How Long Does a Judgment Last in Alabama?

An Alabama judgment doesn't expire overnight, but it doesn't last forever either. Understanding the timelines matters because missing a deadline can turn a valid, enforceable judgment into one that's presumed satisfied — even if the debtor never paid a cent.

The 10-Year Enforcement Window

Under Alabama Code §§ 6-9-190 through 6-9-192, you can issue executions (writs of execution, garnishments) on a judgment for 10 years from the date it was entered. During this window, the judgment is active and fully enforceable — you can garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, levy on personal property, and record judgment liens.

A recorded judgment lien on real property lasts 10 years from the judgment date under Ala. Code § 6-9-211. The judgment itself may be revived, but do not assume revival automatically extends the recorded lien; confirm the recording step with the Probate Court.

What Happens at 10 Years: Dormancy

If no execution has been issued within 10 years of judgment entry, the judgment becomes dormant. A dormant judgment creates a rebuttable presumption of satisfaction — meaning the law assumes the debt was paid unless you can prove otherwise.

Dormancy doesn't erase the judgment, but it stops active enforcement. You can't garnish wages or levy on property based on a dormant judgment.

Revival: Getting Up to 20 Years

A dormant judgment can be revived by filing a Motion for Scire Facias (Motion to Revive Judgment) in the original District Court. Revival allows enforcement to resume, subject to the 20-year limit measured from the judgment's initial entry date.

The hard deadline: under Ala. Code § 6-2-32, no Alabama judgment can be revived or enforced after 20 years from its initial entry date. That's the absolute outer limit.

To preserve your rights for the full 20 years:

1. Keep enforcement activity going during the first 10 years (issue at least one garnishment or execution to prevent dormancy)
2. File for revival before the 20-year absolute cutoff if the judgment went dormant
3. Re-record judgment liens after revival if the original lien expired

Interest Keeps Running

Post-judgment interest at 7.5% per year under Ala. Code § 8-8-10 accrues from the judgment date regardless of dormancy. On a $4,000 judgment, that's $300 per year. After 10 years of non-payment, the interest alone adds $3,000 to the balance.

When you revive a dormant judgment, the full amount — original principal plus all accrued interest and costs — is enforceable.

Practical Strategy

Most small claims judgments are either collected within the first year or two, or they sit until something changes in the debtor's life. People who are judgment-proof today sometimes get jobs, buy houses, or open businesses later.

A recorded judgment lien is particularly useful for the long game — if the debtor buys property in that county or tries to sell existing property, your lien can prevent transfer of clear title until it is satisfied or released.

Don't Let Your Judgment Go Stale

The Alabama Judgment Collection Guide includes a judgment timeline tracker that flags the 10-year dormancy deadline and the 20-year absolute cutoff, along with step-by-step instructions for keeping enforcement activity current.

See more Alabama guides →