Concepts Definitions
nnnn• Specific Lien: A legal claim that affects only a particular designated property, such as a
nnnnmortgage, property tax lien, mechanic’s lien, or attachment lien.
nnnn• General Lien: A broad legal claim that can affect all properties (real and personal)
nnnnowned by a person or business entity, like a judgment lien or state/IRS tax liens.
nnnn• Attachment Lien: A court-ordered involuntary and specific lien that seizes a defendant’s
nnnnreal or personal assets to ensure they are available to satisfy a potential judgment.
nnnn• Property Tax Lien: An involuntary and specific lien placed on a property due to unpaid
nnnnproperty taxes. These liens generally have priority over all other liens, even first
nnnnmortgages.
nnnn• Judgment Lien: An involuntary and general lien awarded by a court to a party who wins
nnnna case and is awarded financial damages. It is formally established upon recording an
nnnnabstract of judgment and can apply to all properties owned by the debtor.
nnnn• Mechanic’s Lien: A specific lien filed by an unpaid contractor, subcontractor, laborer, or
nnnnmaterial supplier against the property on which they performed work or supplied
nnnnmaterials. These liens are usually filed in the county recorder’s office where the property
nnnnis located.
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