In Illinois, a court judgment must first be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the property is located. The creditor must file those papers with the county recorder's office in order to obtain a judgment lien.In Illinois, a property lien can be used to collect a court judgment. Here's how it works. The judgment must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the debtor's real estate is located. Download and complete Small Claims Complaint from the Illinois Office of the Courts. First, you have to weigh the amount of your judgment against the costs you will incur to place a judgment lien on the property. You will have to send a copy of the motion to the other party in the case, and then show up in court for a hearing. For a lien to be properly perfected, Illinois requires the recording of a memorandum or certified copy of the lien in the county recorder's office. They will then fill out the Proof of Service section on the Small Claims. Summons.