Title Search for Judgment Collection | $75 | USTR

Title Search for Judgment Collection

A judgment is only worth what you can collect. Before you can levy, garnish, or foreclose on real property, you need to know what the debtor owns, where it is located, what liens encumber it, and whether any equity exists for recovery. Property searches answer all four questions. A Title Search by Name ($75 statewide / $535 nationwide) finds every property the debtor currently owns across all counties. Property Lien Reports ($95) reveal existing mortgages, tax liens, and competing judgment liens that reduce available equity. Chain of Title Reports ($275) document recent transfers that may constitute fraudulent conveyances. U.S. Title Records provides these property searches for creditor attorneys, collection firms, and judgment recovery specialists across all 50 states. Reports arrive by email in PDF format within 24 to 48 hours. All orders are anonymous and confidential.

BBB A+ rated since 2009. All 50 states. 3,250+ counties. Anonymous and confidential. No subscription required.

$75
Per Debtor Search
$95
Per Property Liens
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BBB Rating
24hr
Typical Delivery
100%
Confidential

Why Judgment Collection Requires Property Searches

Winning a judgment is only the first step. Collecting it requires knowing what the debtor owns. Courts do not find the debtor's assets for you. Sheriffs do not search for attachable property on your behalf. The judgment creditor bears the responsibility of locating assets, and real property is typically the most valuable and most attachable asset class available.

Why Most Judgments Go Uncollected

According to industry estimates, fewer than half of all money judgments are ever collected. The primary reason is not that debtors lack assets but that creditors cannot find them. A debtor who owns rental property in another county, vacant land in another state, or commercial real estate held in an LLC will not volunteer this information. Property searches find what voluntary disclosure and debtor interrogatories may miss.

What Property Searches Reveal for Creditors

A Title Search by Name ($75 statewide / $535 nationwide) searches county recorder and assessor records across every county to find all real property where the debtor appears as a current owner. For each property found, the report includes the address, county, vesting type, assessed value, tax status, and mortgage data. This alone tells you whether attachable real property exists.

A Property Lien Report ($95) on each property found reveals the full encumbrance picture: first mortgages, second mortgages, other judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic liens, and HOA assessments. By subtracting total liens from the assessed value, you estimate available equity. If there is no equity after senior liens, the property may not be worth pursuing. When substantial equity exists, you have a target for execution.

A Chain of Title Report ($275) documents every recorded transfer in the ownership history. When a debtor transfers property to a relative or entity shortly before or after a judgment, the chain provides the documented evidence you need to challenge the transfer as fraudulent.

Why Every Judgment Needs Property Searches

Title Search by Name ($75/$535) finds all real property the debtor owns. Property Lien Report ($95) reveals encumbrances and estimates equity. Chain of Title ($275) detects fraudulent transfers. Together, these property searches tell you whether the judgment is collectible, which properties to target, where your lien falls in priority, and whether the debtor has attempted to hide assets. All searches are anonymous and confidential. 24 to 48 hour delivery.

The Judgment Collection Property Search Workflow

Creditor attorneys and collection firms who order property searches from U.S. Title Records follow this five-step sequence to maximize recovery.

1

Search the Debtor by Name

Order Title Search by Name ($75 statewide / $535 nationwide) to find all real property the debtor currently owns. Also search under known aliases, former names, and spouse names.

2

Check Liens and Estimate Equity

Order Property Lien Reports ($95 each) on the most valuable properties found. Calculate: assessed value minus total liens = estimated equity available for your judgment.

3

Record Your Judgment Lien

Record the certified judgment or abstract of judgment in every county where the debtor owns property. This prevents the debtor from selling or refinancing without satisfying your lien.

4

Detect Fraudulent Transfers

Order Chain of Title ($275) on any property with suspicious transfer patterns. Document conveyances to family, entities, or third parties with little or no consideration.

5

Execute on Property

Provide the sheriff with property identification, legal description, and lien priority data from your reports to support a writ of execution. Our reports include the address, APN, legal description, and recording references required for sheriff instructions.

This five-step workflow applies whether you are collecting on a $5,000 small claims judgment or a $5 million commercial judgment. The scale changes, but the process is the same. For the broader attorney guide covering all practice areas, see title search for attorneys. For assets beyond real estate, see asset search services.

Judgment Collection: 5-Step Property Search Workflow

Step 1: Title Search by Name ($75/$535) to find all debtor property. Next, Property Lien Report ($95 each) to check encumbrances and estimate equity. Step 3: Record your judgment lien in every county where the debtor owns property. Then, Chain of Title ($275) on properties with suspicious transfers. Finally, Execute on property with sheriff using report data. Typical cost for a single-state search: $170-$265.

Find What the Debtor Owns

Title Search by Name searches every county. Anonymous. Confidential. Results in 24-48 hours.

Search by Name ($75/$535)

Finding What the Debtor Owns

The foundation of every judgment collection effort is identifying attachable property. Our Title Search by Name is the primary tool creditor attorneys use for this purpose.

