Maine Judgment Lien on Real Estate: How to Record One

How Judgment Liens Work in Maine

A judgment lien attaches your court judgment to a debtor's real estate. It doesn't force an immediate sale, but it can affect a sale or refinance. If the property does sell, your lien may be paid from the proceeds according to its priority among other recorded claims.

In Maine, judgment liens on real property are created by recording a writ of execution at the county Registry of Deeds under 14 M.R.S. § 4651-A.

Step 1: Get a Writ of Execution

Before you can record a lien, you need a writ of execution from the District Court clerk. The writ issues after the 30-day appeal period expires, if no appeal is pending and no stay-inducing post-judgment motion is pending. The clerk preparation fee is $25.

The writ is returnable within three years of issuance. Request a new one if you need to use it after that period.

Step 2: Record at the Registry of Deeds

Take an attested copy of the writ of execution to the Registry of Deeds in the county where the debtor's real property is located. File the execution or attested copy within three years after issuance. If the debtor owns property in multiple counties, you'll need to record in each one separately.

The Registry charges a recording fee. Once recorded, the lien attaches to all non-exempt real property the debtor owns in that county.

You can check property ownership through the county Registry of Deeds records or the local tax assessor's office before spending money on recording. No point filing a lien against someone who rents.

Step 3: Send the Required Notice

This is the step that trips people up. Under 14 M.R.S. § 4651-A(5), notify the debtor by certified or registered mail to the debtor's last known address on or before the 20th day after filing or recording the lien. Without this notice, the lien becomes void. The notice must contain:

• The fact that a judgment lien has been filed
• The exact date and location of the recording
• The total judgment amount, costs, and interest
• Your name and address (and your attorney's, if applicable)
• The statement: "To dissolve this lien, please contact (the creditor or the creditor's attorney)."

If you skip this notice or send it late, the lien has no legal effect — even though it's sitting in the Registry records. Keep your certified-mail receipt and return card as proof.

How Long the Lien Lasts

For liens recorded on or after September 1, 2020, the duration is 10 years from the recording date. You can renew it once for an additional 10 years by recording a renewal writ before the original term expires.

Liens recorded before that date operated under the older 20-year rule. Either way, the underlying judgment itself lasts 20 years under 14 M.R.S. § 864.

Personal Property and Vehicle Liens

Real estate isn't your only option. The same writ of execution can create liens on:

• Personal property — file with the Office of the Secretary of State (UCC division)
• Motor vehicles — file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles along with a title application

Each filing office has its own fee and form requirements. The certified-mail notice requirement under § 4651-A(5) applies to all three lien types.

Is a Lien Worth It?

A lien is a long game. It's most effective when the debtor has equity in real estate but no liquid cash to pay right now. The lien remains of record and may be paid from sale proceeds according to its priority.

If you want a faster path to payment, consider a disclosure hearing followed by an installment order or bank freeze through trustee process. The Maine judgment collection guide walks through all the enforcement tools and helps you decide which makes sense for your situation.

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