama?

A judgment lien in Alabama will remain attached to the debtor's property (even if the property changes hands) for ten years.

Keep in mind: In Alabama, a creditor's ability to collect under a judgment lien will be affected by a number of factors -- including a fixed amount of value that won't be touchable if the property is the debtor's primary residence (called a homestead exemption), other liens that may be in place, and any foreclosure or bankruptcy proceedings. If things get complicated, you may want to talk with an experienced Alabama bankruptcy and debt attorney to help you sort out any lien issues.

Where can I look up Alabama law on judgment liens?

If you want to go right to the source and look up Alabama laws on judgment liens -- maybe you're a party to a judgment, or you're just researching potential encumbrances on property -- the relevant statute(s) can be found at Alabama Code Sections 6-9-210 to 211. For tips on looking up Alabama state laws, check out Nolo's Laws and Legal Research section.

Judgment Liens on Property in Alabama (2024)

FAQs

What is the statute of limitations on a Judgement lien in Alabama? ›

In Alabama, a creditor can place a judgment lien on your real property (or your personal property or vehicle) in order to collect the judgment, and it will remain attached to your real property for 10 years, even if you sell the property.

How do I get rid of a lien on my property in Alabama? ›

Lien stripping is a powerful tool. It allows you to remove junior liens on your home (the second or third mortgage, HELOCs and home equity loans) if they are not secured by the value of the value of the home. You can use lien stripping in Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Alabama, as you can in other states.

Is there a statute of limitations on property liens in Alabama? ›

Statute of limitations: 1 year. According to contract terms. According to contract terms. If no terms, within 7 days after notice.

Can a Judgement lien be placed on jointly owned property in Alabama? ›

If the married couple or joint owners of a property do not have a tenancy by the entireties title, any lien can attach to the person's interest in the property. Whether it's judgment or confessed judgment, the lien will attach to the homeowner's interest, making the lienor a co-owner of the property.

Do Judgements expire in Alabama? ›

A judgment cannot be revived after 20 years. Ala. Code § 6-9-190. Judgments are valid until satisfied or discharged; however, when a period of five years lapses, the judgment holder must file a motion with the court and prove sufficient cause for failure to obtain a writ of execution.

What happens if a defendant does not pay a judgment in Alabama? ›

If the defendant denies owing part or all of the money sued for, the Court will send a notice to the parties setting a trial date. To prepare for the trial, be sure to get together all papers that might help your case.

Do liens expire in Alabama? ›

Once the lien has arisen, it will continue until the liability for the amount assessed is satisfied, released or becomes unenforceable by reason of lapse of time (i.e. 10 years from the date the lien is filed) (Code Sections 40-1-2, 40-29-20, and 49-29-21).

How do you get around a lien on a house? ›

There are three main ways to remove a lien from your property's records:
  1. Negotiate with the contractor who placed the lien (the "lienor" to remove it.
  2. Obtain a lien bond to discharge the lien, or.
  3. File a lawsuit to vacate the lien.

How is a lien terminated? ›

How is a lien terminated? Payment of the debt that is the subject of the lien and recording of the satisfaction.

What is a limitation on liens? ›

The limitation on liens covenant, specifically, minimizes the Issuer's ability to issue secured debt that would rank superior or equal to payment due under the indenture. Typically, issuers are restricted from issuing secured debt, unless the issuer also secures the high yield bonds with the same collateral.

What is the statute 35 11 210 in Alabama? ›

ALABAMA CODE § 35-11-210 provides that a lien can be claimed for work, labor or material constituting an improvement. The scope of the term “improvement” is left for determination on a case by case basis.

What is the lien law in Alabama? ›

Alabama mechanics lien law requires that a mechanic's lien be enforced within 6 months from the date the entire amount became due. If this 6-month period passes without an action being filed to enforce the lien, the lien expires. This period is the same time period in which a prime contractor's lien must be filed.

What property is exempt from creditors in Alabama? ›

Personal Property Exemption = value of your cars (minus any money owed), bank accounts, and any other personal property you own. All exemption amounts double if you are married and own property jointly.

How long can a debt collector try to collect in Alabama? ›

Your creditor must file a collection lawsuit to collect your debt within six years from the time you defaulted. Otherwise, your debt will be time-barred.

Can I put a lien on my ex husband's house? ›

Yes. In a divorce settlement, to protect property interests, a spouse may place a lien on community property to ensure their financial interests in the property are protected.

How do I vacate a Judgement in Alabama? ›

There are only a few grounds on which a court can vacate a judgment. Rule 60 of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure lists them: Mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect. Newly discovered evidence that could not have been discovered before the judgment was entered.

What is the offer of judgment rule in Alabama? ›

Offer of judgment.

At any time more than fifteen (15) days before the trial begins, a party defending against a claim may serve upon the adverse party an offer to allow judgment to be taken against the defending party for the money or property or to the effect specified in the offer, with costs then accrued.

