A judgment lien can be attached to the debtor's real estate meaning a house, condo, land, or similar kind of property interest. The Real Property Department records documents pertaining to real property or real estate in Harris County.To place a judgment lien, you or your attorney file an abstract of judgment (AJ) in any county where the defendant owns nonexempt property. Before you pursue this remedy, you should determine whether the debtor has non-exempt property. Information about Justice Court Suits and Civil Cases in the Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts. A judgment lien is security for the judgment debt. To obtain the lien, you will need her to sign a deed of trust. If she refuses, you will have to file suit. So will file an abstract in every county that we think there may be property to be had in the future. When a contractor successfully forecloses on a mechanics lien or wins any civil lawsuit, they walk out of court with a judgment.