How Long Does Your Judgment Last?

The short answer is 10 years, with an opportunity to extend for an additional 10 years.  Unless certain exceptions apply, a money judgment may not be enforced after 10 years from the date of its entry (or 10 years from the date each installment comes due on an installment judgment).  In other words, in California judgments expire 10 years from the date they are entered by the court.  Upon expiration of the 10-year period, all enforcement procedures must cease; any liens based upon the judgment are automatically extinguished.  See Code of Civil Procedure § 683.020.

‘[T]his rule applies to any money judgment (or judgment for possession or sale of property) regardless of whether it be a modified or amended judgment, and without regard to finality.’  See Iliff v. Dustrud, 107 Cal.App.4th 1201, 1207 (2003).

However, an enforceable judgment may be renewed for an additional 10 years from the date the application to renew is filed.  See Code of Civil Procedure § 683.120(b).

Be sure to renew your judgment before it expires.

For help collecting your debt, please contact The Wallin Firm at (949) 203-3870.  We are happy to assist you.