Winning a judgment is an important legal victory, but it’s only part of the story. After a judgment is entered, creditors often wonder: How long does a judgment last? And, more importantly, can it be renewed or extended to maximize collection chances?
Understanding the lifespan of a judgment and the renewal process is crucial to protecting your rights and increasing the likelihood of recovery. This post explains the typical time limits, renewal options, and strategic considerations.
How Long Does a Judgment Last?
Judgment enforcement periods vary by state but generally fall between 5 and 20 years. During this period, you can take legal action to collect the debt through garnishments, levies, liens, or other enforcement tools.
If you do nothing, however, your judgment may expire and become unenforceable.
For example:
- In California, judgments are enforceable for 10 years and can be renewed.
- In Texas, the enforcement period is 10 years.
- Some states like Florida allow enforcement for 20 years before renewal.
Because the rules differ significantly, you should verify the applicable statute of limitations in your state or the state where the judgment was entered.
What Happens When a Judgment Expires?
Once the statute of limitations for enforcement runs out, the judgment becomes a legal dead letter. You can no longer use court enforcement methods to collect the debt.
At that point:
- You can’t garnish wages or levy bank accounts.
- You can’t place liens or seize property.
- The debtor may refuse payment with impunity.
That’s why it’s vital to act before your judgment expires.
Can Judgments Be Renewed?
In most states, the answer is yes. Renewal extends the life of your judgment and allows you to continue collection efforts.
The renewal process usually involves:
- Filing a motion or application with the court.
- Providing notice to the debtor.
- Showing the judgment remains unpaid.
- Paying any required filing fees.
Renewal must occur before the original judgment expires, often within a narrow window—sometimes just a few months before expiration.
How Many Times Can You Renew a Judgment?
This depends on your jurisdiction. Some states allow multiple renewals, effectively keeping the judgment alive for decades.
Other states limit renewals or require new lawsuits after a certain period.
Why Renewing a Judgment Is Smart
Even if you’re not immediately pursuing enforcement, renewal:
- Protects your right to collect in the future.
- Keeps liens and other claims valid.
- Maintains your priority over other creditors.
Because debtors’ financial situations often change, a judgment that seems uncollectible today might become payable years later.
Strategic Tips for Judgment Renewal
- Mark your calendar: Track expiration and renewal deadlines carefully.
- Act early: Don’t wait until the last minute to file renewal paperwork.
- Consult an attorney: Renewal processes can be tricky and vary widely.
- Combine renewal with enforcement: If possible, file for renewal while simultaneously pursuing collection actions.
Conclusion: Keep Your Judgment Alive
Your judgment is valuable—but only if it’s enforceable. Knowing how long it lasts and how to renew it is essential for maximizing recovery.
If you have an unpaid judgment, don’t let time run out. Contact a judgment collection attorney to ensure your rights are protected and your judgment remains enforceable as long as possible. We recommend Judgement Collection Attorney.
