Take the Abstract of Judgment and a copy to the county recorder's office in the county where you think the debtor owns real estate. There is a recording fee.Prepare an Abstract of Judgment to place a lien on real estate and enforce debt payment with our step-by-step guides. Tells you that a lien can be placed on any real property (like a house) that you own now or in the future, as long as you owe support. 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. When a judgment lien is placed on the property you own, it acts as an assurance that you'll pay the amount owed. D.C. Code § 15-103. FLORIDA. A judgment lien on real or personal property expires after 20 years. Fla. Stat. Not all states allow judgment liens on personal property, so be sure to check the laws that apply in your area before filing a lien. In California, there's a process to attach the lien to the real property.