Toms River, New Jersey - Daniel Straffi, Jr. of Straffi & Straffi Attorneys at Law (https://www.straffilaw.com/what-is-a-judgment-lien/) issued detailed guidance on judgment liens in New Jersey, outlining how creditors secure claims and how bankruptcy procedures may remove or limit those liens. The New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer emphasized practical steps for protecting real property interests while complying with state recording rules and federal bankruptcy requirements.
Judgment liens in New Jersey arise after a creditor secures a money judgment and records it with the county clerk, creating a claim that attaches to real property and appears during a title search. The New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer highlighted that a recorded lien can restrict a sale or refinancing until paid or settled. Under New Jersey law, many judgment liens remain effective for up to 20 years from the date of judgment, subject to renewal, which makes early strategic planning essential for property owners with multiple encumbrances. The announcement also notes that lien priority frequently controls distribution of sale proceeds and can shape negotiations among lenders, creditors, and owners.
The New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer further addressed the difference between personal liability for a discharged debt and the continued existence of an attached lien. A bankruptcy discharge eliminates most personal obligations, but additional steps are often required to avoid, reduce, or strip a judgment lien that impairs an exemption in a debtor’s residence. Relief typically requires a motion supported by accurate figures, including property value, allowable exemptions, and senior liens such as mortgages or tax claims. When approved, the court order identifies the affected property and clarifies whether the judgment lien is removed in whole or in part, which can clear the path for a future sale or refinance.
Straffi’s guidance explains that judgment liens generally attach to real estate rather than personal property and operate as public notice to prospective purchasers and lenders. For primary residences, forced sales are uncommon, and creditors frequently wait for a voluntary transaction. For non-residential holdings, such as investment or rental properties, creditors may pursue enforcement through levy or sale when permitted. The New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer underscored that early evaluation can reduce disruption at closing, support negotiations for partial releases, and help align settlement timing with refinancing windows.
Owners confronting judgment liens often resolve them by payment in full, structured settlement, negotiated reduction, or litigation challenging the underlying judgment or the validity of the lien. In bankruptcy, timing matters. A filing that precedes lien creation can block attachment, while a filing after attachment commonly requires lien-avoidance procedures within the bankruptcy case. Attention to deadlines, exemption calculations, and documentation for motion practice is critical, since accurate schedules and affidavits support efficient court review and help avoid closing delays.
About Straffi & Straffi Attorneys at Law:
Straffi & Straffi Attorneys at Law is a New Jersey law firm serving individuals and businesses in bankruptcy, debt resolution, foreclosure defense, creditors’ rights disputes, and related civil litigation. The firm advises clients throughout Ocean County and surrounding communities, providing courtroom advocacy and practical restructuring strategies. Daniel Straffi, Jr. leads the firm’s bankruptcy practice, bringing more than two decades of experience in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 matters across New Jersey. For consultations, call (732) 341-3800 or visit the firm’s website to schedule an appointment.
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Phone: (732) 341-3800
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