In California, if you're the person owed money (the creditor), you can place a judgment lien on the debtor's real estate or personal property. Prepare an Abstract of Judgment to place a lien on real estate and enforce debt payment with our step-by-step guides.If your judgment is against a business, you can record a lien with the Secretary of State's office. To do this, fill out a JL-1. If the Judgment Debtor owns real estate, you can place a lien on their property. 2010 California Code Code of Civil Procedure Article 2. This guide provides an overview of methods to enforce a judgment in California, after you have won a civil or small claims lawsuit. Superior Court (2013) 217 Cal. App. If there is equity in the property sold. As part of a judgment, the court orders one party (the debtor) to pay money to another (the creditor).