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.Bring the Abstract of Judgment to the small claims court clerk. The clerk will certify it. On page 1, fill in the address for the court you are filing at. A) Contra Costa has 3 courts and you can look up which one you are supposed to. Need to file a mechanics lien in Contra Costa County? Here's what you need to know to record your lien with the Contra Costa County Recorder. A judgment lien affects real estate you own in the county where the creditor records the lien, or where the court enters the judgment. Court Collections Unit.