Winning a judgment in court is a significant achievement, but it’s not the end of the story. Many people mistakenly believe that once a judgment is issued, they have unlimited time to collect on it. That’s not the case. Like many legal matters, judgments are subject to time limits — and if you miss those deadlines, your right to collect may expire.
If you’ve secured a judgment but haven’t yet been paid, it’s critical to understand how long you have to enforce it, how to renew it if necessary, and how to keep it active so you don’t lose your chance at recovery.
Let’s break down how long a judgment lasts, how enforcement works over time, and what to do if the deadline is approaching.
The Judgment Lifespan: It Depends on the State
Each state has its own laws regarding the lifespan of a judgment. In most jurisdictions, a judgment remains enforceable for 5 to 20 years, with 10 years being common in many states.
Here are a few examples:
- California: 10 years, renewable for another 10
- New York: 20 years
- Texas: 10 years, must be renewed before expiration
- Florida: 20 years for enforcement
- Illinois: 7 years, renewable
If you’re not sure of your state’s rules, a judgment collection attorney can help you determine the exact time frame and the procedures for keeping your judgment enforceable.
What Happens When a Judgment Expires?
Once a judgment expires under state law, you lose your legal ability to enforce it. That means:
- You can’t garnish wages
- You can’t seize bank accounts
- You can’t place liens on property
- You can’t take any legal action to collect
In some cases, courts may allow expired judgments to be revived, but that usually requires meeting strict conditions, such as proving the delay was due to fraud or misconduct. In most cases, expiration means the judgment becomes worthless.
Renewing a Judgment: Don’t Miss the Deadline
Fortunately, many states allow you to renew a judgment before it expires. The renewal process generally involves:
- Filing an application or motion for renewal with the court
- Notifying the debtor that the judgment has been renewed
- Updating the judgment lien if applicable
The new period typically starts from the date of renewal — meaning you may get another 5, 10, or even 20 years to enforce.
Important: Renewal Must Be Timely
In most states, you must renew before the judgment expires. Waiting even one day too long could cost you your right to collect. That’s why it’s critical to track the judgment’s expiration date and plan well in advance.
What About Judgment Liens?
If you’ve recorded a judgment lien on the debtor’s real estate, it may also have an expiration period — usually shorter than the judgment itself.
For example, in many states:
- A judgment lasts 10 years
- A judgment lien lasts only 5 years, but can be re-recorded
If the debtor tries to sell or refinance their property, your lien can help you get paid — but only if it’s still active.
An attorney can ensure your lien stays valid and that you’re in a position to collect when the debtor’s assets become available.
Why Many Creditors Miss Out on Collection
Even with valid judgments, creditors often fail to collect due to:
- Lack of awareness about expiration dates
- Inactivity during the judgment period
- Failure to renew in time
- Assumption that the debtor is permanently judgment-proof
But people’s financial situations change. A debtor who was broke in 2020 may get a job, buy property, or receive an inheritance in 2025. If your judgment has expired by then, you’ll miss the opportunity to collect.
That’s why it’s wise to treat every judgment as a long-term asset — one that requires maintenance and strategic monitoring.
Keeping the Judgment Active
To ensure you don’t lose your judgment to time, follow these steps:
- Track the expiration date — Set reminders months in advance.
- Renew proactively — Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Monitor the debtor’s situation — Watch for changes in employment, property ownership, or business activity.
- Re-record liens as needed — Especially if the debtor owns real estate.
- Take periodic enforcement actions — This keeps pressure on the debtor and shows you’re serious.
Judgments can often be renewed indefinitely, as long as you act on time.
How a Judgment Collection Attorney Can Help
A judgment collection attorney is more than just someone who enforces court orders — they’re a long-term partner in managing your legal claim. They can:
- Track key deadlines for expiration and renewal
- File the necessary paperwork to maintain or renew your judgment
- Identify enforcement opportunities during the judgment period
- Advise you when to pursue aggressive collection vs. strategic waiting
- Keep you informed of the debtor’s financial changes
With professional guidance, your judgment remains more than just a piece of paper — it becomes an enforceable right that stays alive and active until you’re paid.
Final Thoughts
A judgment is a powerful legal tool — but it’s not permanent unless you take action. Every state has deadlines, and letting them pass can mean losing everything you worked to win in court.
Whether your judgment is new or several years old, now is the time to review its status, consider renewal, and map out a strategy for enforcement. With careful planning and legal support, you can keep your judgment alive — and turn it into real financial recovery when the time is right. We recommend Judgement Collection Attorney.
