Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

A judgment lien is perfected on real property by the recordation of an abstract of judgment. If the transfer to you occurred prior to the judgment, no liens will automatically attach.

With that said, however, it is important to point out that your mother's transfer to you in anticipation of a lawsuit may trigger application of the California's Fraudulent Transfer Act.

I agree with Mr. Roach that if the quitclaim occurred before the judgment, the judgment will not attach to the property. I am not sure if I agree that there is a Fraudulent Transfer Act issue, because your question contains contradictions. If she "gifted" it to you, then it was a fraudulent transfer and the judgment creditor will be able to set the quitclaim deed aside and come after the property. If she sold it to you for fair market value, then it is not a fraudulent transfer.

What I see as a concern is that as all this starts sorting itself out, the lender will get wind that she no longer owns the house. That will trigger a due on sale clause for the mortgage. So you better find financing of your own right away.