Can a Judgement be renewed after it expires in Alabama? ›

In Alabama, money judgements last up to 20 years (Ala. Code § 6-9-190). But judgments are generally only enforceable for 10 years (Ala. Code § 6-9-191), and then they're renewed for another 10 years if the judgment debtor still hasn't paid the debt.

How do I get rid of Judgement? ›

Removing A Judgment from Your Record

There are only three ways in which a judgment can be made to go away: paying the debt, vacating the judgment or discharging the debt through bankruptcy.

Can you negotiate after a Judgement? ›

Negotiate With the Judgment Creditor

It's never too late to negotiate. The process of trying to grab property to pay a judgment can be quite time-consuming and burdensome for a judgment creditor.

How does a Judgement affect you? ›

A judgment is a court order that is the decision in a lawsuit. If a judgment is entered against you, a debt collector will have stronger tools, like garnishment, to collect the debt.

What is a property lien in Alabama? ›

A lien is a claim that is usually recorded, against a piece of property or against an owner, in order to satisfy a debt or other obligation. The purpose of the lien is to enable the lienholder or creditor to institute an action to foreclose his lien. This means that the property can be sold by the creditor.

Is Alabama a deed or lien state? ›

Alabama is a tax lien state that pays a rate of up to 12% interest on tax lien certificates. When you purchase a tax lien certificate, you invest directly with the county, and you're paid by the county. You get all of your money back plus the interest when the property owner comes in to pay the tax lien.

What is a release of lien in the state of Alabama? ›

The Alabama Release of Lien Form is used to cancel a lien that has already been filed. It's most often used to release a lien claim after a lien claimant receives payment. Alabama law requires that a lien cancellation is filed within 30 days after the lien is satisfied.

How do you negotiate to remove a lien? ›

Pay off the lien: The best way to make a lien disappear is to pay back the lien holder. Be sure to confirm that the lien has actually been removed. Negotiate the lien: If you aren't able to pay back the lien holder in full, you may be able to negotiate a partial payment or a payment plan in exchange for a lien release.

How do you get around a lien? ›

When a lien is bonded off, a payment bond is available to pay off the lien. This provides a guarantee for payment to the construction firm and allows the property owner to be able to sell, finance or transfer the property without fear of a lien on the title.

What type of lien occurs when someone loses a lawsuit and a judgment is placed against real property to pay for the judgment? ›

A judgment lien is any lien placed on the defendant's assets as a result of a court judgment. If a lien were placed on a home, the judgment creditor could then seek to foreclose on the property, in the same way a mortgage holder such as a bank could foreclose if it were not paid.

Does a lien affect credit score? ›

While liens don't show up on your credit report, not paying debt can negatively affect your credit scores. And that could make it harder to qualify for loans and credit in the future.

What is a lien example? ›

A lien is often granted when an individual takes out a loan from a bank to purchase an asset. For example, if an individual purchases a vehicle, the seller would be paid using the borrowed funds from the bank. In turn, the bank would be granted a lien on the vehicle.

What is the difference between a lien and a UCC filing? ›

A UCC filing, also known as a UCC lien or a UCC-1, is a financing statement which lenders can file against your business with your secretary of state. When you take out a secured loan, the lender may file a lien to protect the asset(s) you committed to secure financing.

What are the conditions of lien? ›

Conditions for Exercising Lien

The goods for which this right is to be executed has to be possessed by the creditor who exercises it. There has to be a lawful debt due to the person in possession of the goods by the owner. There should not be any contract to the contract.

What is a permitted lien? ›

'Permitted Liens' means, with respect to any Person: 1. pledges or deposits by such Person under workmen's compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in. connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness)

What is a negative pledge limitation on liens? ›

A negative pledge provision protects the lender by prohibiting the borrower from granting a lien or a security interest to another creditor which would: Reduce the amount of security or collateral available to the lender.

What is Alabama statute 13A 11 8 a? ›

Section 13A-11-8 - Harassment or harassing communications (a) (1) HARASSMENT. A person commits the crime of harassment if, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, he or she either: a. Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise touches a person or subjects him or her to physical contact.

What is Alabama statute 13A 10 40? ›

A person commits the crime of bail jumping in the second degree if, having been lawfully released from custody, with or without bail, upon condition that he/she will subsequently appear at a specified time and place in connection with a charge of his/her having committed any Class C felony or any misdemeanor, he/she ...

What is Alabama statute 13A 11 72? ›

A person commits the crime of certain persons forbidden to possess a pistol if he/she owns a pistol or has one in his/her possession or under his/her control and is a minor, a drug addict, or an habitual drunkard.

What is a notice of unpaid lien in Alabama? ›

An Alabama NOI, also referred to as a Notice of Unpaid Balance, is required by all claimants who didn't contract directly with the owner prior to filling a Statement of Lien. The only exception to this rule is material suppliers who have provided a Notice to Owner prior to furnishing any materials to the project.

