You can put a lien on that property so that if they ever sell or refinance the property you might get paid. To do this, you first need an Abstract of Judgment.A simple rule of thumb is to record a lien in the county where the judgment debtor resides or does business. This guide has basic information about. California laws establish the process for the judgment creditor to begin collecting the money through a judgment lien connected to your real estate. If there is equity in the property sold. Before beginning foreclosure, the lender must conduct a title search to identify liens and other encumbrances that affect title to the real property. Judicial foreclosure. A judgment lien is a courtsanctioned claim imposed on a debtor's property when they lose a case and owe money to the plaintiff. If there is equity in the property sold.