A judgment lien arises when a court rules you owe a debt, allowing the creditor to claim your nonexempt property until the debt is paid. The judgment is considered a lien against your property, including any real estate that you have, in the state in which the judgment is filed.Find more information about outstanding liens (mechanics liens) and judgments. Contact the Clerk of Court's office in the courthouse at 919-792-4200. It'll affect the properties that they list in their request for a lien. A Judgment against the Debtor remains as a lien against real property for a period of ten (10) years, renewable for an additional ten (10) years. INTRODUCTION. Claims of Lien on Real Property, or "Mechanic's Liens," are one of the oldest and most valuable tools for recovery.