The creditor with a judgment must give you notice of your right to protect your property. Judgments don't appear on your credit report and don't affect your credit score.But judgments may impact your ability to qualify for credit. A judgment is a decree or order of the court. A judgment in which an award of money damages is ordered (a money judgment) has the following effect on the party. If they win their case, a court will issue a judgment against you which gives the creditor the ability to file a lien in the public records. Filing claim of lien on real property. (a) Place of Filing. According to North Carolina lien law, a judgment lien remains attached to the property of the debtor for 10 years. Judgment and most statutory liens have a negative impact on your credit score and report, which affect your ability to obtain financing in the future.