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    A.R.S. § 33-961

    How a Money Judgment Becomes a Lien on Arizona Real Estate

    Verified June 8, 2026 • 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

    A money judgment does not automatically attach to a debtor's real estate. The creditor must record a certified copy of the judgment, with the required information statement, in each county where it wants a lien. Only then does the judgment become a lien on the debtor's real property in that county.

    Title 33, LIENS

    azleg.gov

    What This Statute Says

    Winning a lawsuit for money is one thing. Turning that win into a claim against someone's house or land is another. This section sets the recording steps a judgment creditor must follow before a money judgment becomes a lien on the debtor's Arizona real property.

    A certified copy of the judgment of any court in this state may be filed and recorded in the office of the county recorder in each county where the judgment creditor desires the judgment to become a lien on the real property of the judgment debtor.

    A.R.S. § 33-961

    When This Statute Comes Into Play

    This recording step matters when:

    • A creditor with a money judgment wants to secure it against the debtor's home or land.
    • A family is administering an estate and finds recorded judgment liens against the decedent's property.
    • Someone is buying property and a title search turns up a recorded judgment against the seller.

    What This Means for Arizona Families

    A judgment sitting in a court file does not touch your real estate. It becomes a lien only when the creditor records a certified copy, along with the required information statement, in the county where the property sits. That recording is what shows up in a title search and what can hold up a sale or refinance later.

    For families, this comes up most often during probate or when selling inherited property. A recorded judgment lien against the person who died can attach to real estate that passes through the estate. Our FAQ on whether creditors can pursue inherited property walks through the concern, and our glossary defines an encumbrance on title. If a judgment lien clouds property you own or inherited, an Arizona estate planning attorney can help you sort out priority and release.

    A. A certified copy of the judgment of any court in this state may be filed and recorded in the office of the county recorder in each county where the judgment creditor desires the judgment to become a lien on the real property of the judgment debtor. On recording in substantial compliance with both the requirements of this section and the requirements of section 33-967 regarding an information statement, the judgment becomes a lien on the real property of the judgment debtor, including any part of the real property of the judgment debtor as otherwise provided by law. Failure to substantially comply with this section and section 33-967, results in the judgment not becoming a lien. The certified copy of the judgment shall set forth the: 1. Title of the court and the action and number of the action. 2. Date of entry of the judgment and the docket record for the judgment. 3. Names of the judgment debtor and judgment creditor. 4. Amount of the judgment. 5. Attorney of record for the judgment creditor. B. The clerk shall furnish a certified copy of any judgment of that court on request and payment of the fee prescribed by law. C. A judgment or decree or any renewal that requires payment of money shall also be accompanied by an information statement as prescribed by section 33-967. D. Notwithstanding subsections A and C of this section, a civil judgment in favor of this state is exempt from the requirement to record an information statement as prescribed in section 33-967 and becomes a lien on the real property of the judgment debtor when it is recorded in the office of the county recorder. This subsection applies retroactively to all judgments in favor of this state without regard to when the judgment was recorded.
    View on azleg.gov

    This page provides general legal information about Arizona statutes and is not legal advice. For guidance on how this law applies to your situation, speak with a qualified attorney.

    Related Questions

    How Long Do Creditors Have to Come After My Loved One's Estate During Arizona Probate?

    Creditors generally have four months from the date the personal representative publishes a notice to creditors to file claims against the estate. If no notice is published, creditors may have up to two years after the person died to bring claims.

    If I inherit money or property, can my own creditors come after it in Arizona?

    Inherited property is separate property in Arizona, but your own creditors can still reach it once you receive it. A spendthrift trust under A.R.S. 14-10502 offers stronger protection by shielding trust assets from creditor claims before distribution.

    If my spouse dies in Arizona, am I responsible for their debts?

    It depends. Arizona is a community property state, so debts incurred during the marriage are typically shared obligations. The surviving spouse's separate property is generally protected from the deceased person's separate debts. Debt collectors may contact you, but not every claim is valid.

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