How Long Does a Judgment Last and Can It Be Renewed?

Winning a court judgment is a major step in recovering money owed to you, but it doesn’t mean the case is closed. Many creditors are surprised to learn that judgments don’t last forever—and if you don’t enforce or renew them in time, you could lose your legal right to collect.

In this blog, we’ll break down how long a judgment lasts, how renewal works, and why working with a judgment collection attorney can ensure you don’t miss crucial deadlines.

What Is a Judgment? (Quick Recap)

A judgment is a formal decision issued by a court stating that one party (the debtor) owes money to another party (the creditor). This judgment gives the creditor the legal right to collect the debt through various means like wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens.

But that right isn’t permanent unless you take action to preserve it.

How Long Does a Judgment Last?

The lifespan of a judgment depends on state law. In most states:

• Judgments last 7 to 10 years.
• Some states allow longer periods—up to 20 years in certain cases.
• Judgments typically accrue interest over time, which means the amount owed can grow significantly.

Here’s a quick snapshot of judgment duration in a few states:

Important: Even if your judgment is still valid, you can’t enforce it after expiration unless you’ve taken the proper steps to renew it in time.

What Happens When a Judgment Expires?

If a judgment expires and is not renewed, it becomes unenforceable. That means:

• You lose the legal tools needed to collect the debt.
• You can no longer garnish wages, levy bank accounts, or file liens.
• Interest stops accruing.
• You may never be able to recover what you’re owed.

Can a Judgment Be Renewed?

Yes—most states allow you to renew a judgment before it expires. The process varies by jurisdiction but often involves:

1. Filing a renewal application or affidavit with the court
2. Notifying the debtor of the renewal
3. Meeting the deadline (usually within 90 days of expiration)

Once renewed, the judgment typically remains valid for another full term (e.g., 10 years). You can usually renew multiple times if necessary, depending on the state.

Why Timely Renewal Matters

Failing to renew your judgment on time can cost you everything. Many creditors either forget to renew or assume their judgment is valid indefinitely—only to discover too late that they’ve lost their enforcement rights.

Avoid this by:

• Tracking the expiration date from the moment the judgment is issued.
• Consulting with a judgment collection attorney to stay on top of deadlines.
• Setting reminders years in advance to prepare for renewal.

What If the Debtor Can’t Pay Right Now?

Even if the debtor is currently “judgment-proof” (lacking income or assets), renewing your judgment gives you time to wait out a change in their financial situation.

For example, a debtor might:

• Get a job in the future (enabling wage garnishment)
• Receive an inheritance or settlement
• Buy or sell property (activating a lien)
• Improve their credit (and want to settle old debts)

The key is to keep your judgment valid and enforceable in case future collection opportunities arise.

Why You Should Work with a Judgment Collection Attorney

Renewing and enforcing a judgment can involve complex paperwork, strict deadlines, and state-specific procedures. A seasoned judgment collection attorney can:

• Monitor your judgment’s expiration timeline
• File renewal paperwork correctly and on time
• Evaluate the best enforcement strategies
• Help recover funds before or after renewal

They also ensure that your rights as a creditor are protected throughout the process.

Conclusion

A court judgment gives you the legal power to collect what you’re owed—but that power is limited by time. Understanding how long a judgment lasts and how to renew it is essential for protecting your right to enforce the debt.

If you hold a judgment that’s several years old—or you’re unsure of its status—it’s time to act. Contact a judgment collection attorney to evaluate your case, renew if necessary, and start the process of getting paid before your rights expire. We recommend Judgement Collection Attorney.