Statewide Search ($75)

A statewide search covers every county in a single state. If the debtor lives and works in one state, this is typically sufficient. The search finds residential property, rental properties, vacant land, and commercial real estate listed under the debtor's name in any county. Results arrive within 24 to 48 hours.

Nationwide Search ($535)

A nationwide search covers all 50 states. Order this when the debtor has moved between states, owns a business with multi-state operations, or when you suspect out-of-state property. The nationwide search is particularly valuable for large judgments where the cost of the search is trivial relative to the recovery at stake. Results arrive within 48 to 72 hours.

Searching Under Multiple Names

Debtors may own property under names that differ from the name on the judgment. Search under the debtor's legal name as it appears on the judgment, any known aliases or former names, the debtor's spouse's name (property may be titled jointly or solely in the spouse's name), and any known business entity names (LLC, corporation, trust). Each name variation requires a separate $75 search order. For identifying which entities a debtor is associated with, our sister company U.S. Asset Records provides corporate affiliation searches.

When the Search Returns Zero Results

A zero-result report confirms that no current real property ownership records match the debtor's name in the jurisdiction searched. This is still actionable intelligence because it tells you that wage garnishment, bank levies, or other non-real-estate collection methods may be more appropriate, and recording your judgment lien now will attach to any property the debtor acquires in the future. Re-search every 6 to 12 months to catch new acquisitions.

Finding Debtor Property: Statewide vs. Nationwide

Statewide Title Search by Name ($75): covers every county in one state, results in 24-48 hours. Nationwide ($535): covers all 50 states, results in 48-72 hours. Search under debtor's legal name, former names, spouse's name, and entity names. Zero results still provide value: confirms no attachable real property exists and supports recording the judgment lien for future acquisitions.

Understanding Lien Priority

Lien priority determines the order in which creditors get paid when a property is sold or foreclosed. Understanding where your judgment lien falls in the priority stack is critical because it determines how much of the sale proceeds your client will receive.

The Priority Stack

Liens are generally paid in this order: property tax liens (automatic first priority in most states), then recorded liens in chronological order by recording date. A first mortgage recorded in 2018 has priority over a judgment lien recorded in 2024, while a judgment lien recorded in 2023 has priority over another judgment lien recorded in 2025. Our Property Lien Report ($95) lists all recorded liens in recording order with dates, amounts, and lienholder names. This is your priority map.

How to Read the Lien Report for Collection

When you receive the Lien Report, calculate equity available for your client by starting with the assessed value, then subtracting each lien in priority order. If the assessed value is $450,000, the first mortgage balance is $280,000, delinquent taxes are $12,000, and a prior judgment lien is $35,000, the available equity after senior liens is approximately $123,000. Your judgment lien would be paid from this remaining equity. If your judgment is $80,000, recovery appears feasible. However, if your judgment is $150,000, only partial recovery is likely from this property.

When Your Lien Is Junior

If your judgment lien is junior to a large first mortgage and the property has little equity, execution may not be cost-effective. However, recording your lien still has value. The debtor cannot sell or refinance without satisfying your lien. Over time, as the debtor pays down the mortgage and property values increase, equity grows. Patience is a collection strategy. A $75 re-search every year monitors the debtor's property portfolio for changes.

Lien Priority: How It Affects Your Recovery

Liens are paid in recording order: tax liens first, then recorded liens by date. Property Lien Report ($95) lists all liens in priority order with amounts and dates. To estimate recovery: assessed value minus senior liens = equity available for your judgment. Even with no current equity, recording your lien prevents sale/refinance without payment and captures future equity growth.

Detecting Fraudulent Transfers

When a debtor sees a judgment coming, the first instinct is often to move assets out of reach. Real property transfers leave a paper trail in county records. Our Chain of Title Report ($275) documents that trail.

Common Fraudulent Transfer Patterns

The most frequent patterns creditor attorneys encounter include quit claim deeds to a spouse or family member with zero consideration, transfers to a newly formed LLC or trust created after the lawsuit was filed, "sales" to associates at below-market prices, transfers followed by a lease-back arrangement where the debtor continues to live in or use the property, and serial transfers through multiple parties designed to obscure the debtor's continuing beneficial interest.

How Chain of Title Proves the Transfer

The Chain of Title Report ($275) documents every recorded transfer with dates, deed types, grantors, grantees, and consideration amounts. A quit claim deed from the debtor to the debtor's brother, recorded three weeks after the lawsuit was filed, with $10 in stated consideration on a $400,000 property, is the kind of evidence that courts routinely find to be a fraudulent conveyance. The report provides the recording references your attorney needs to cite in the complaint to void the transfer.

Legal Framework: The Uniform Voidable Transactions Act (UVTA)

Most states have adopted some version of the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act (formerly the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act), which provides creditors with legal remedies to reverse fraudulent transfers. Under the UVTA, a transfer is voidable if it was made with actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any creditor, or if the debtor received less than reasonably equivalent value and was insolvent at the time of (or was rendered insolvent by) the transfer. Our Chain of Title documents both the transfer and the stated consideration, which are the two critical elements.

