Escrow & Title

In Pennsylvania, what is a 'judgment lien' and how does it affect real property?

AA lien created only when a property owner is convicted of a crime
BA lien created when a court judgment is entered against a debtor and docketed with the county, attaching to all real property the debtor owns in that county✓ Correct
CA lien filed by the judgment creditor against a specific piece of property
DA PREC administrative action restricting a licensee's real property

Explanation

In Pennsylvania, a judgment becomes a lien on real property in a county when it is docketed with the court of common pleas in that county. The judgment lien attaches to all real property the defendant/debtor currently owns or acquires in that county during the lien period. Judgment liens must be satisfied before title can pass clear to a buyer. Title searches always include judgment docket searches to identify outstanding liens.

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