Ace the California Real Estate Exam 2026 – Your Key to Property Success!

When an abstract of judgment is recorded, it creates a general lien against the property of the debtor. This type of lien attaches to all real property owned by the debtor in the county where the abstract is recorded, making it a general lien. It does not only apply to specific properties, which distinguishes it from a specific lien that is attached to a particular property for a particular obligation.

General liens arise from various forms of debts, including court judgments, taxes, and other financial obligations. Unlike exclusive or voluntary liens, which pertain to the specifics of the agreement or the property being encumbered, a general lien represents a broader claim against a range of assets owned by the debtor.

Understanding the nature of a general lien is important because it affects the debtor's ownership and can limit their ability to sell, refinance, or otherwise use their property until the lien is resolved.