Detecting Fraudulent Transfers in Judgment Collection

Chain of Title ($275) documents every transfer: date, deed type, grantor, grantee, and consideration. Common red flags: quit claim deeds to family with zero consideration, transfers to newly formed LLCs, below-market sales. Under the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act, creditors can void transfers made to hinder collection. The Chain of Title provides the documentary evidence for court.

Suspect Fraudulent Transfers?

Chain of Title ($275) documents every transfer with recording dates and deed types.

Order Chain of Title ($275)

Homestead Exemptions and Judgment Collection

Homestead exemptions protect some or all of a debtor's equity in their primary residence from judgment creditors. Understanding the exemption in the debtor's state determines whether the primary residence is a viable collection target.

Exemption LevelStatesCollection Impact
UnlimitedFL, TX, IA, KS, OK (with acreage limits)Primary residence is fully protected; focus on non-homestead property
High ($200K+)CA ($300-600K), MA ($500K), NV ($605K), MN ($450K)Only equity above the exemption is attachable
Moderate ($50K-$200K)NY ($179K), WA ($125K), CO ($250K), IL ($15K individual)Equity above exemption is attachable if significant
Low (under $50K)OH ($146K), NJ ($0 for creditors), KY ($5K)Most primary residence equity is attachable
No exemptionNJ (judgment creditors)All equity is attachable, including primary residence

Note that exemption amounts change periodically and may depend on factors like marital status, age, and disability. Always verify current exemption amounts with a licensed attorney in the debtor's state. Regardless of exemption status, recording your judgment lien on the primary residence is still valuable because the lien attaches when the debtor sells, moves, or loses the homestead exemption.

More importantly, debtors may own non-homestead property (rental properties, vacant land, commercial property) that has no homestead protection at all. Our Title Search by Name finds all properties, not just the primary residence. Non-homestead property is fully attachable in every state.

Real-World Judgment Collection Scenarios

$200,000 Judgment in Texas with Hidden Florida Rental

A creditor attorney in Texas held a $200,000 judgment against a contractor. The debtor's Texas homestead was protected by the state's unlimited homestead exemption, making the primary residence untouchable. A nationwide Title Search by Name ($535) revealed a rental property in Florida that the debtor had never disclosed during debtor interrogatories. A Lien Report ($95) showed a $120,000 mortgage on the Florida property with an assessed value of $310,000, leaving approximately $190,000 in unprotected equity (rental property has no homestead protection). The attorney domesticated the judgment in Florida, recorded the lien, and initiated execution. Total property searches cost: $630.

Debtor has a protected homestead? Search nationwide for non-homestead property. $535 covers all 50 states.

Fraudulent Transfer Reversed in California

A collection firm in California held a $340,000 judgment against a business owner. A statewide Title Search by Name ($75) showed no current property in the debtor's individual name. However, a search under the debtor's wife's name ($75) revealed a property in Orange County purchased two months after the judgment was entered. A Chain of Title ($275) showed the wife acquired the property from her mother-in-law (the debtor's mother), who had received it from the debtor via quit claim deed one week before the judgment. The chain documented the circular transfer pattern: debtor transferred to mother, mother transferred to wife. Armed with this evidence, the collection firm presented the chain of title as evidence, and the court voided the transfers under California's Uniform Voidable Transactions Act. Total property searches cost: $425.

Suspect circular transfers? Chain of Title ($275) traces the full transfer pattern.

Collection Firm Using Volume Searches in New York

A collection firm in New York manages 200+ active judgments. The firm orders statewide Title Search by Name ($75 each) on every new debtor as part of their intake process. On a recent batch of 50 debtors, 18 were found to own real property, and Lien Reports ($95 each) on those 18 properties revealed that 11 had sufficient equity above the New York homestead exemption ($179,650) to support execution. The firm recorded judgment liens on all 11 properties and initiated execution on the 4 with the most equity, turning a total investment of $5,460 (50 name searches + 18 lien reports) resulted in active collection proceedings against 4 properties with combined estimated equity of $920,000. Total property searches cost: $5,460.

Managing a judgment portfolio? Contact office@ustitlerecords.com for volume pricing on batch name searches.

Debtor with Property in an LLC in Ohio

An attorney in Ohio held a $75,000 judgment against an individual. A statewide name search ($75) under the debtor's personal name returned zero properties, but after consulting with U.S. Asset Records, the attorney identified an LLC associated with the debtor. A Title Search by Name ($75) under the LLC name revealed two commercial properties in Cuyahoga County with a combined assessed value of $420,000 and $180,000 in mortgages, leaving approximately $240,000 in equity. Because the debtor was the sole member of the LLC, the attorney pursued a charging order against the debtor's membership interest. Total property searches cost: $245.

Debtor hiding assets in an LLC? Search under the entity name. $75 per entity name. For corporate affiliations: U.S. Asset Records.

