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    A.R.S. § 33-967

    The Information Statement Required for an Arizona Judgment Lien

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

    A money judgment recorded on or after January 1, 1997 does not become a lien until a separate information statement is attached, identifying the debtor, creditor, amount, and certain personal identifiers. A creditor that recorded without it can fix the problem by recording an amendment.

    Title 33, LIENS

    azleg.gov

    What This Statute Says

    This section adds a paperwork requirement that has real teeth. For money judgments recorded since the start of 1997, the judgment does not become a lien until a separate information statement with specific details is attached to it.

    In addition to the requirements prescribed by section 33-961, any judgment or decree or any renewal that requires the payment of money and that is recorded on or after January 1, 1997, shall not become a lien on real property until a separate information statement is attached to the judgment being recorded.

    A.R.S. § 33-967

    When This Statute Comes Into Play

    This requirement controls when:

    • A creditor records a money judgment and must attach the information statement for the lien to attach.
    • A judgment was recorded without the statement and the creditor records an amendment to perfect the lien.
    • A title search questions whether a recorded judgment actually became a valid lien.

    What This Means for Arizona Families

    This section is good news for property owners and a trap for careless creditors. A money judgment recorded since 1997 simply does not become a lien until the creditor attaches a separate information statement with the required details. A judgment recorded without it does not encumber the land, although the creditor can later record an amendment to fix the gap.

    For families reviewing title during a sale or probate, this means a recorded judgment is not always a valid lien. The paperwork has to be complete. Our FAQ on whether creditors can reach inherited property covers the broader picture, and our glossary defines an encumbrance. If a judgment appears against property you own or inherited, an Arizona estate planning attorney can check whether it was perfected correctly.

    A. In addition to the requirements prescribed by section 33-961, any judgment or decree or any renewal that requires the payment of money and that is recorded on or after January 1, 1997, shall not become a lien on real property until a separate information statement is attached to the judgment being recorded. The separate information statement shall contain all of the following information: 1. The correct name and last known address of each judgment debtor and the address at which each judgment debtor received the summons by personal service or by mail. 2. The name and address of the judgment creditor. 3. The amount of the judgment or decree as entered or as most recently renewed. 4. If the judgment debtor is a natural person, the judgment debtor's social security number, date of birth and driver license number. 5. Whether a stay of enforcement has been ordered by the court and the date the stay expires. B. Except as provided in this subsection, the separate statement shall contain the information prescribed by subsection A of this section if the information is known to the judgment creditor or available to the judgment creditor from its records, its attorney's records or the court records in the action in which the judgment was entered. If any of the required information is not known, the judgment creditor shall so state. The judgment debtor's social security number shall be included in the separate statement only if it has been provided voluntarily to the judgment creditor by the judgment debtor. C. A judgment or decree or any renewal that requires the payment of money, that is recorded on or after January 1, 1997 and that is not accompanied by the separate statement as prescribed by subsection A of this section does not become a lien on real property until the judgment creditor records a document entitled "amendment to recorded judgment" that contains a separate statement that is in compliance with subsection A of this section. The amendment to recorded judgment shall state the date of recording and the indexing or document number of the official records of the county recorder for the original recorded judgment or decree and any renewals. D. Recording an amendment to recorded judgment does not affect the computation of time prescribed by section 33-964. E. A civil judgment in favor of this state is exempt from this section. 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.

    What is a fraudulent lien and how do I clear a false lien on my property in Arizona?

    A fraudulent lien is a false document recorded with the county recorder's office that claims someone has an interest in your property. Arizona law (A.R.S. 33-420) allows property owners to clear title through a special court action and recover at least $5,000 or triple damages, plus attorney fees and costs.

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