West Virginia Abstract of Judgment is a legal term that refers to an important document in the realm of debt collection and enforcement in the state of West Virginia. It is a written order issued by a court that allows a judgment creditor (the party who won a legal case and is owed money by the judgment debtor) to secure the debt owed to them by creating a lien on the judgment debtor's property. This lien serves as a legal claim on the debtor's real estate or personal property, ensuring that the creditor can receive payment from the proceeds if the property is sold. The West Virginia Abstract of Judgment outlines crucial details such as the names of the parties involved, the court case number, the date of the judgment, the amount owed, and any interest accrued. This document acts as a public record, filed with the county clerk's office in the county where the judgment is granted, turning the judgment into a searchable lien against the debtor's property. It is worth noting that West Virginia recognizes two types of Abstract of Judgment: Real Estate Abstract of Judgment and Personal Property Abstract of Judgment. 1. Real Estate Abstract of Judgment: This type of abstract places a lien on the judgment debtor's real property, including land, houses, and buildings. Once recorded at the county clerk's office, it binds the debtor's real estate, preventing them from selling or transferring ownership without satisfying the debt to the judgment creditor. 2. Personal Property Abstract of Judgment: Unlike the Real Estate Abstract, this type of abstract secures the debt by creating a lien on the debtor's personal property such as vehicles, equipment, or other valuable possessions. It grants the judgment creditor the right to execute and seize the personal property to satisfy the judgment debt. In summary, the West Virginia Abstract of Judgment is a crucial legal document that enables judgment creditors to protect their financial interests by creating a lien on the debtor's property, whether it is real estate or personal belongings. By recording this document with the county clerk's office, the creditor ensures their right to claim payment from the proceeds if the property is sold or the personal belongings are seized.