Serial Debtor with Properties in Three States

A creditor in New Jersey held judgments against a serial debtor totaling $450,000. The debtor had previously lived in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. A nationwide Title Search by Name ($535) found properties in all three states. Lien Reports ($95 each) revealed that the New York property had no equity (negative equity after a large first mortgage), the New Jersey property had $165,000 in equity, and the Florida property was the debtor's primary residence (homestead protected). The creditor focused collection efforts on the New Jersey property where the full judgment could be satisfied. Domestication of the judgment in New Jersey was unnecessary because the original judgment was already from that state. Total property searches cost: $820.

Debtor has property in multiple states? $535 nationwide search covers every state in one order. Focus collection on the property with the most equity.

Pre-Judgment Search Prevents Uncollectible Lawsuit

An attorney in Indiana was considering filing a $150,000 breach of contract claim. Before investing in litigation, the attorney ordered a statewide Title Search by Name ($75) on the prospective defendant. The search returned zero properties. A Background Report ($95) revealed three existing judgment liens totaling $210,000 and a recent bankruptcy filing, so the attorney advised the client that the judgment would likely be uncollectible, saving the client $30,000 or more in litigation costs. A $170 investment prevented a six-figure mistake. Total property searches cost: $170.

Evaluating a case before filing? A $75 name search tells you if the debtor owns anything worth pursuing.

Dormant Judgment Revived After Property Acquisition

A creditor in Tennessee held a 7-year-old judgment for $95,000 that had been dormant because the debtor previously owned no attachable property. As part of an annual re-search strategy, the creditor ordered a statewide Title Search by Name ($75). For the first time, the search returned a result: the debtor had recently purchased a home in Davidson County. A Lien Report ($95) showed a $220,000 mortgage on a property assessed at $385,000, leaving approximately $165,000 in equity, and because the Tennessee homestead exemption is $5,000 for individuals ($7,500 for joint), nearly all the equity was attachable. The creditor renewed the judgment (still within the 10-year enforcement period), recorded the lien, and initiated execution. Total property searches cost: $170.

Dormant judgment? Re-search annually with a $75 name search. Debtors acquire property over time.

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Judgment Collection Searches: Cost vs. Recovery

In the scenarios above, property searches costing $170 to $5,460 located $190,000 in hidden Florida rental equity, reversed a circular fraudulent transfer chain in California, identified $920,000 in collectible equity across 50 debtors, found $240,000 in LLC-held property in Ohio, focused $450,000 in multi-state collection on the right property, prevented a $30,000+ uncollectible lawsuit, and revived a dormant 7-year judgment against $165,000 in newly acquired equity. At $75 per name search, the return is measured in multiples of the judgment amount.

Pre-Judgment vs. Post-Judgment Property Searches

The same reports serve different strategic purposes depending on when you order them.

FeaturePre-Judgment SearchPost-Judgment Search
PurposeDetermine if the debtor has attachable assets before investing in litigationIdentify specific properties to target for lien recording and execution
Primary reportTitle Search by Name ($75/$535)Title Search by Name + Lien Reports ($95 each)
Decision it drives"Is this case worth pursuing?""Which property do I execute on first?"
Additional reportsBackground Report ($95) for financial profileChain of Title ($275) for fraudulent transfer evidence
Typical cost$75-$170$170-$1,095
When to orderBefore filing suit or during early litigationAfter judgment is entered, before recording liens

Many creditor attorneys now include a pre-judgment property search as a standard part of case evaluation. At $75 for a statewide name search, the cost is negligible compared to the litigation expense. If the debtor owns no attachable property, the attorney can advise the client to pursue alternative collection methods or negotiate a structured settlement instead of spending $30,000 to $100,000 on trial.

Pre-Judgment vs. Post-Judgment: When to Search

Pre-judgment: Title Search by Name ($75) before filing suit to determine if the debtor has attachable assets. Prevents uncollectible lawsuits. Post-judgment: Title Search by Name ($75/$535) + Lien Reports ($95 each) after judgment to target specific properties for lien recording and execution. Add Chain of Title ($275) if fraudulent transfers are suspected. Same reports, different strategy.

Is the Judgment Worth Pursuing?

A $75 pre-judgment search could save $30,000+ in uncollectible litigation costs.

Search Before You Sue ($75)

Which Reports to Order for Judgment Collection

ReportWhat It Does for CollectionWhen to OrderPrice
Title Search by NameFinds all property the debtor ownsAlways (first step, pre or post judgment)$75 / $535
Property DetailQuick assessed value and tax statusFast triage on each property found$29
Lien ReportAll liens, mortgages, encumbrances; equity estimateOn every property with potential equity$95
Background ReportPersonal liens, judgments, bankruptcies against the debtorPre-judgment evaluation; debtor financial profile$95
Full Lien ReportProperty liens + personal liens combinedWhen you need both property and owner lien data$195
Chain of TitleTransfer history; fraudulent conveyance evidenceWhen transfers appear suspicious$275
Deed CopySpecific deed document for court filingFor exhibits in fraudulent transfer complaints$45

For a comparison of all report types and pricing, see our title search cost page. For an explanation of how title searches work, see what is a title search. For an explanation of what each report contains, see what is a title search.

