New Jersey Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

In New Jersey, a judgment is the official decision of a court in a case. These judgments are issued in cases such as civil lawsuits, debt collection, property disputes, family law matters, and criminal restitution.

What Is a Judgment in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a judgment is the final order made by a court that concludes a civil case. The court may grant a judgment in favor of a plaintiff by asking the defendants to repay their debts, transfer property, or refrain from certain actions. The law legally binds judgments, and the creditor may enforce it through garnishments, liens, or bank levies.

A court may grant a creditor a money judgment that requires the debtors to repay a credit card debt. In family court, a judgment may establish child support or alimony obligations. Additionally, all judgments in New Jersey carry long-term legal and financial consequences until they are satisfied or expire.

Types of Judgments in New Jersey

The following types of judgments are available in New Jersey courts for members of the public, including:

Money Judgments

The most common type of judgment in New Jersey is money judgments. The court awards a judgment to a creditor, requiring the debtor to pay a specific amount. The creditor may collect a money judgment from the debtors by settlement or other methods, such as garnishment, liens, or bank levies.

Default Judgments

A default judgment is granted by a court when a party (defendant) fails to respond or misses a scheduled hearing in the prescribed period. In such cases, the plaintiff automatically wins, and the court generally awards the requested relief. The plaintiff may also ask for a default judgment by submitting a “How to Request a Default Judgment Form” to the court.

Property or Lien Judgments

Creditors may file a judgment lien against a debtor’s property when the debtor is unable to repay their debts. In New Jersey, liens are attached to real estate that are recorded with the county Clerk’s Office, the statewide Judgment Index, or the Special Civil Part Office.

Family Court Judgments

The Family Division of the Superior Court in each county presides over family law-related matters. On such issues, the court releases a judgment that may cover child support, custody, or alimony. These judgments are strictly enforced willingly or through other means, including wage garnishment, property liens, and levies.

Criminal Restitution Judgments

New Jersey statute permits recovery of restitution by a victim, albeit in an amount based upon the severity of the defendant’s criminal conduct. These judgments remain enforceable like civil money judgments.

How to Search for Judgments in New Jersey

Court records, including judgments, are public records under the Open Public Records Act in New Jersey. However, certain records are restricted from the public as listed under Court Rule 1:38. Judgment records typically contain information about the case number, court location, names of the parties, and judgment date or amount. Several options are available for record seekers to access judgments, which include:

• Superior Court Clerk’s Office – The Superior Court Clerk’s Office maintains a statewide judgment database, where individuals may search for judgments by using the name of the offender.
• New Jersey Courts Public Access System: The New Jersey Judicial Branch provides a Public Access portal that allows the public to search for numerous Superior Court and municipal court cases, including judgments.
• County Clerk Offices: Record seekers may approach the county clerk’s office to obtain copies of judgment and lien records in person.
• Third-Party Services – Some groups and organizations compile judgment records for easy access to the public for a fee. These providers often release portals that display judgments, but it is advised to contact the county clerk’s office for official and accurate records.

Judgment Records in Major New Jersey Counties

Although a statewide judgment database is maintained in New Jersey, members of the public are advised to contact their counties for judgment records. Examples of the major counties include:

• Newark (Essex County): Individuals may obtain copies of Essex County judgment records through the County Clerk and Superior Court Clerk’s offices.
• Jersey City (Hudson County): Hudson County judgments are available through the Superior Court Clerk’s Office and county clerk records.
• Trenton (Mercer County): Mercer County, home to the state capital, provides judgment record access through its clerk’s office and statewide databases.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, civil judgments are valid for 20 years from the date they are entered. Creditors may renew the judgment before it expires, extending it for another 20 years. This process can be repeated, which means judgments can remain in effect indefinitely if they are properly renewed.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in New Jersey?

Once a judgment is entered by the clerk of the court, creditors are entitled to pursue their funds, and debtors may face significant financial and legal obligations.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may obtain a court order requiring employers to withhold part of a debtor’s wages until the judgment is satisfied.
• Judgment Liens: Creditors may record liens against a debtor’s real estate, which blocks the sale or refinancing of the property until the debt is repaid or the judgment is satisfied.
• Bank Levies: Creditors may approach the court to obtain an injunction that permits them to seize funds directly from a debtor’s bank account.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: When judgments appear on credit reports, it causes lower credit scores and difficulties in borrowing opportunities.
• SatisfactionofJudgment: After a judgment has been satisfied and payment received in full, the creditor must file a Warrant to Satisfy a Judgment Form and submit it to the court.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If a debtor suspects that a judgment was unfair or biased against them, they may appeal to a higher court or file a motion to vacate the judgment.