Judgment Liens on Property in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, a property lien can be used to collect a court judgment. Here's how it works.


So how do judgment liens work in Wisconsin? Read on to understand the rules. (For more background information on liens on property and judgments in general, check out Nolo's articles Collect Your Court Judgment with a Real Estate Lien and Can You Collect Your Judgment?)

What kind of property is subject to a judgment lien under Wisconsin law?



How does a creditor go about getting a judgment lien in Wisconsin?

A judgment lien is created automatically on debtor property located in the Wisconsin county where the judgment is entered. For debtor property in other Wisconsin counties, the creditor records a copy of the judgment with the clerk of the circuit court where the property is located.

How long does a judgment lien last in Wisconsin?

A judgment lien in Wisconsin will remain attached to the debtor's property (even if the property changes hands) for ten years.

Keep in mind: In Wisconsin, a creditor's ability to collect under a judgment lien will be affected by a number of factors -- including a fixed amount of value that won't be touchable if the property is the debtor's primary residence (called a homestead exemption), other liens that may be in place, and any foreclosure or bankruptcy proceedings. If things get complicated, you may want to talk with an experienced Wisconsin bankruptcy and debt attorney to help you sort out any lien issues.

Where can I look up Wisconsin law on judgment liens?

If you want to go right to the source and look up Wisconsin laws on judgment liens -- maybe you're a party to a judgment, or you're just researching potential encumbrances on property -- the relevant statute(s) can be found at Wis. Stat. Ann. Sections 806.14 to .15. For tips on looking up Wisconsin state laws, check out Nolo's Laws and Legal Research section.

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