Under Pennsylvania law, a judgment will act as a lien or charge on all real estate owned by the losing party in the county where the judgment is recorded with the county clerk of court (known as the Prothonotary in most counties of northeastern Pennsylvania). The judgment must be recorded at the county level to be readily visible to the general public.
Under Pennsylvania law, a judgment does not act automatically as a lien or charge against assets other than real estate. Non real estate assets, such as a bank accounts, personal property, business property, furniture and other household goods are not officially liened until judgment holder takes the proper steps to levy and seize those assets through the county sheriff’s office. The sheriff levies assets by appearing at the residence, business and bank of the persona against whom the judgment is recorded and taking a formal inventory list of the assets.
If you have questions about obtaining a judgment, or if you have a judgment entered against you, it is imperative that you talk with an experienced attorney about your options. At Amori & Associates, LLC, attorney Scott M. Amori, Matthew A. Schmidt, Robert A. Saurman and Victoria A. Strunk would be happy to discuss your individual situation.
Please contact Amori & Associates at (570) 421-1406 for a no obligation consultation.