Post-Trial and Appeals
Outcomes and Security
Upon payment, the judgment creditor files a satisfaction of judgment, which releases liens and terminates enforcement rights. Failure to file may expose the creditor to statutory penalties.
Partial satisfaction may be recorded for partial payment.
Alternative Names:
Judgment Satisfied, Satisfaction Entry
Why it Matters?
Obtaining the recorded satisfaction is what clears judgment liens from the debtor's property, and a defendant that paid without securing it may find the lien still encumbering real estate years later. Making the satisfaction filing a condition of payment rather than a follow-up step is the practical control. Many states impose penalties on a creditor that fails to file within a defined period after demand.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Why secure the recorded satisfaction?
What is the practical control?
