Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

You record an "Abstract of Judgment" in the county recorder's office of the county in which the house is located.

You need to request an Abstract of Judgment from the court. In some small claims courts, they have a small claims adviser's office that will show you how to complete the form. Sometimes the court clerk will help you fill it out, but the form is available online or at the clerk's office. They charge a small fee to certify and issue the document.

Once you have the original abstract, you can file with the county recorder's office. If the judgment debtor owns any property in that county, you will have a lien on it. You can record the document in as many counties as you wish.