"Don't You (Forget About Me)"

Protecting a Judgment Lien Creditor's Interest in Real Property upon Foreclosure

Dubious congratulations are probably in order when a creditor obtains a judgment lien on a debtor's real property that is already encumbered by a mortgage or deed of trust. After all, foreclosure of the mortgage lender's lien will extinguish the judgment creditor's lien. If the debtor has any equity in the real property, then the judgment creditor will want to protect its interests by keeping a watchful eye on the actions of the mortgage lender with respect to the real property.

WARNING: It is not sufficient to record an abstract of judgment

against the real property!