A simple rule of thumb is to record a lien in the county where the judgment debtor resides or does business. 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. If there is equity in the property sold. Document Recording Services. A knowledgeable California debt settlement attorney can have the lien taken off, possibly without payment to the creditor or debt collector. Prepare an Abstract of Judgment to place a lien on real estate and enforce debt payment with our step-by-step guides.