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.In California, if you're the person owed money (the creditor), you can place a judgment lien on the debtor's real estate or personal property. The County of Santa Clara Sheriff's Office Civil Unit enforces a variety of civil processes within the County of Santa Clara. On the form, you simply need to fill out all the case information from your judgment. Prepare an Abstract of Judgment to place a lien on real estate and enforce debt payment with our step-by-step guides. This is a lien that is attached to your real estate or personal property without your agreement. Defendant does not owe plaintiff any money on plaintiffs claim. Once you have a judgment you can file it in the county where the property is located and that will create a lien. The strip of land involved is located in the city of Santa Clara.