Understanding Illinois Judgment Liens on Real Estate

In Illinois, placing a lien on real property is a smart and powerful way to secure a judgment. While it doesn’t result in immediate payment, it locks in your rights:

● When you record a Memorandum of Judgment in the county where the debtor owns property,

● Your money judgment attaches to that property,

● And you are entitled to interest at 9% per year until the debt is paid.

● It effectively turns you into a secured creditor, meaning your judgment is backed by the debtor’s property.

You don’t take ownership of the property, but your lien means the debtor can’t sell, refinance, or transfer the property without dealing with your judgment. The lien remains valid for 7 years, and you can renew it for another 7. Recording a lien in Illinois is one of the simplest, most effective ways to secure a judgment against real estate. Even if you don’t collect right away, your judgment becomes a long-term claim on the debtor’s property, accruing interest until it’s satisfied.