Judgment Collection Property Search Cost Estimator

ScenarioReports NeededEstimated Cost
Pre-judgment evaluation (1 debtor, 1 state)1 Name Search ($75) + 1 Background ($95)$170
Post-judgment, single property1 Name Search ($75) + 1 Lien Report ($95)$170
Post-judgment, multiple properties1 Name ($75) + 3 Liens ($285)$360
Post-judgment + fraudulent transfer1 Name ($75) + 2 Liens ($190) + 1 Chain ($275)$540
Nationwide debtor search1 Nationwide Name ($535) + 3 Liens ($285)$820
Full investigation (nationwide + fraud)1 Nationwide ($535) + 4 Liens ($380) + 2 Chains ($550)$1,465
Collection firm volume (50 debtors)50 Name Searches ($3,750) + est. 18 Liens ($1,710)$5,460

Volume pricing is available for collection firms that order regularly. Contact office@ustitlerecords.com with your estimated monthly volume. No subscription or account setup required.

Judgment Collection Searches: What They Cost

Pre-judgment evaluation: approximately $170. Single property post-judgment: approximately $170. Multiple properties: approximately $360. With fraudulent transfer investigation: approximately $540. Nationwide: approximately $820. Full investigation: approximately $1,465. Collection firm volume (50 debtors): approximately $5,460. All flat-rate pricing. Volume discounts available at office@ustitlerecords.com.

What Your Judgment Collection Reports Contain

Creditor attorneys and collection firms receive reports tailored to judgment enforcement needs. Here is what each report delivers.

Report Contents for Judgment Collection

Title Search by Name ($75/$535) -- "What does the debtor own?" Every property where the debtor appears as a current owner. For each: address, county, vesting type, assessed value, tax status, and mortgage data. Flat rate regardless of how many properties are found.

Property Lien Report ($95) -- "What is the equity position?" Every recorded lien: mortgages, other judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic liens, HOA assessments. Lien priority shown by recording order. Use total liens against assessed value to calculate estimated equity for your judgment.

Chain of Title ($275) -- "Did the debtor transfer property to avoid collection?" Chronological ownership timeline with copies of all vesting deeds. Shows every transfer: date, grantor, grantee, deed type, and stated consideration. Documents the paper trail needed to challenge fraudulent conveyances.

Background Report ($95) -- "What is the debtor's financial profile?" Judgment liens, federal and state tax liens, UCC filings, bankruptcies, and court records filed against the debtor by name. Reveals the debtor's overall financial exposure and competing creditor claims.

Full Property/Owner Lien Report ($195) -- "Everything in one report" Combines the Property Lien Report (liens on the property) with the Personal Lien Profile (liens against the owner). Shows both the property's encumbrances and the debtor's personal financial obligations.

All reports delivered by email in PDF format. Anonymous and confidential. The debtor is never notified. Recording references suitable for court filings, sheriff instructions, and writ of execution documentation.

Find Debtor Property ($75/$535) The debtor is never notified.

What Clients Say

"The chain of title report was thorough and delivered in 2 days. Exactly what I needed for my quiet title action."

Robert M., Real Estate Attorney, California

"I use U.S. Title Records for all my investor property records searches. Fast, accurate, and the support team actually answers the phone."

Jennifer K., Real Estate Investor, Texas

"The Full Property/Owner Lien Report saved me from buying a property at auction with hidden liens. Worth every penny."

Michael T., Auction Buyer, Florida

Reviews sourced from ustitlerecords.com. See more client feedback.

What to Do After You Receive Your Judgment Collection Reports

After Receiving the Name Search Results

Review each property found. Rank them by assessed value and likely equity. Order Lien Reports on the properties with the highest potential recovery. If zero properties were found, record your judgment lien anyway (to catch future acquisitions), consider non-real-estate collection methods, and schedule a re-search in 6 to 12 months.

After Receiving the Lien Reports

Calculate estimated equity for each property. Identify where your judgment lien would fall in the priority stack. Determine which properties justify the cost of execution proceedings. For properties with no equity, recording your lien still prevents sale or refinance without payment. When properties have substantial equity, prepare for execution by consulting with the sheriff's office on their requirements.

After Receiving the Chain of Title

Review all transfers within the past 2 to 4 years (the typical UVTA look-back period). Flag any transfers to family members, entities, or third parties with below-market consideration. Share the findings with your attorney for evaluation under the applicable state's fraudulent transfer statute. Prepare the chain of title as an exhibit for any complaint to void the transfer.

Ongoing Monitoring

Judgment collection is often a long-term process. Debtors acquire property, sell property, pay down mortgages, and experience changes in financial circumstances over time. An annual re-search with Title Search by Name ($75) keeps your intelligence current. When equity appears or new property is acquired, you can act immediately because your judgment lien is already recorded.

How to Order Judgment Collection Property Searches

1

Search the Debtor by Name

Visit ustitlerecords.com and order Title Search by Name ($75 statewide / $535 nationwide) using the debtor's legal name as it appears on the judgment.

2

Add Lien Reports

After receiving the property list, order Property Lien Reports ($95 each) on the properties with the most potential equity.