Who can file a lien in Alabama? ›

There are Two Different Types of Mechanic's Liens in Alabama

Only certain parties are allowed to file a full-price lien, which includes an original contractor who has a direct contract with the owner and materialmen who have furnished the owner with a required preliminary notice before supplying any material.

What is a notice of claim of lien in Alabama? ›

In Alabama, a mechanics lien is called a Statement of Lien and it may be filed by any party who has not been paid for construction work on a project. This document is used to help contractors, suppliers, and others that work in the construction industry to get paid the money they've earned on their projects in Alabama.

What is chapter 7 exempt property in Alabama? ›

Real Property Exemptions: The Alabama Homestead Exemption

Depending on how much equity you have, the Alabama homestead exemption may allow you to keep your home in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The homestead exemption in Alabama can be used to protect real estate, like a home and the land it sits on, or a mobile home.

Can a creditor take my house Alabama? ›

If you do not own very much or if you do not earn very much, even with a court judgment creditors will not be able to seize any of your property or wages. Creditors can never seize wages or property before a judgment, nor can they send you to jail or send your children to foster care.

How long do creditors have to file a claim against an estate in Alabama? ›

You are not allowed to pay any debts of the Decedent unless a written claim is filed in Court. Creditors have six months from the date the Estate is opened to file a claim with the Court; however, if you fail to timely give the “notice” discussed in paragraph 4 above, this time may be extended.

What is the statute of limitations on a Judgement in Alabama? ›

Judgments are presumed satisfied ten years after entry or last execution. See Ala. Code § 6-9-191 (1975). A judgment may be revived one time, but a judgment cannot be revived after the lapse of twenty years from its entry.

How long is a judgment valid in Alabama? ›

A judgment cannot be revived after 20 years. Ala. Code § 6-9-190. Judgments are valid until satisfied or discharged; however, when a period of five years lapses, the judgment holder must file a motion with the court and prove sufficient cause for failure to obtain a writ of execution.

What are 3 actions that debt collectors are not allowed to take when collecting from you? ›

They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take. They also cannot make repeated calls over a short period to annoy or harass you. Debt collectors cannot make false or misleading statements.

Can my ex husband sell our house without my signature? ›

Get Permission From Your Ex – This may seem obvious, but if your ex is on the deed to your home, you can't sell it without them signing off. It doesn't matter if you live in the house, or if they've verbally agreed the house is all yours.

Can my ex boyfriend put a lien on my house? ›

No, only an actual licensed contractor can directly put a contractor's lien on a home. What he can do is sue you, however, if there was an agreement that you would pay him for his labor and you don't pay.

Can the IRS put a lien on my spouse's house? ›

Those states include California, Texas, Idaho, Arizona, Washington, Nevada, Wisconsin, New Mexico and Louisiana. These are community property states, so the government usually considers all debts and assets in a marriage to be held jointly, which means both spouse's could be affected by a tax lien on just one of them.

How long does a lien last in Alabama? ›

How long does a judgment lien last in Alabama? A judgment lien in Alabama will remain attached to the debtor's property (even if the property changes hands) for ten years.

What type of lien arises as a result of a Judgement? ›

A judicial lien is created when a court grants a creditor an interest in the debtor's property, after a court judgment.

What are the different types of liens in Alabama? ›

The Alabama Mechanics Lien Statute provides for two types of liens: an “unpaid balance” and a “full price” lien.

What is the statute of limitations on debt collection in Alabama? ›

The length of time that debt collectors have to chase you down regarding debt depends on the type of debt it is: If you owe state tax debt, the statute of limitation is 10 years. If you owe credit card or auto loan debt, the statute is 3-4 years. Medical debt and mortgage debt don't run out until 6 years later.

How long before a debt becomes uncollectible? ›

The statute of limitations on debt in California is four years, as stated in the state's Code of Civil Procedure § 337, with the clock starting to tick as soon as you miss a payment.

What is a renewed motion for judgment? ›

In the United States courts, renewed judgment as a matter of law is a party's second chance at a judgment as a matter of law (JMOL) motion. Renewed JMOL is decided after a jury has returned its verdict, and is a motion to have that verdict altered.

What is true about judgment liens? ›

A judgment lien is a court ruling that gives a creditor the right to take possession of a debtor's property if the debtor fails to fulfill their contractual obligations. Judgment liens are nonconsensual because they are attached to property without the owner's consent or agreement.

What is the difference between judgment lien and Judgement? ›

The easy definition is that a judgment is an official decision rendered by the court with regard to a civil matter. A judgment lien, sometimes referred to as an “abstract of judgment,” is an involuntary lien that is filed to give constructive notice and is to attach to the Judgment Debtor's property and/or assets.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6218

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.