California Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is the final decision made by a court at the end of a lawsuit. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of those involved in the case. In California, judgments typically arise from issues related to finances, family law, or property disputes, and they can have lasting effects, including wage garnishment, liens, and impacts on credit scores. Once a judgment is issued, it becomes legally binding and can result in significant repercussions, such as wage garnishment, property liens, or negative credit reporting.

What Is a Judgment in California?

According to Sections 577 to 582 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, a judgment is the final decision regarding the rights of the parties involved in a case or legal proceeding. Judgment can be issued for or against one or more plaintiffs or defendants.

Additionally, if the situation calls for it, the judgment can clarify the ultimate rights of the parties on each side in relation to each other. In cases involving multiple defendants, the court has the authority to issue a judgment against one or more defendants. However, the case will continue against the remaining defendants whenever a separate judgment is appropriate.

Once entered, judgments carry legal weight and can significantly affect a person’s finances and property rights. In any judgment, or when executing that judgment, the total amount must be calculated and expressed in dollars and cents. A judgment may also require one party to transfer property or stop specific actions. Judgments are enforceable by law and remain in effect until satisfied or expired.

Types of Judgments in California

California courts issue various types of judgments depending on the nature of the case:

1. Money Judgment

A money judgment is when a court orders one party to pay a certain amount to another. This type of judgment is commonly used in cases involving debt collection, contract disputes, or personal injury claims.

2. Default Judgments

A default judgment happens when a defendant does not respond to a lawsuit or show up in court. In these situations, the plaintiff automatically wins the case. The judgment contains what the plaintiff asked for in the lawsuit.

3. Summary Judgment

This is granted when there is no genuine dispute over the key facts of the case. It allows the court to rule in favor of one party without a full trial.

4. Consent Judgments

This judgment is issued when both parties in a dispute agree to the terms of a proposed settlement.

How to Search for Judgments in California

In California, judgment records are considered public information. Interested persons can access records in several ways:

1. Superior Court Clerk’s Offices – Each county Superior Court maintains judgment records. Individuals can visit the clerk’s office in person to search records or request certified copies.
2. Online Court Portals – Many California counties provide online access to civil and family court records. Users can search using the case number, the names of the parties involved, or the date of the judgment.
3. California Courts Online Services – The state’s centralized website connects to individual county portals where you can find information about cases and judgments..
4. Third-Party Services – Paid providers provide access to judgment records statewide. While these platforms can provide extensive records, they might not always have the latest data. Although third-party websites can be cheaper, users need to verify that these sites are regularly updated.

Judgment records typically display:

• Case number
• Parties involved
• Court location
• Judgment date
• Amount owed or type of relief granted.

Judgment Records in Major California Cities

California’s large population means each county court system manages a significant volume of cases. Accessing judgment records may vary slightly:

• Los Angeles (Los Angeles County): The Los Angeles Superior Court is the biggest trial court in the country. You can look up records online using the Court’s Case Access system or visit the courthouse kiosks in person.
• San Francisco (San Francisco County):San Francisco Superior Court has public terminals available at the courthouse as well as limited online access for specific types of cases.
• San Diego (San Diego County): The San Diego Superior Court allows online searches through its Register of Actions system. Additionally, you can obtain detailed or certified judgment records from the clerk’s office.

Although many counties in California have similar processes for obtaining records, the fees, search tools, and online access can differ. To get the most precise instructions, it's best to check the official Superior Court website for each county.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in California?

In California, most judgments last for 10 years. This means you cannot enforce the judgment after 10 years. To avoid this, you can ask the court to renew the judgment. A renewal is also valid for 10 years. However, you do not need a renewal for family law judgments. Family law judgments, such as a divorce decree, do not expire.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in California?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors and debtors must deal with the legal and financial outcomes:

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: If you know where the debtor works, you can try to collect money straight from their paycheck.
• Property Liens: If the debtor has real estate, you can place a lien on their property. This involves submitting a form to the county to inform the public that the person owes you money. A lien on the property means that if it gets sold or refinanced, you will receive payment.
• Bank Levies: You can also request seizure of funds directly from the debtor’s bank account with a court order.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Judgments usually show up on credit reports, which can greatly lower credit scores and make it harder to get loans or housing.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: After a debt is paid, the creditor is required to submit a “Satisfaction of Judgment” document to the court to show that the debt has been settled.
• Appeal or Motion to Vacate: If a debtor thinks the judgment was a mistake, they can appeal the ruling or ask for the judgment to be canceled, especially in cases of default judgments.