Washington Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is a court’s official decision that resolves a dispute. It also establishes the rights and obligations of the parties involved. In Washington State, judgments may arise from civil lawsuits, debt collection cases, property disputes, family law proceedings, or criminal restitution. Once it is recorded, it becomes enforceable by law and may lead to liens, wage garnishment, or negative credit reporting.

What Is a Judgment in Washington?

According to the Superior Court Civil Rule (CR) 54(a), in Washington, judgment is defined as the final determination of the rights of the parties in the action and includes any decree or order from which an appeal lies. It may compel a party to pay money, hand over property, or refrain from certain actions. Once entered, judgments become a powerful legal tool and may be enforced through garnishments, liens, and levies.

Creditors may obtain a money judgment for unpaid loans or medical bills. Likewise, in family court, a judgment may establish obligations for child support or spousal maintenance. Regardless of the type, in Washington, judgments carry substantial financial and legal weight until they expire or are fulfilled under state law.

Types of Judgments in Washington

Washington courts render various forms of judgments depending on the nature of the case:

1. Money Judgments

Money judgments are the most common and require the debtor to pay a creditor a fixed sum. These often arise from outstanding debts, breach of contract, or compensation awarded in civil litigation.

2. Default Judgments

A default judgment occurs when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit or appear at a scheduled court proceeding. In this case, the plaintiff wins, and the court approves the relief requested.

3. Property or Lien Judgments

Creditors may file a judgment lien against a debtor’s property. In Washington, liens are filed with the county auditor and are attached to real property. This puts a hold on the transfer of the property until the judgment is resolved. It's possible to look up a lien by visiting the recorder's office in your Washington State county.

4. Family Court Judgments

Family-related cases often result in judgments involving spousal maintenance (alimony), child support, and custody orders. They are binding and enforced through wage withholding, liens, and contempt actions to ensure compliance.

5. Criminal Restitution Judgments

In criminal cases, Washington courts may issue restitution judgments. This may require offenders to compensate victims for financial losses and remain enforceable until the relief requested is paid in full.

How to Search for Judgments in Washington

In Washington, judgments are public records and may be sourced in several ways:

1. Clerk of Court Offices: Each Superior Court Clerk maintains judgment records. In-person searches are available, and certified copies can be requested.
2. Washington Courts Online Case Search Portal: The Washington Courts Case Search portal allows searches for civil, criminal, and family cases, including judgments.
3. County Recorder Offices: Judgment liens are recorded in county property records and can be searched at local recorder offices.
4. Third-Party Services: Certain third-party vendors provide paid services for individuals searching judgment records all over the United States, including Washington. Although requesters may find these websites offer cheaper options, they may need to verify that the information obtained is current. Furthermore, anyone interested in finding certified copies of judgment records in Washington may visit the office of the clerk of court, who maintains those records.

In Washington, judgment records consist of the following information:

• Case number
• Parties involved
• Court location
• Judgment date
• Amount owed or relief granted

Judgment Records in Major Washington Counties

Washington provides a centralized portal for public access to judgment records. Also, members of the public may obtain certified copies via county-level channels:

• Seattle (King County):King County Superior Court maintains an online records portalwhere individuals may find judgment records. It also provides certified copies through the county’s Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
• Tacoma (Pierce County): Judgment records are accessible through the county’s Legal Information Network Exchange (LINX) portal and in person at the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, available at930 Tacoma Ave. S., Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402 in the County-City building.
• Spokane County (Spokane): Spokane County provides access to judgment records via the statewide case search portal and the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, available at 1116 W. Broadway Avenue, 3rd Floor, Spokane, WA 99260.

The Washington Courts Case Search portal offers a remote search for individuals who are interested in finding judgment records in the state. On the other hand, individual county clerks and auditors handle certified records and lien filings, respectively.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Washington?

In Washington, a civil judgment is valid and enforceable for 10 years from the date it is filed, according to R.C.W. 6.17.020. Creditors are permitted to renew the judgment before it expires, extending enforceability for another 10 years. In addition, a creditor is allowed to renew a judgment only once after the first 10 years.

During its enforceable period, a judgment gives creditors rights to collect what they are owed through liens, garnishments, and bank levies. For debtors, unresolved judgments may lead to credit damage and financial instability and forestall the rights to properties for many years.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Washington?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors gain enforcement rights, and debtors face strict financial and legal obligations.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may obtain a court order requiring employers to withhold a portion of a debtor’s wages to recover debt. Washington law limits the percentage of wages that may be garnished up to 20% of disposable income for creditors, according to state law.
• Judgment Liens: Creditors may record liens against a debtor’s real property. This blocks the transfer or refinancing of the property until the judgment is paid off.
• Bank Levies: In Washington, with a court approval, a creditor may levy on a debtor’s bank account. Therefore, funds may be transferred directly from their account to the creditors.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: If a judgment appears on credit reports, it lowers scores and restricts access to loans for debtors.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: Washington law requires creditors to file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court once the debt has been paid. This process protects debtors from further obligation.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: A debtor may file a motion to vacate a judgment due to lack of proper service or notice. This allows debtors to challenge unfair judgments.