3

Add Chain of Title if Needed

For properties with suspicious transfers, order Chain of Title ($275) to document the conveyance history.

4

Receive All Reports by Email

PDF reports delivered within 24 to 72 hours. Anonymous and confidential. The debtor is never notified.

For a detailed ordering walkthrough, see How can I order property information online? With questions, email office@ustitlerecords.com or call 1-800-750-0932. We operate 7 days a week including holidays.

Judgment Collection Property Search FAQ

Below are the questions creditor attorneys and collection firms ask most frequently about property searches for judgment enforcement.

Getting Started

What title search do I need for judgment collection?
Start with a Title Search by Name ($75 statewide / $535 nationwide) to find all real property the debtor currently owns. Then order a Property Lien Report ($95) on each property found to identify existing liens and estimate available equity. For debtors who may have transferred property to avoid collection, order a Chain of Title ($275) to document recent transfers.
How much does a debtor property search cost?
Title Search by Name costs $75 per debtor (statewide) or $535 per debtor (nationwide). Property Lien Reports are $95 per property. A typical single-state debtor property search runs approximately $170: one name search ($75) + one lien report ($95). Nationwide debtor searches with multiple properties cost $630 to $1,200 depending on the number of properties found.
Can a title search find all property a debtor owns?
Yes. Title Search by Name searches county recorder and assessor records across every county in a state ($75) or all 50 states ($535) to find every property where the debtor appears as a current owner. This catches rental properties, vacant land, commercial properties, and out-of-state holdings that would not appear in a single-county search.
How long does a debtor property search take?
Title Search by Name results arrive within 24 to 48 hours for statewide searches and 48 to 72 hours for nationwide searches. Property Lien Reports arrive within 24 to 48 hours. All reports are delivered by email in PDF format. We operate 7 days a week including holidays.
How do I determine if a debtor's property has enough equity to levy?
Order a Property Lien Report ($95) on the property. The report shows all recorded liens (mortgages, tax liens, other judgment liens) and the assessed value. Subtract total liens from the assessed value to estimate available equity. Keep in mind that homestead exemptions may protect some or all of the equity depending on the state.
What if the debtor owns property in multiple states?
Order a nationwide Title Search by Name ($535) instead of statewide searches. The nationwide search covers all 50 states in a single order. This is common when collecting judgments against business owners, frequent movers, or debtors who may have purchased property in states where they previously lived or vacationed.
Can a title search find property the debtor transferred to avoid collection?
Yes. If you know which property was transferred, order a Chain of Title ($275) to document the transfer. The chain shows when the transfer occurred, to whom, what deed type was used (quit claim deeds are a red flag), and whether any consideration was paid. If you do not know which property, start with a Title Search by Name under the debtor's name and under the names of known family members or business entities.

Lien Priority, Equity, and Execution

What is a judgment lien and how do I record one?
A judgment lien is a court-ordered claim against a debtor's real property that results from a money judgment. To create the lien, you typically record a certified copy of the judgment (or an abstract of judgment) in the county where the debtor owns real property. Once recorded, the debtor cannot sell or refinance the property without satisfying the judgment. Our Property Lien Report ($95) shows whether your judgment lien appears in the records after recording.
What is lien priority and why does it matter for collection?
Lien priority determines the order in which liens are paid when a property is sold. Generally, liens are paid in the order they were recorded (first in time, first in right). Property tax liens typically have automatic first priority. Mortgage liens recorded before your judgment have priority over your judgment lien. Our Lien Report ($95) lists all liens in recording order, allowing you to see where your judgment lien falls in the priority stack and estimate what proceeds you would receive in a forced sale.
What is the difference between a property lien search and a personal lien search?
A Property Lien Report ($95) searches by property address and finds liens recorded against the property. A Background Report/Personal Lien Profile ($95) searches by person name and finds liens recorded against the individual (judgment liens, federal and state tax liens, UCC filings, bankruptcies). The Full Property/Owner Lien Report ($195) combines both: liens on the property plus personal liens against the owner.
Can I use your reports to support a writ of execution?
Yes. Our reports provide the property identification data (address, APN, legal description) and lien information that courts and sheriffs require for execution on real property. Property Lien Reports show existing encumbrances that affect what the sheriff can recover. Reports include recording references suitable for court filings and sheriff instructions.
What happens if the debtor has filed for bankruptcy?
If the debtor has filed for bankruptcy, an automatic stay prevents most collection actions. Our Background Report ($95) identifies bankruptcy filings. If a bankruptcy filing appears, consult with your attorney before proceeding with collection efforts. In some cases, certain liens survive bankruptcy discharge, and our Chain of Title ($275) documents whether a property was abandoned by the bankruptcy trustee.
Do homestead exemptions affect judgment collection?
Yes. Most states provide homestead exemptions that protect some or all of the debtor's equity in their primary residence from judgment creditors. Homestead exemptions vary widely by state, from $5,000 in some states to unlimited protection in Florida and Texas (for the primary residence). Our Property Lien Report ($95) identifies the property, and your attorney can advise on whether the state's homestead exemption applies.
Can I search for debtor property under an entity name?
Yes. Order a Title Search by Name ($75) under the business entity name (LLC, corporation, trust, partnership). Debtors frequently hold real property in entities to complicate collection. If you know the entity name, search it directly. For identifying which entities a debtor is associated with, our sister company U.S. Asset Records provides corporate affiliation searches.

Fraudulent Transfers and Special Situations

What is a fraudulent conveyance in judgment collection?
A fraudulent conveyance (also called a fraudulent transfer or voidable transaction) is a transfer of property made to hinder, delay, or defraud a creditor. In judgment collection, this includes transferring property to family members, friends, or newly formed entities with little or no consideration. Our Chain of Title ($275) documents these transfers with recording dates, deed types, and consideration amounts. Your attorney can use this evidence to challenge the transfer under the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act.
How do I domesticate a foreign judgment for property collection?
If your judgment was issued in one state but the debtor owns property in another state, you must domesticate (register) the judgment in the state where the property is located before recording a lien. The Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act (adopted in most states) provides a streamlined process. After domestication, record the judgment in the county where the property is located. Our nationwide Title Search by Name ($535) helps identify which states and counties to target.
What is the difference between pre-judgment and post-judgment property searches?
Pre-judgment searches help determine whether the debtor has attachable assets before you invest in litigation. If the debtor has no property, the judgment may be uncollectible regardless of the verdict. Post-judgment searches identify specific properties to target for lien recording and execution. The reports are the same; the strategy differs. Pre-judgment searches inform the decision to sue. Post-judgment searches drive the collection strategy.
Can I search for property the debtor sold recently?
A Chain of Title ($275) on a specific property shows all recorded transfers, including recent sales. If the debtor sold property after the judgment was entered, your lien (if previously recorded) would have been satisfied from the sale proceeds. If the debtor sold property before you recorded your lien, the chain documents the sale date and buyer, which helps determine whether you can challenge the transfer.
How often should I re-search debtor property during collection?
Debtors acquire property over time. If initial searches show no property, consider re-searching every 6 to 12 months, especially if the judgment has a long enforcement period. Many states allow judgment renewal, extending the collection period to 10 or 20 years. A $75 statewide name search every year is a small investment relative to the judgment amount.
What is an abstract of judgment?
An abstract of judgment is a court-issued summary of a money judgment that can be recorded in county land records to create a judgment lien on the debtor's real property. Once recorded, the lien attaches to all real property the debtor owns (or later acquires) in that county. Our Property Lien Report ($95) confirms whether your abstract of judgment appears in the property records after you record it.
How do I order a judgment collection property search?
Visit ustitlerecords.com and order a Title Search by Name ($75 statewide / $535 nationwide) using the debtor's legal name. After receiving the property list, order Property Lien Reports ($95) on each property of interest. For properties where you suspect fraudulent transfers, add a Chain of Title ($275). Reports arrive by email in PDF format within 24 to 72 hours. All orders are anonymous and confidential.

Advanced Judgment Collection Strategies

How do creditor attorneys use property searches in judgment enforcement?
Creditor attorneys use Title Search by Name ($75/$535) to identify all real property a debtor owns, then Property Lien Reports ($95) to check existing encumbrances and estimate equity, and Chain of Title Reports ($275) to detect fraudulent transfers. For the full attorney workflow across all practice areas, see title search for attorneys.
What red flags in a property search indicate a debtor is hiding assets?
Red flags include: recent transfers to family members or entities (especially quit claim deeds with zero consideration), property purchased with cash (no recorded mortgage), property in counties or states with no obvious connection to the debtor, real estate held in a newly formed LLC or trust, and property transferred shortly after the lawsuit was filed. Our Chain of Title Report ($275) documents these transfer patterns with recording dates and deed types.
Should I search under the debtor's spouse's name too?
Yes. Under community property rules (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI), marital property may be attachable for one spouse's debts depending on state law. In equitable distribution states, property titled solely in a spouse's name may still have the debtor's equitable interest. Order a separate Title Search by Name ($75) under the spouse's name. Also search under the debtor's maiden name, former names, and any known aliases.
How does a property search help me decide whether to pursue litigation?
A pre-judgment Title Search by Name ($75) reveals whether the debtor owns real property. If the debtor owns property with substantial equity, the judgment is likely collectible. When the search returns zero properties, collection prospects are limited to wage garnishment, bank levies, and other non-real-estate methods. At $75, the name search costs a fraction of litigation and prevents you from winning an uncollectible judgment.
What is the enforcement period for judgment liens by state?
Judgment lien enforcement periods vary by state, typically ranging from 5 to 20 years with renewal options. For example, California judgment liens last 10 years and are renewable. Florida judgment liens last 10 years for real property. New York judgment liens last 10 years. Many states allow renewal or re-recording to extend the period. Because enforcement periods vary, our Property Lien Report ($95) helps confirm whether existing judgment liens are still enforceable.
Can I find out if other creditors have liens on the debtor's property?
Yes. Our Property Lien Report ($95) lists all recorded liens on a property: mortgages, other judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic liens, and HOA assessments. Each lien is listed with the lienholder name, recording date, instrument number, and amount. This tells you where your judgment lien would fall in the priority stack and what proceeds would remain for your client after senior liens are satisfied.
What if the debtor's only property is their primary residence?
Homestead exemptions protect some or all of the debtor's equity in their primary residence. In Florida and Texas, homestead protection is unlimited in value (with acreage limits). In most other states, the exemption is a fixed dollar amount. Even with homestead protection, recording your judgment lien is still valuable because the lien attaches when the property is sold or the debtor moves. Our Lien Report ($95) identifies the property so you know where to record.
How do I handle judgment collection against a business entity?
For business debtors (LLC, corporation, partnership), order a Title Search by Name ($75) under the exact legal entity name. Businesses do not have homestead exemptions, so all real property is potentially attachable. For piercing the corporate veil or reaching property held by related entities, search under all known entity names and the individual names of owners/officers. Our sister company U.S. Asset Records provides corporate affiliation searches to identify related entities.
What is a writ of execution on real property?
A writ of execution is a court order directing the sheriff to seize and sell a debtor's property to satisfy a judgment. Before the sheriff can execute on real property, you must provide an up-to-date title search showing the property identification, current owner, and all recorded liens (the priority stack). Our Lien Report ($95) provides exactly this data. The sheriff also requires written instructions specifying the property's address, APN, and legal description, all of which are in our reports.
Can I combine property searches with other asset investigation?
Yes. Our property searches cover real estate only. For a full debtor investigation covering bank accounts, vehicles, business interests, employment, and other assets, our sister company U.S. Asset Records provides asset investigation services. Many creditor attorneys order our Title Search by Name ($75/$535) for the real property component and U.S. Asset Records for the remainder. Together, these provide a full picture of the debtor's financial profile.
What is the best order to run judgment collection property searches?
First, order Title Search by Name ($75/$535) to find all properties. Second, order Lien Reports ($95 each) on the properties with the most value. Third, for any property with suspicious transfers, order a Chain of Title ($275) to document the conveyance history. Fourth, after recording your judgment lien, order a follow-up Lien Report to confirm your lien appears in the records. For the complete attorney workflow, see title search for attorneys.
Does the debtor know when I search their property records?
No. All orders through U.S. Title Records are anonymous and confidential. The debtor is never notified that a search was performed. Property records are public information, and searching them does not create any notification or alert to the property owner. This allows creditor attorneys to gather intelligence before the debtor has an opportunity to transfer or encumber property.
What if the debtor acquires property after I record my judgment lien?
In most states, a recorded judgment lien automatically attaches to any real property the debtor later acquires in that county. This is one of the primary reasons to record your judgment lien as soon as possible, even if the debtor currently owns no property. Periodic re-searches with Title Search by Name ($75) help identify newly acquired property so you can proceed with execution.
How do judgment liens interact with bankruptcy?
When a debtor files for bankruptcy, the automatic stay halts most collection actions. However, judgment liens that were properly recorded before the bankruptcy filing may survive if they attach to non-exempt property. In some cases, a debtor can avoid (remove) a judgment lien that impairs their homestead exemption under 11 U.S.C. Section 522(f). Our Lien Report ($95) and Background Report ($95) together show both the property liens and the bankruptcy filing status.
What is the total cost for a judgment collection property search?
A typical single-debtor, single-state search runs: 1 name search ($75) + 2 lien reports ($190) = $265. Multi-state with chain of title: 1 nationwide name search ($535) + 3 lien reports ($285) + 1 chain of title ($275) = $1,095. For a collection firm running volume: contact office@ustitlerecords.com for volume pricing. See our title search cost page for full pricing on every report type.
Title Search for Judgment Collection: Bottom Line

Every judgment needs property searches. Title Search by Name ($75/$535) finds what the debtor owns. Property Lien Report ($95) reveals encumbrances and estimates collectible equity. Chain of Title ($275) detects fraudulent transfers. Background Report ($95) profiles the debtor's financial exposure. Together, these property searches tell you whether the judgment is collectible, which properties to target, and whether the debtor has attempted to hide assets. U.S. Title Records covers all 50 states and 3,250+ counties. Anonymous and confidential. Reports delivered by email in PDF within 24 to 72 hours. No subscription, no account, no notification to the debtor. Order at ustitlerecords.com or contact office@ustitlerecords.com for volume pricing.

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About U.S. Title Records

U.S. Title Records has provided professional property searches and title search services since 2009. Our experienced abstractors access county recorder databases, title plants, and courthouse records across all 50 states and 3,250+ counties. We serve attorneys, lenders, real estate investors, title companies, and government agencies with flat-rate pricing, no subscriptions, and delivery within 24 to 48 hours. BBB A+ rated. Our preferred title insurance partner is First American Title Insurance Company.

Contact

Email: office@ustitlerecords.com
Phone: 1-800-750-0932
Available 7 days/week including holidays

Accreditations

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